With a long promenade at either side of the busy little town, Largs is an ideal place for walking beside the sea. Cafes, restaurants, shops, boats and putting greens help create a holiday atmosphere, especially when the children’s fair rides are in operation at the water’s edge. Yachts, Viking history, and the regular ferry crossings to the near by Isle of Cumbrae ensure that Largs is a lively resort.
Viking Heritage
The Battle of Largs took place in 1263, and was the last Viking invasion of the United Kingdom. This Viking heritage is remembered in various ways through the year in Largs. Vikingar! is a building on the seafront which houses a permanent information display about the 500 years of Viking history, while a model longboat stands outside.
Each August, during the special festival, a replica Viking Village is set up on the long grassy area beside the promenade. Complete with people in authentic clothing of the times, these villagers live as the Vikings did. Visitors can investigate the instruments and cooking utensils used in that period. The festival ends with a re-enactment of the Battle and the burning of a longship at the Pencil Point.
Nardinis
The famous Nardinis restaurant, café and ice cream parlour was opened in 1935 to great acclaim. After being closed for a few years, while going through an extensive refurbishment, Nardinis is once again a local landmark, complete with a new Italian restaurant. The excellent Italian ice cream is available in a multitude of flavours from the ice cream parlour. Fortunately, the interior of the main café has retained its distinctive art deco style, with additional stunning 1930s murals on the walls.
Around Largs
The Vikingar building shares space with the swimming pool and Health Suite, as well as Barrfields Pavilion Theatre. A putting green is situated in the grassy grounds at the front of the building. At the other side of the small town, there is a larger putting green and swing park, with another long promenade that eventually leads towards the Pencil Point. The stone pencil is a monument to the Battle of Largs.
Largs is a huge attraction for sailors and yachtsmen from around Europe, and the Regatta is one of Scotland’s main sailing competitions. Just on the edge of town, the marina offers a haven for yachts and a variety of restaurants and shops, as well being the home of the Largs Sailing Club.
Largs Pier
The ferry to the Isle of Cumbrae, or Millport as it is known, leaves from the pier next to the town for the ten minute journey to the slipway on Cumbrae. A bus meets the ferry to transport passengers the few miles into Millport town. In the summer months, the Paddle Steamer Waverley calls in at Largs pier to pick up passengers on its cruises to islands around the Clyde.
Kelburn Country Estate
Just a few miles south of the town, the impressive Kelburn Country Estate is worth a visit. The castle dates from the 13th century and is the home of the Earl of Glasgow. The waterfalls, glens, horse riding and attractions will keep the whole family entertained. The castle is also open to visitors at certain times of the year.
With easy access by train, bus or car, Largs is still one of the busiest small resorts on the Clyde Coast and has plenty to offer, either for a day out for a longer holiday.
Rosemary Gemmell - Professional freelance writer of published short stories and articles in the UK, US and online. Author of historical romance and ...
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