The Isle of Cumbrae is known as ‘Scotland’s Most Accessible Island’, and for good reason. It’s only an 8-minute ferry ride across from Largs on the North Ayrshire coast.
Largs is only a 1-hour car/train journey from Glasgow and is well connected with wider Ayrshire. So, you’ll be on island time before you know it.
Even better – the ferry costs only £4.00 and one leaves approx. every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes through the summer) (See timetable).
Here’s how to get to Millport, Isle of Cumbrae.
Feel free to skip right through to the relevant section ⤵️
Fire KA30 8BG into your trusted Google Maps. That’ll take you right to the Largs ferry slip where you can grab your tickets and hop on the boat.
Largs is only 40 minutes from Ayr, 1 hour from Glasgow, or 2 hours from Edinburgh.
💡 Top Tip –Why not ditch the car on the mainland and make the most of your island experience on foot or even better, by bike? The island is known as a ‘cyclist’s paradise’ and is one 10-mile circuit round. Bikes are free to take on the ferry.
🚂 If You’re Taking the Train
Jump on at any stop on the Glasgow–Largs line. Trains run every hour. From Largs train station, it’s a short stroll down to the Largs ferry terminal.
Generally, the Cumbrae ferry sets off every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes in Summer)
We like to say “you’ve never really missed the Millport ferry. You’ve only shown up early for the next one… unless it’s the last boat, then you’ve shown up REALLY early for the first boat the next morning.” 😂
Always check the Cal Mac Service Status before travelling, and show up at least 10 minutes before the departure time to allow time for tickets and queueing.
In the peak summertime and on public holidays be sure to leave PLENTY of time to queue and don’t be disappointed if you miss the boat you were aiming for. There can sometimes be some hefty waits, but this is rare.
There’s something special about the moment the ferry leaves the mainland slip and sets sail towards the island… It almost marks a departure from the reality of mainland life, and a journey to a place where the clocks go a little slower.
Hit the top deck, kick back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views around the Clyde islands of Wee Cumbrae, Great Cumbrae, Bute, and the Argyll Peninsula. Don’t forget to admire Largs seafront too!
A short 8-minutes later you’ll be in what feels like an island paradise far away.
How to get from the Cumbrae Ferry slip to Millport Town 🚴♀️
Hop off the ferry and you’ll have a few options to get to the town.
One thing that’s for sure is that you cannot get lost. The island is pretty much one big loop with only one way on or off.
🚗 If You’re Driving
Take a left for the short but scenic route and you’ll be in Millport town in less than 10 minutes. Take a right for the slightly longer, but even more scenic route (recommended) and you’ll be there in 30-ish minutes.
The same applies again. Left takes 1 hour, 20 minutes and right takes around 2 hours. Just beware of your surroundings whilst walking as there are no pavements the whole way around the island. Walk on the right-hand side of the road so you can keep an eye out for oncoming traffic.
💡 Top Tip –Be sure to do both the inner-circuit and outer-circuit walking routes while you’re there. They’re great ways to explore the whole island with some breathtaking views along the way.
This is probably the easiest way to get to the town, as the bus meets every incoming ferry that departs at quarter past and quarter to the hour, on its arrival at Cumbrae Slip. It’s only £3.50 for a return ticket and you’ll be in Millport town in 10 minutes.
Millport Bus Fares – 2024
BUS TICKET
FARE
Adult Return
£3.50
Adult Single
£2.00
Child Return
£1.70
Child Single
£1.00
The bus is always dog-friendly and your furry friend travels for free.
While out enjoying the scenery, let’s keep our island litter-free. It should go without saying, but if there’s not a bin nearby then take rubbish with you. Also, use recycling points where available.
The bus only takes 10 minutes. Once you see the famous Crocodile Rock, jump off at Garrison House Bus Stop, and you’re only a 5-minute stroll up College Street to our site.
If you’re driving, fire in our address on Google Maps, and you’re good togo. You can either head up Ferry Road (see the map below), or we’d recommend taking the scenic route down the coast.
If you’re cycling, you could take the same route as above, but there’s a fair incline over Ferry Road, so we’d advise taking the flatter, scenic route down the coast:
If you’re walking, you could take either of the above, or even go the long way round anti-clockwise if you’re up for a challenge.
360-degree panoramic view around the island? Now you’re talking.
