Introduction

Largs is a small town with population of 11.350 which is located on the Firth of Clyde (estuary) in North Ayrshire, about 32 miles S.W. of Glasgow.

Due to a combination of mild climate and coastal location Largs has long proved a magnet for holidaymakers and retirees  

The name means ‘sloping hill face’.

Facts and information

• Close to the town is a large marina or ‘Yacht Haven’.

• Home to a ferry port providing a car and passenger ferry service to/from Millport on the island of Great Cumbrae, a short distance across the Clyde.

• Famous as location for the Battle of Largs (1263) when a Scottish fleet defeated a Viking/Norwegian fleet. This conflict finally ended Norwegian control over the West of Scotland.

• Visitors can connect with the region’s Viking heritage at the Vikingar Visitor Centre. There is also a Viking Festival held each year during late August/early September.

• Home to Nardini’s, Scotland’s most famous café, restaurant & ice cream parlour which is located in a stunning Art Deco building.

• Home to Largs Golf Club, an eighteen hole parkland course.
• Well endowed with shops, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation although parking can prove a challenge at peak season.

• On the town’s outskirts is Kelburn Country Park which is dominated by Kelburn Castle, home to the Earls of Glasgow. This castle, parts of which date from the 13th century, is somewhat gaudily decorated, presumably to emphasise the ‘fun’ nature of the park in which it sits.

More information

For more information on the Clyde Coast and touring Scotland please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4