The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide: 8 Unforgettable Things To Do In Largs

I recently shared a post about our visit to Seamill Beach. On that same day, we also visited Kelburn Castle & Estate and other places in Largs. 

Largs was recommended by my Ukrainian friend—she told us that her friend, who had visited, said it’s a beautiful town. So, on Easter Saturday, we headed to Largs for a lovely road trip, which turned out to be fantastic fun.

Largs is a seaside town on the Clyde coast, about 40 minutes from Glasgow. Its old Gaelic name means "the slopes." It’s a popular spot with a pier and takes pride in its Viking history, celebrated with a festival every September. The town is also historically significant as the site of the Battle of Largs in 1263, where the Scots faced the Norwegians.

If you’re ever planning to visit Largs, here are 8 fun things and places to visit in Largs.

1. Kelburn Castle and Estate

While traveling to Largs, we made a stop at Seamill Beach. Kelburn Castle and Estate offers a beautiful combination of woodland and an intriguing castle. The grounds are open daily from Easter until October.

A popular attraction for children is the Secret Forest—a fairy tale-themed maze featuring a witch’s cottage and a giant’s castle. There are also the Adventure Course and Saloon play areas, equipped with wooden walkways, stepping stones, tunnels, swings, and a scramble net.

Kelburn’s stunning woodland glen has a network of winding trails to explore, with various creative surprises along the way. Reaching the top of the glen rewards visitors with impressive views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran.

In 2007, Kelburn’s castle was painted in a unique style and is now recognized by author and designer Tristan Manco as one of the world’s top 10 examples of street art—comparable to the work of Banksy in Los Angeles and the Favela Morro da Providência in Rio de Janeiro.

The estate hosts events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their website or social media for updates. Accommodation is available in the form of hillside yurts for glamping, and there are also areas for pitching tents if you prefer to bring your own.

Entry to the grounds, glen, and the Saloon and Adventure Course play areas is free, with a £5 parking charge per car. There is a separate £3 per person entry fee for the Secret Forest. Kelburn Estate and Country Centre is located off the A78, about two miles from Largs, between Largs and Fairlie, and there's a bus stop right outside the entrance. A general entrance fee applies to the estate, with reduced rates in the off-season. The estate also features several walking trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Ranger Services, including guided walks, are available. More details can be found on their website at www.kelburnestate.com. West Kilbride Golf Links borders the northern end of the beach in the vicinity.

The castle wasn’t open when we visited, but we were told that it would be open in June and July. We still enjoyed taking photos around the outside, even though we couldn’t go in.

2. Waterfall and rock pool at Kelburn Castle and Estate

The Waterfall Pool, set within a striking sandstone grotto, is just 250 yards from the brightly painted castle. The waterfall felt almost unreal—I actually let out a lovely scream near it because I was so excited. It was such a beautiful sight to see in person. Thereafter, we wandered around the estate toward the castle area, strolled through the flower section, and then had some Easter bread before heading to Largs Yacht Haven.

3. Forest chandelier by  Sue and Pete Hill Kelburn Castle and Estate

4. Largs Yacht Haven

Largs Yacht Haven is surrounded by water and enjoys a prime location on the Clyde coast. It offers sheltered conditions ideal for both cruising and racing, and it's conveniently located about 40 minutes from Glasgow.

The marina boasts an impressive 700 berths and provides full support services for all yachting needs. This includes a 70-ton hoist and 24/7 access to diesel, petrol, and gas.

Ashore, there’s a unique marine village with a variety of food and drink options, public walkways along the seafront, and plenty of parking. The marina regularly hosts sailing championships throughout the year and serves as Scotland’s national event center for sailing. It’s also a great place to learn to sail or dive, making it one of Scotland’s top marinas.

5. Largs Pencil Monument

Just before you explore the Largs Yacht Haven, you can spot the Pencil Monument across the sea. Built back in 1912, it’s nicknamed the "Pencil" because of its shape and stands as a reminder of the Vikings’ presence in the area. It’s hard to miss—around 70 feet tall and overlooking the Clyde.

It commemorates the Battle of Largs in 1263, when the Scots clashed with Norwegian King Håkon’s fleet of about 160 ships. The Norwegians were caught in a storm, and the Scots took the opportunity to drive them back. It was a turning point in Scotland’s history, marking the decline of Viking influence along the coast.

As you stroll along the promenade towards Bowen Craig, it's impossible to miss it—it stands out prominently. The views from there over the Clyde and the marina are pretty impressive, too.

Largs still leans into its Viking past, with places like the Vikingar! exhibition and the annual Viking Festival. They even set off fireworks at The Pencil during the celebrations. From the Largs Yacht Haven's entrance, the pencil monument is visible.

Address:

Largs
North Ayrshire
KA30 8JZ

6. Viking Magnus

Largs has many Viking references, including street names, the amusement arcade, and a Viking statue outside a Main Street chip shop.

This large metal statue of Magnus the Viking was installed on the Prom in 2013, marking the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Largs (1263).

7. Nardini's

Nardini’s has been around since 1935, and apparently it’s like the most famous place to eat in Scotland, everyone who comes to Largs goes there. It’s kind of a must. They’ve got 32 different ice cream flavors, Italian pastries and  fish and chips.

8. Largs City Center

Lastly, we went to Largs town center. By this point, we were already feeling quite cold, so we just had a quick look around. We took some photos of the ice cream parlor and the area around the town center, and we also picked up a few stones as little keepsakes.

We also took photos of St. Columba's Kirk in Largs. The old parish church is a striking red stone building that stands proudly on the seafront in this lovely little town. It’s the main church building, with the Stewart Memorial Hall attached to it. Built back in 1892, it definitely stands out—you really can’t miss it. Sadly, it’s now permanently closed.

We walked around Kelburn Castle and Estate. Just for your viewing pleasure, here are other parts of the estate. 

 

These photos were taken on the 19th of April, 2025.