It’s a beloved seaside destination known for its rich history, famous ice cream parlour and so much more.
Largs on the west coast of Scotland is the perfect seaside town, in my opinion(Image: Nicola Roy)
We have officially survived another dreary winter here in Scotland. With some warmer weather hopefully on the horizon, there’s no better time than to start thinking about planning a couple of summery day trips.
We’re lucky enough to have so many gorgeous spots in our country. The one issue is that unfortunately it never stays warm and dry for very long, even in summer.
Luckily, there’s one spot I’ve been visiting since I was a child that is just as charming even in the rain, with plenty of things to do, see and eat.
Largs, a charming seaside town located on Scotland’s west coast, is roughly an hour’s drive from Glasgow. Famed for its Viking museum, classic amusement arcades, and ferry crossings to the Isle of Cumbrae, it’s a spot many Scots will have undoubtedly explored during balmy summer spells.
During a family getaway, we enjoyed windswept coastal strolls, tried some brilliant food, and even spotted a few Vikings – all without a hint of sunshine.
This town nestled on the Firth of Clyde offers everything you’d want from a seaside escape, boasting a wide selection of hotels and accommodation options.
We stayed at the Old Rectory, a stunning holiday home sleeping up to 14 guests, complete with a hot tub and plenty of space for relaxing. One of Largs’ best aspects is how close you are to the waterfront, wherever you happen to be.
The Victorian seafront is brimming with attractions, boasting an impressive array of restaurants serving everything from traditional fish suppers to mouth-watering Thai dishes.
Largs holds enormous historical significance as the site of a pivotal battle in 1263, which marked the end of major Viking influence in Scotland.
The Vikingar museum gives a captivating window into this era, or for a more immersive experience, the annual Largs Viking Festival is highly recommended. As luck would have it, the festival was in full swing during our August visit, featuring battle re-enactments, live entertainment, and some striking costumes.
Beyond its Norse heritage, Largs is just as famous for its art deco ice cream parlour, which has been drawing crowds for generations.
Nardini’s, affectionately dubbed Scotland’s most famous cafe, has earned its reputation through its wonderfully cosy and inviting ambience, as well as its outstanding ice cream. Like Vikingar, it boasts a prime waterfront location, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a scoop or two of your favourite flavour.
As well as their impressive selection of cakes and light bites, it’s a brilliant option for lunch or a quick bite while wandering along the seafront.
Walk towards the town centre and you’ll discover delightful narrow streets lined with independent gift shops, eateries and even more ice cream parlours.
One morning, we opted for brunch at Perk — a vibrant cafe full of plants and books, boasting an impressive menu to match. The vanilla matcha was absolutely delicious, and I couldn’t resist ordering the feta and avocado waffles from the tempting selection.
And if you’ve still got room after your meal, there’s a cake display brimming with pastries and other treats perfect for taking away.
While Largs may be short on those recognisable high street chains, it more than makes up for it with a fantastic range of independent traders offering one-of-a-kind goods.
There’s a sprawling market marquee packed with sellers supplying everything from organic dog food to wooden lamps, jewellery, soaps and even tarot readings — I could have easily spent hours browsing.
For those craving a bit of adventure, why not jump on a brief ferry ride from the harbour to the Isle of Cumbrae, home to the lively town of Millport?
The island is small enough to cycle around in just a few hours, with a well-deserved pint awaiting at the end before a swift 10-minute crossing back to the mainland. Just a short distance away lies the stunning Kelburn Castle, a beautiful park and estate that hosts its own summer music festival.
It’s ideal for families too, offering multiple playgrounds, cascading waterfalls and loads more to discover — all within a 10-minute drive from Largs. Truth be told, Largs alone offers more than enough to keep you busy, whether you’re popping over for a day trip or settling in for a full weekend getaway.
If you happen to visit on a sunny day, it’s just perfect. But even if it’s raining, don’t worry – it only makes those coastal strolls all the more invigorating and the cosy ice-cream parlours even harder to resist.