You can find the Glaidstone (also pronounced ‘Glaid-stane’) at the very top of the island, which is at a height of 417 feet (127m) above sea level. To put that into perspective, a Munro is any mountain in Scotland over 3,000 feet – so it’s certainly no challenge to you Munro baggers out there, but a stunningly scenic walk up, nonetheless!
It’s well worth the jaunt up to the top as the uninterrupted panoramic views across the River Clyde are unreal. You can find the Glaidstone as part of the Inner Circuit Walk and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the island’s peak, starting off from Millport town.
Once you’re up there, you’ll see the neighbouring Clyde islands of Wee Cumbrae, Arran, and Bute, and back across to the mainland coast of North Ayrshire. On a clear day, it’s nothing short of spectacular and you might be able to see as far south as Ailsa Craig.
Load up the route to the Glaidstone on your Google Maps app Here.
Fancy a wee G&T after a long day of exploring the island? Well, our good friends at Isle of Cumbrae Distillers have got you covered.
Isle of Cumbrae Distillers is was started by a unique team of 5 full and part-time “Millportonians”, distinctively positioned as being one of the few all-female distilling teams in Scotland, and the only international women’s team, drawing representation from the UK, Canada, and the USA.
The idea began to blossom during Thursday quiz nights at Millport’s ‘Twa Dugs’ bar but quickly developed into the Isle of Cumbrae’s first-ever distillery. The distillery was officially launched in September 2019 and, since then, has been a roaring success.
The team named their flagship gin “NostalGin” as it embodies the heritage of Millport as well as the Scottish Island experience. The gin itself has flavours of lavender, fresh island bramble and a hint of sweet orange.
They released their second gin – “Croc Rock” – in April 2021, appropriately named after the island’s iconic Crocodile Rock. Then came “Restoration Gin” in November 2021, a percentage of profits go towards the regeneration of Millport’s beloved Town Hall.
Currently, the lovely group have their store open in Millport town and have been running gin tastings and tours since Summer 2021. They also run seasonal events such as cocktail-making, lamp-making, and other workshops – so keep an eye out!
Here’s a video of our recent visit:
In June 2022, Isle of Cumbrae distillers launched their latest edition – ‘Maura‘, their first batch selling out in less than an hour!
You can find more info, contact and opening hours of Isle of Cumbrae Gin Distillery here.
The Isle of Cumbrae is home to a collection of quirky rock formations which can be found dotted around the island. Over the years these have become iconic Cumbrae landmarks, and they’re bound to catch your eye as you’re out walking or cycling.
The most recognisable out of the trio is the ‘Crocodile Rock’ which has been around for over 100-years! It is also considered to be one of Scotland’s “quirkiest, best-known landmarks”.
Croc rock’s origins have a somewhat… interesting story to tell. Check it’s, and the other rocks’, story in our full blog post, The Cumbrae Rocks. We’ll also share their locations around the island.
The Isle of Cumbrae offers brilliant opportunities to enjoy getting out on the water! Millport is incredibly popular with the likes of Stand Up Paddleboarding, Sea Kayaking, Snorkelling, and day Sailing.
With the sparkling water and beachfront lined with palm trees (actually ‘New Zealand Cabbage Plants’), you’ll feel like you’re exploring an island paradise. You can paddle along the beach and out to the ‘The Eileans’ which are the two, small islets in the bay, offering a year-round home to Millport’s resident seal colony.
💡 Top Tip –Make sure to staysafe whilst enjoying watersports! Millport Bay is sheltered and protected. As you head further out, you’re exposed to elements such as currents and wind, as well as other boats. Check out the likes of the Scottish Canoe Association and RNLI for safety tips, as well as the Met Office for the weather.
Want to know the best part? You can find seals that live on The Eileans most of the year! They’re amazing to watch from the kayaks so make sure to paddle out and pay them a visit.
Kayaking in Millport is suitable for almost all ages and the shop says, “as long as you can swim, anyone can hire our Kayaks”. Life jackets are included with the hiring.
You’ll find a couple of different cycling route options on the island, but the best is just to cycle right the way around.
But… clockwise or anti-clockwise? 🔄
Well, that’s the big question.
Scott Ferris of Mapes Cycle Hire would always recommend going around anti-clockwise. That way, and if you’re starting from the Cumbrae ferry slip, you avoid the ferry traffic that heads straight to the town, and you can relax on the long way around the north and west side of the island.
