Pictures of Largs

About Largs

Largs is situated on the beautiful Ayrshire coast. Blest by the warm currents of the gulf stream, in recent years Largs has become increasingly popular as a yachting centre. It has some of the best sailing in Britain, caters for all types of sea-going craft, and hosts regular regatta's throughout the summer months.

The resort has a long attractive promenade lined with restaurants and seaside cafe's, but the beach below is mostly a mixture of stones and pebbles.

A monument known locally as "The Pencil" commemorates the stormy day in 1263 when a Viking fleet led by King Haaken of Norway was driven ashore and defeated by the Scots under the direction of Alexander III. The site of the battle lies just to the south of the town, it went down in the history books as the battle that ended the Norse invasion of Scotland. Anyone wishing to learn more of the history of the area should visit the Viking Experience Museum on the seafront.

The Great Cumbrae is situated a mile off-shore, this and many of the other West-Coast Islands can be easily reached by pleasure boat. Of these the Isle of Arran is probably the most spectacular, it has lush green countryside and at Brodick you can see romantic castle ruins set in splendid gardens.

Largs is perfect for anyone wishing to enjoy a taste of an historic town, take in a little bit of island life by visiting Arran, Rothesay or Bute, explore the Firth of Clyde, or spend time discovering the magnificent, sparsely populated hinterland extending from the coast towards the teeming city of Glasgow, whilst at the same time sampling the very best of Scottish hospitality.