Largs, Scotland

Anyone that hasn’t yet decided where to go for a vacation should think about visiting Scotland – more specifically visit the small town under the sea, Largs.

Largs is one of most interesting places in Scotland. It is situated on the Ayrshire shore.

Spectacular scenery with islands on the west and waving hills on the east are bringing thousands of tourists every year that are willing to see the beauty of this place.

This small city combines in it selves the atmosphere of relax that is connected with friendly and open people with positive energy of the holiday spa.

We can find here bars, cafes, restaurants and interesting place to go, of course if we have enough of those fabulous landscapes. Of course, there is always golf there for people who like spending time active.

Thing that all tourist that are visiting Largs must see is Vikingar where dressed up story tellers are retelling history of Vikings in Scotland again and again.

Largs holds many sentimental values for native Scots and Americans alike who can trace their ancestry back to the beautiful country. The beautiful town of Largs is filled with centuries of Viking history.

The beautiful city is by far known one of the most beautiful places for tourism. We are going to indulge in some of this city’s most historical monuments, which stand today as if they were just put there only a few years back.

Consequently these monuments have seen for centuries past and hold some secrets of Scotland’s beginnings.

History of Largs

The name for the city of Largs is taken from a Greek word meaning grassy slope. For anyone who has the pleasure to have been or who resides in Scotland, the name Largs is the perfect explanation for Scotland in general.

One of the most famous monuments that stand in Largs today is known as the Pencil Monument. The monument was built in 1912 to recall the Battle of Largs in 1263. This battle is important to many Scotland natives, because it was in this battle that the Scotland defeated Norway’s troops on the shore of this great city.

The 3 sisters is a monument dedicated to Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane. This monument was once used as an observatory for Brisbane.

It was in this observatory he was able to distinguish where the North Star was even at times when he could not visually see it.

The Prophets Grave is where Rev. William Smith was buried. The famous reverend was a minister of the town of Largs when the famous plague broke out and claimed his life amongst many others. Many people are scared of the old time myths that encircle the reverends place of rest.

The myth states that if the two trees that are at the entrance of the great reverends grave are ever to touch the plague and possibly the end of all humanity will return.

Within Douglas Park, you will find an important historical find that dates back to 3000 BC. This tomb is known as the Neolithic Tomb which is where the Beaker people of ancient Scotland lay to rest.

Places of Interest

Vikingar

Vikingar is the most famous place in Largs where storytellers will guide you through 500 years of Viking history. Late in the year there’s an annual festival where there’s also a chance to see how they lived in an authentic 13th-century village.

Pencil Walk

While visiting Largs you should take a stroll along the promenade all the way to the Pencil, a striking monument that commemorates the Battle of Largs. Using this monument us a great way to take in the views of Great Cumbrae and Arran beyond.

Kelburn Castle

You can also pay a visit to the ancestral home of the hereditary Earls of Glasgow. Where it is thought to be the oldest castle in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family, its wildly painted walls have to be seen to be believed.

Largs Beach

The small town of Largs is a traditional holiday resort and boasts a lovely beach backed by amusement arcades and a Victorian promenade. You can find a couple of great fish and chip shops and, of course, the best ice cream parlours.

Brisbane Glen and Three Sisters

This monument was named after the astronomer Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Glen is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. And as we’ve said before, the Three Sisters monument commemorates him and the work he did building the observatory at Brisbane House.

Largs Marina

For those who can’t quite afford a yacht to moor at Largs Marina, it’s still well worth having a look round. You can find small tour operators who offer boat trips from here or you could try your hand at watersports such as jet skiing.

Room

This place is one if the most popular restaurants is Largs, it’s the winner of the 2013 Scottish food award for the best family restaurant, and it does great pizza and pasta, along with favourites such as steak pie and fish and chips.

People Of Interest

Notable people in Largs are:

Thomas Parkhill Barbour was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a wing half or full back. He played in the Football League for Derby County and Darlington

Brigadier Sir John Smith Knox Boyd, was a Scottish bacteriologist and a senior officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC).

Twin Town

The town of Andernos-les-Bains is a commune in the Gironde department in southwest France is a located on the northeast shore of Arcachon Bay.

To its northwest is the town of Arès. This town has the same name with it’s Scottish counterpart.

Weather & Climate

• On average, the warmest month is July.
• On average, the coolest month is January.
• September is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you are not a big fan of rain!
• April is the driest month.

What’s Nearby

Mount Stuart House and Gardens

This monument was created in 1719, but a fire in 1877 saw the building severely damaged though much of the contents survived. Some time later, the 3rd Marquess of Bute had already commissioned Robert Rowand Anderson to make extensive alterations before the fire.

Rothesay Castle

The castle was built to an unusual circular plan, Rothesay Castle had a long and close association with the Stewart Kings of Scotland.

Rothesay Pavilion

The Pavilion is a Grade A Bauhaus-inspired building that was opened in 1938, designed by JA Carrick, and is undergoing major refurbishment including the addition of a second performance space and a gallery.

There are lots of things that we can appreciate at Largs, but it is also a great place to start the trip to other parts of Scotland.

Only packing left and booking a flight and we have a terrific holiday destination – country of beautiful landscapes, kilts and great whisky.

About the author

Melany Heger

Registered Psychologist and Freelance Writer, Jinjin Melany passionately writes about mental health issues, addiction, eating disorders and parenting since 2015. Read more about Melany on LinkedIn. Content reviewed by Laura Morris (Clinical Lead).