By going anti-clockwise, you can stop in at the Fintry Bay Cafe at the three-quarters(ish)-round point for an ice cream and a juice, giving you that well-deserved, energy boost through the final stretch towards Millport town.
The Sensory Trail takes you around Cumbrae’s 10-mile coastline, giving you the opportunity to delight in the island’s nature, wildlife, sandy bays and pebble beaches, sea life, and beautiful scenery.
There are five Sensory Point Markers on the trail where you can just pause in peaceful and calming surroundings. They look like this:
These are at five coastal locations around the Island namely, Farland Point (1), Ballochmartin Bay (2), White Bay (3), Fintry Bay (4), and Sheriff’s Port (5).
With the help of the audio guide below, you can see, taste, smell, touch and listen to aspects of Cumbrae and relax and unwind through this enjoyable and invigorating sensory experience.
You can cycle, walk or drive around the Trail. All markers are near the roadside, apart from Farland Point, which is a short, but level walk.
Look out for the ball at the top of the Sensory Point Markers – touch all five and take with you the gift of luck from the Islanders!
The Isle of Cumbrae is home to what was crowned “The Narrowest House in World”.
The front of ‘The Wedge’ only measures 47 inches and it has a place in the Guinness Book of Records for being the narrowest ever recorded home. Well… it did until a house in Warsaw, Poland, named the ‘Keret House’ stole the title in 2008, at 32 inches wide.
So, Millport’s Wedge has now claimed the title of ‘Britain’s Narrowest House’.
See what they did with the last letter ‘E’ there? ⤴️ That tickles me every time…
The house gets wider as you move towards the back and is uniquely shaped like a wedge of cheese, hence the name.
Despite the tight squeeze, The Wedge boasts beautiful sea views and it’s right in the middle of Millport town – so no complaints on location!
Unfortunately (as it’s someone’s home) you can’t actually go inside, but make sure you keep an eye out for this bizarre, wee house when you’re in town!
You can find the Cathedral tucked away in the trees just behind the town of Millport. The grounds and building itself are beautiful, so it’s definitely worth the short stroll up from the shorefront to see.
Let’s keep Scotland’s landscapes litter-free. It should go without saying, but if there’s not a bin nearby, do the right thing by taking it with you. Also, please use recycling points where available.
Take a Cruise on the Waverley! 🚢
Dating back to 1945 when it was originally built, The Waverley is the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world!
The Waverley worked a happy working life up until 1974, until she was given a new career path offering regular trips around the Clyde Islands, The Western Isles, and across the UK. At this point, it quickly became one of Scotland’s most beloved and best-known tourist attractions!
Celebrities such as Sir Billy Connolly certainly enjoyed sailing “Doon The Watter”, and often speak fondly about their experiences on The Waverley. Here’s a video of him making a tribute to the paddle steamer in his song “Clydescope”:
After a £2.3 million re-vamp at the start of 2020, The Waverley returned to provide post-Covid voyages and has been touring about during the summer seasons ever since. On board the ship there’s catering available including tea & coffee, hot & cold food and a bar lounge serving cold refreshments.
Day trips leave from many different locations including Largs, Millport and Glasgow through the summer. Click here to check for this season’s excursions and plan your trip!
💡Top Tip: If you do choose to cruise, make sure to get yourself down to the engine room to see the giant triple-expansion steam engine in action!
Front and centre of town, you’ll find the gothic-style Garrison House.
This one has a pretty unique story…
The Garrison house was built in 1745 by Captain James Crawford. It was originally built as the residence for the Captain himself, and his officers of the Revenue Cutter Ship, The ‘Royal George’.
The Royal George Ship was strategically stationed at Millport and played a key role in enforcing customs and excise on the ships passing through the Firth of Clyde. The Ship was also hot on the heels of smugglers who attempted to smuggle all sorts of contraband up the Clyde.
The land that The Garrison House sits on was owned and leased out by the Marquis of Bute back in the day, for the small price of one white rose, to be paid yearly on the 11th of July (I wish my rent was this cheap). If you look to the grounds you’ll see the front garden still has white roses in it to this day.
Today, the Garrison House hosts a cafe, museum, and has some lovely gardens to walk through, or even find a spot for a picnic.
You’ll also find a pretty impressive model railway, based on Millport (with a slightly exaggerated rail network).
