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A Trip to Largs and Millport

Largs is an attractive seaside resort located on the Firth of Clyde and less than 45 mins by car away from Glasgow. (Trains also run regularly from Glasgow Central station.)  The small town has a lovely seafront with its long promenade, well tended greens, and flower beds complemented by a row of palm trees. On a good day you’ll find people of all ages out taking a stroll, having a paddle, or even a swim, and the kids can enjoy the fun fair. If you don’t fancy a walk, you can settle down for some people watching or just relax beside the lapping waves and see yachts sail by.

Best Fish and Chips and Ice Cream

There’s a very handy car park nearby and you are spoilt for choice with cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops.  Watch out for The Fish Works, award winning fish and chip shop, where you can enjoy fish freshly landed that day. You’ll love an ice cream from the iconic Nardini Cafe – originally opened in 1935.

Another place I can recommend is Cafe Guzzi, 68 Gallowgate Street.  Jim and I had a lovely lunch there.

Vikings

You will see various Viking figures dotted about Largs. You’ll also find a Viking Chip Shop and the Vikingar Centre – a tribute to King Haco’s Expedition against Scotland and the famous Battle of Largs in 1263. This was the last time Viking invaders fought on Scottish, English, Welsh or Irish soil.  A Viking Festival takes place at the end of August and throughout the year.

Shopping

Largs has a lot to offer in the way of shopping with lots of interesting small independent shops including The Candy Box and sister shop Continental Chocolatier on Main Street.  If you enjoy searching for bargains in charity shops there are a few to choose from and you’ll find outlet shops selling everything from ladies Italian fashion to Barbour Jackets.

Millport Isle of Cumbrae

Close to Largs lies the Isle of Cumbrae, just a mile offshore. There is a regular ferry and the crossing only takes ten minutes.  There’s no need to book in advance and a bus meets the ferry for the pleasant run round the coast road to Millport, the only town on the island. The island is particularly popular with cyclists.

Millport is picturesque with its sandy cove and hilly backdrop. It has the usual attractions of ice cream shops, cafes and a promenade but there are also some unexpected places to explore.  This includes the Cathedral of the Isles, Britain’s smallest cathedral, designed by the architect William Butterfield and built in 1851.

Another striking building is Garrison House, where you can find the Museum of the Cumbraes  the local library and council offices. It also has a large cafe with home baking and a brilliant craft shop, well worth a browse.

Photography by Karen Brodie

Millport Copyright Karen Brodie Photography (www.karenbrodiephotography.co.uk)

In particular watch out for work by  Karen Brodie, Photography. this talented local photographer has caught every aspect of Millport in her work. You’ll find this on sale in The Garrison Craft Shop, Annies, Cumbrae Crafts and Hephzi Bee Sweet Shop. You can also order online.  Watch out for the fabulous 2020 Millport, Isle of Cumbrae Calendar (£10.00 plus postage). Isle of Cumbrae Images

Millport also has the Robertson Museum & Aquarium, where visitors can find out about the wealth of marine life on the island.

Accommodation Largs

We enjoyed Largs so much when we took a drive down for the day at Easter that we decided to go back and spend a weekend there. We had fantastic accommodation at Gallowgate Apartments, spotlessly clean and comfortable and perfect location. John, met us to welcome us and could not have been anymore helpful.  Would definitely return.

Pat Byrne, August, 2019

This section: Accommodation, Travel