Largs

Where is it?

The seaside town is found on the Firth of the Clyde in North Ayrshire on Scotland’s west coast – around a 50 minute drive from Glasgow city centre.

How to get there?

The driving route is well signposted. Head west on the M8 towards Greenock and from there take the A78 towards Largs.

Otherwise, hop on a train from Glasgow Central Station, which also passes through Paisley Gilmour Street and Johnstone.

The journey takes just under an hour and, thanks to the kids go free offer, you can take a two adults and up to four children for less than £20.

Regular buses, which take around an hour and 30 minutes, also leave from Buchanan Bus Station and other points throughout Glasgow.

What is there to do?

From history buffs to foodies, from action seekers to lounger hoggers – Largs has something for everyone.

The promenade is filled with miniature rollercoasters, bouncy castles and games to keep kids entertained, each around £1 a turn, while the adults take in the breathtaking scenic views.

If the rain appears, an arcade located on the beachfront is filled with classic games that are similarly priced.

Located adjacent to the promenade is the Vikingar! Centre – home to the award-winning Viking Experience, which is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday and 11.30am to 3.30pm weekends throughout July and August, where you’ll be transported back in time as you enter the home of your Viking.

As you sit inside the lifelike Viking home, you’re taught how they lived, cooked and made their trade before being whisked off to Valhalla where you’ll meet the four Viking Gods.

To finish off, guests relax in the cinema to watch the action packed tale of Viking history, before entering the interactive Hall of Knowledge.

Prices for the experience start at £5 for adults and £4 kids, under three’s go free.

The centre also boasts a Mini Viking Soft Play area, a swimming pool, a gym and a mini golf course.

If the sea air becomes a little too chilly, you can head toward one of the town’s parks.

Anderson Park features beautiful gardens and walking routes for a leisurely stroll, as well as a children’s play area.

Douglas Park is home to a pavilion, bowling green and the Victorian Garden, which includes the Burns Garden designed by Robert McKay.

A short walk through the park will take travellers to the Neolithic Tomb, also known as the Haylie Chambered Tomb, which once housed the bodies of five Beaker people, who were known due to their distinct pottery styles, dating back to 3000 B.C when it was discovered in 1772.

Adventurers can also take a walk to the town’s other historical monuments, including The Pencil Monument, The 3 Sisters and the Prophet’s Grave – handy guides on the length and difficulty of each walk can be found at www.largsonline.co.uk.

However, the small Largs Museum, found on Manse Court just off Main Street, will fulfil your historic appetite if you don’t fancy the walk, which is open from 2pm to 5pm daily.

And if you do manage to see all of the seaside resort, you can hop on a regular ferry to take you across to Millport or the Isles of Cumbrae.

Anywhere to eat?

You can grab a famous fish tea from any of the fantastic traditional chip shops throughout the town, with the well-known Nardini’s located on the seafront promising spectacular views of the coast and the Isles of Cumbrae.

The cafe is open from 9am to 9pm, while the restaurant opens at the slightly later time of 12pm or 12.30pm on a Sunday.

The renowned ice cream parlour, which is open from 10am, features 32 different flavours, including Scottish Tablet and Passionfruit Cheesecake.

And just down the road, you’ll find another reason to indulge your sweet tooth with the largest selection of handmade confectionary and chocolates in Ayrshire.

Sugar&Spice offers travellers a selection of over 50 chocolates, including an exclusive range from the Isle of Arran Chocolate Factory, as well as bespoke gift hampers, alcoholic drinks and even a jewellery range.

Mum and dad are also in for a treat, as the walls are lined with traditional sweets such as Rhubarb and Custards and Cola Pips, as well as a mouth-watering display of 16 ice cream flavours – which are made on site.

Anything else I should know?

From August 29 to September 6, the seaside town will once again be filled with Vikings as the Largs Viking Festival kicks off to commemorate the Battle of Largs 1263.

The festival will include a Viking village, craft fair, fun fair and street performers.

For a full programme, visit www.largsvikingfestival.com.

Contact details:

Vikingar! - Greenock Road, Largs, KA30 8QL.

T: 01475 689777

Largs Museum – Kirkgate House, Manse Court, Largs, KA30 8AW

T: 01475 687081

Largs Information Bureau - 88 Main St, Largs, KA30 8AN

T: 01475 676182