Looking for a refreshing break from the city? Just under an hour’s drive from Glasgow, the coastal town of Largs offers the perfect mix of sun (when you’re lucky!), sea, and scenic strolls. Largs is a hidden gem on the west coast of Scotland that is definitely worth a visit. We felt the same vibe while visiting Blackpool. Whether you’re after a family outing, a solo adventure, or a peaceful beach day, Largs has you covered. Here’s how our day unfolded, how will you reach to Largs from Glasgow and how you can plan your own coastal escape.
Glasgow to Largs drive: To Largs from Glasgow
The drive from Glasgow to Largs takes around 50 minutes via the M8 and A78. You can also reach within one hour by taking a train from Glasgow Central station.
Our preferred route is to travel via Port Glasgow, Greenock, and Gourock instead of the previously mentioned straight route – Short Beautiful Road Trip From Glasgow In Summer Evening – triplogs.co.uk. The road from Greenock to Largs is 17 miles long, and the entire route runs alongside the sea. We loved the entire route from Glasgow to Largs driving by the side of the water, first by the River Clyde and then by the Firth of Clyde.
A Day Trip to Largs from Glasgow: Where to park:
There are many parking options available near the beach. Also, there are some paid car parks near the beach and city centre. Typically, parking is easy to find unless it’s during the Largs Viking Festival.
Top Things to Do in Largs on a Day Trip:
The main beach in Largs stretches alongside the promenade. It features a mix of sand and shingle, making it ideal for walking or picnicking. The kids had a great time building pebble towers while we enjoyed the salty breeze. While spending time on the beach, you can also enjoy the great views of Great Cumbrae Island. Consider planning a visit to the island. The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes, and the details are available at this website. At Millport, you can easily rent a bike and cycle around the island. The route is about 10 miles of flat road that hugs the coastline the entire way.
Your trip to Largs will not be completed without visiting Nardini’s, the legendary Art Deco café famous for its Italian-style ice cream. And yes, you are eating chips by the sea.
Largs Viking Festival 2025:
Largs is renowned for its Viking festival, held every September. In 2025, the festival begins on Sunday, August 31st, and lasts for a week. You will get more details at this website.
After enjoying the beautiful sunset, it’s time to head back home. You can either follow the route suggested by Google Maps or take our preferred route via the Walled Garden. This way, we can spend more time by the sea.
Beach Trip Notes:
- Bring a picnic blanket, towels for sitting, and water shoes if you plan to wade in.
- Bring food and hot drinks to enjoy at the beach.
- Bring a jacket. Even during summer, the sea breeze can be quite chilly.
- Check the ferry times in advance if heading to Cumbrae.
- Do not feed the seagulls, as they will remember you.
- Prepare for rain, just in case. Remember, you are in Scotland.
Largs is a place that encourages you to slow down and relish the simple pleasures in life, such as fresh sea air, delicious food, and stunning coastal views. Whether you’re just visiting for a few hours or planning to stay longer, it’s a day trip that you’ll want to repeat.