Many of us may have grown up visiting this pretty Scottish coastal town – and it’s just as charming even when the weather turns.
Largs on the west coast of Scotland is the perfect seaside town, in my opinion (Image: Nicola Roy)
The UK’s summer season has officially drawn to a close, but that doesn’t mean we should surrender to the impending winter blues. Despite the thought of long, dark nights looming on the horizon, I make it a point each year to welcome the cosy season with open arms.
This year, however, I’m more determined than ever to fully embrace it. Part of this involves venturing out and discovering more of the delightful spots our nation boasts, regardless of the dreary weather. There’s one particular location I’ve visited loads since my childhood that is bustling in the summer, yet somewhat overlooked during the winter months.
However, after spending a recent rainy weekend there, I can say that it’s still lovely — maybe even more so.
Largs, a quaint coastal town situated in the west of Scotland, approximately an hour’s drive from Glasgow, is known for its Viking museum, nostalgic amusement arcades, and ferry trips to the isle of Cumbrae. It’s a destination many Scots will likely have experienced during the balmy warm period, reports the Express.
Don’t let the gloomy weather put you off visiting Largs this autumn(Image: Nicola Roy)
My family has loved Largs for many years, which meant that as soon as the weather forecast looked decent enough, we would eagerly pile into the car for a visit when my brother and I were youngsters.
It’s one of those places that holds such cherished memories for me that I was aware it probably wouldn’t live up to my nostalgic recollections, especially not when the clouds gathered and the temperature dropped.
But I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Last weekend, during a family trip, we enjoyed numerous rainy beach walks, indulged in delicious food, and even spotted a few Vikings in the wild — all without a hint of sunshine.
This charming town, nestled by the Firth of Clyde, offers everything you could desire from a seaside resort, including an array of delightful hotels and accommodation options.
We lodged at the Old Rectory, a stunning holiday home that accommodates up to 14 guests, complete with a hot tub in the garden and ample space for relaxation.
Largs has everything you’d want from a seaside town, including freshly made donuts(Image: Nicola Roy)
The beauty of Largs is that no matter where you’re staying, you’re never far from the seafront. Along the Victorian-style promenade, there’s a wealth of sights to see and activities to take part in, not to mention the fantastic food and drink offerings, serving everything from traditional fish and chips to mouth-watering Thai cuisine.
Largs is renowned as the site of a historical battle in 1263, which signalled the end of significant Viking influence in Scotland.
You can discover all about it at the Vikingar museum, or if you fancy immersing yourself in the action, you can attend the annual Largs Viking Festival.
Coincidentally, the festival was taking place during our visit, featuring battle re-enactments, a plethora of live music, and some rather intriguing costumes.
Apart from the Vikings, one of Largs’ most famous attractions is its art deco-style ice cream parlour, which has been enticing visitors for years.
You can’t go to Largs without visiting Nardini’s for an ice cream(Image: Nicola Roy)
Nardini’s, affectionately known as Scotland’s most famous cafe, is a favourite for good reason – its inviting and cosy interior is a delight, not to mention the irresistible ice cream.
Situated right on the waterfront like Vikingar, it offers an ideal spot to savour a scoop or two of your favourite flavour.
The cafe also boasts a vast selection of cakes and light bites, making it perfect for lunch or a snack to energise your strolls along the beachfront.
Venture into the town centre and you’ll discover quaint winding streets brimming with independent gift shops, eateries and more ice cream.
One morning, we opted for brunch at Perk, a vibrant cafe adorned with plants and books, boasting an impressive menu.
Largs might have a retro vibe, but its eateries are definitely keeping up to date with foodie trends(Image: Nicola Roy)
The vanilla matcha was delicious, and I couldn’t help but order the indulgent feta and avocado waffles from the menu.
And if you’re still feeling full after your meal, there’s a cake cabinet bursting with pastries and other treats for takeaway.
While you may not stumble upon any high street giants in Largs, you will find an abundance of independent vendors each showcasing their unique products.
There’s a pretty big market tent lined with retailers offering everything from organic dog food to wooden lamps, jewellery, soaps and even tarot-reading — I could have spent the entire day wandering around.
Be sure to pay the Largs market hall a visit(Image: Nicola Roy)
If you fancy a bit of an adventure, why not take a short ferry ride from the port to the Isle of Cumbrae, home to the charming town of Millport?
The island is small enough to cycle around in just a few hours, with a well-earned pint waiting for you at the end before a swift 10-minute sail back to the mainland.
Nearby, you’ll find the stunning Kelburn Castle, a beautiful park and estate that even hosts its own music festival during the summer months. It’s a fantastic spot for families too, with plenty of playparks, waterfalls and more to discover – all less than 10 minutes away from Largs.
But truth be told, there’s more than enough in Largs itself to keep you entertained for a day or even a weekend. Don’t let the typical Scottish drizzle deter you. It only makes those seafront strolls more invigorating, and the ice-cream parlours even cosier.