Largs is a pretty seaside town popular with tourists near and far alike. It has wonderful promenades in which to take an easy pace with life with many cafes and parks along the way. The town has always been popular with families due to the many activities on offer; ten pin bowling, arcades, Vikingar, Put-put bouncy castle and a big park on the beach. Kelburn Country Estate (the home of the Earl of Glasgow) is also only a 5 minute drive away and can be accessed by bus. The kids will be entertained for hours.
For the more sophisticated tourist there are many historical sites such as the Largs Pencil and the Largs Marina. During the summer months the famous Waverly Paddle Steamer stops at Largs giving you access to the stunning islands and Scottish wildlife.
Largs is popular for overnight tourists due to its situation. It is not only situated on the coast giving you access to the Island of Cumbrae from Calmac ferries on the pier, but has fantastic bus links along the coast to both Ayr and Glasgow. This means that you can visit the other islands along the west coast such as Arran and Bute. You can also take a day out to visit two of Scotland’s most important cites; Glasgow for shopping and Ayr the home of Robert Burns.
We hope that you find this information useful and for web links on the fantastic things to do there click here!
History
Largs evolved from the estates of North Cunninghame over which the Montgomeries of Skelmorlie became temporal lords in the seventeenth century. Sir Robert Montgomerie built Skelmorlie Aisle in the ancient kirk of Largs in 1636 as a family mausoleum. Today the monument is all that remains of the old kirk.
From its beginnings as a small village around its kirk, Largs evolved into a busy and popular seaside resort in the nineteenth century. Large hotels appeared and the pier was constructed in 1834. It was not until 1895, however, that the railway made the connection to Largs, sealing the town's popularity.
Largs has historical connections much further back, however. It was the site of the Battle of Largs in 1263, in which a Scottish army attacked 900 men from the armies of King Magnus III of Mann and the Isles and his ally King Haakon IV Haakonson of Norway. The outcome of this confrontation is still debated, but the fact of the matter is that the 900 were not wiped out and the Norse fleet remained intact. The battle was however followed soon after by the death of King Haakon on Orkney. As a result of the king's demise, the accent of his more lenient son Magnus VI Haakonson and the Treaty of Perth in 1266, the Hebrides came under Scottish rule, as did the Isle of Man after the demise of King Magnus III of Mann and the Isles.
Places of Interest
Despite its diminished status as a holiday resort, much of Largs is still geared towards tourism. There is the award winning Vikingar Centre at Barrfields, an interactive look into the history of Viking life; Kelburn Country Centre, Barrfields Pavilion Theatre, Largs Swimming Pool, Douglas Park and Inverclyde National Sports Centre. But it is best known for 'Nardinis', the famous ice cream parlour, cafe and restaurant, that has dominated the Esplanade for decades, but has been closed pending clearance from Historic Scotland for renovation.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largs
Also of interest is a neolithic tomb behind Douglas Park which is situated directly opposite Largs B&B No.62. Known as the Haylie Chambered Tomb. It was once covered by a cairn of stones (known as Margaret's Law). When it was uncovered in the early twentieth century the tomb was dated to around 3000 to 2000 BC.
Skelmorlie Aisle, adjoining the local museum, is in the care of Historic Scotland and is open during the summer.
A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service runs from Largs to Great Cumbrae, and the paddle steamer, the Waverley also calls in at the pier for cruises during the summer months. The town is the end of the railway line from Glasgow to North Ayrshire and also lies on the main A78 road. It remains a popular destination for holiday-makers and weekenders from Glasgow all year round.
Largs is also the birthplace of the soldier and Australian Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane and the actors Daniela Nardini and John Sessions.
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What to do and see in Largs and surrounding area:
- Sailing
- Golf
- Cycling
- Islands: Millport
Arran
- Easy access to Glasgow by train, bus and car
- The Vikinger
- Tennis Courts
- Bowling
- 10 pin Bowling
- Many great restaurants and pubs (within walking distance of No. 62)
- Windsurfing
- Largs and Fairlie Marina
- Cruiser Charters
- Waverly
- Putting
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Airport pick up and drop off can be arranged!
Largs Information 
