Lochwinnoch is mainly a dormitory village for Glasgow and Paisley though it has a long and established history, being first recorded in the 12th century. Near Lochwinnoch are the ruins of 15th century Barr Castle while the town contains the ruins of the Lochwinnoch Collegiate Church and Castle Semple House. In the 18th century there were nine mills operating in the town and during the 19th century local furniture makers made pieces for Clyde-built liners including the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and the RMS Titanic.
The town contains two lochs - Castle Semple Loch and Barr Loch. Watersports are popular and the area is part of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park while there is also an RSPB bird sanctuary. The town has a golf course which is open to non-members and contains a restaurant. There are also a cafe and three pubs in which visitors can find something to eat. The town is accessible by road from Edinburgh and Glasgow via the M8 and from Ayr via the A77. Bus services run to Glasgow, Largs and Johnstone, while Lochwinnoch train station has an hourly service to Glasgow.