Fancy yourself as an aspiring David Attenborough? Well, you’re in luck.
The island is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife watchers with over 125 species of birds, seal colonies, porpoises, and basking sharks.
Around Cumbrae’s coast, it’s quite common to see grey seals and harbour porpoises. If you’re lucky, you may even be lucky to see Minke whales, basking sharks, and common dolphins.
💡 Top Tip – You can often see porpoises from the ferry over to the island, so keep an eye out!
You’ll also see a huge variety of birds around the island’s coast. Around Millport itself it’s you’ll see ducks, oystercatchers, red-breasted mergansers as well as the usual gulls. Just make sure they don’t steal your chips!
Daniel hopped on one of the very first boat trips here after Clyde Charters gained permission to land day trip passengers onto the magnificent place that is Wee Cumbrae.
ℹ️ Please note: This trip was taken in July 2020. Clyde Charters no longer run to Wee Cumbrae, however, there are a number of new options!
There are lighthouses, castles, cairns, caves, and abandoned forts. This is a must-see place for hillwalkers, bird spotting, photographers, and all other outdoorsy types.
You’ll also have an opportunity to see lots of amazing wildlife on this tour, including Cumbrae’s own resident dolphin!
‘Jet Black’ is another provider of boat tours to Wee Cumbrae, and around Cumbrae and Bute. Tony’s the guy that runs these and does so on a very much bespoke basis. Give us a shout if you fancy that, and we’ll put you in touch with Tony.
I challenge you to find a golf course with a better outlook than at the Millport Golf Club. Seriously, what a view:
This special golf course is often described as a ‘hidden gem’ by visiting golfers and it’s one of the best ways to take in the surrounding beauty of the island.
Meander around the well-maintained course as you enjoy stunning views across to the Isle of Arran, Bute, and the Ayrshire coast.
During the summer season, full catering and bar facilities are available. Visitors can also organise catering packages including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
08:00 – 15:30
08:00 – 15:30
08:00 – 15:30
08:00 – 17:00
08:00 – 22:30
07:30 – 21:00
12:30 – 20:00
Don’t fancy the full 18-holes? Not to worry, there’s always crazy golf on the Millport promenade.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on one of the many event weekends, you’re in for a treat. From the Classic Car event in early May, to the Scooter Rally in late August, these are some pretty unique events you’ll find in Millport.
The Island’s flagship event was the Country and Western Music Festival in September where thousands of revellers descended onto the island in fancy dress for live country music, lively bar atmospheres, and fun activities for kids. Sadly it doesn’t look like this event is continuing on this year, but fingers crossed it’ll make a well-anticipated return soon.
Here’s a way to have some fun while you’re out exploring the island – Geocaching!
Geocaching is a real-world treasure-hunting game where participants navigate to coordinates in order to find treasure, or the “geocache”. Geocache come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, and can be anything from boxes, to plastic containers, to film canisters.
Inside the geocache, you’ll find a logbook to sign and some treasure! Take a bit of treasure and replace it with something of your own, to mark your visit.
There are plenty of geocaches to be found on the Isle of Cumbrae, so grab your smartphone and get searching! Click here for more info.
While exploring the West Bay area, you might notice a particular anomaly in the wall? Indeed, there’s a Cannon embedded in the wall…
…Well, it’s actually a German Howitzer 150mm field gun which was manufactured in Munich for use by the Germans in WW1.
There was originally a pair of these guns in Millport, located around here in the West Bay area. But how did they end up here? (Take this story with a pinch of salt…)
Well, back in 1919 Millport Burgh was selected, along with many other Scottish burghs, to be given captured German ordnance as a form of memorial from WWI. This act by central government proved to be very unpopular as the public felt they were an unwelcome reminder of the war. Largs had actually been given a machine gun that was in such poor condition they sent it straight back!
So what happened to two guns in Millport’s West Bay? Well as I said, people just didn’t want them here. So, one “disappeared”, which roughly translates to ‘launched into the Clyde’, and the other was buried, and since then, the seawall was built above it. The ground has since weathered and it sits partially exposed, resulting in another unique thing for Millport’s visitors to come and see.
Now, technically you won’t find this place on the Island, however, we couldn’t resist adding it to our ‘Unique Things to See & Do’ list.
You’ll find Kelburn Estate across the water, just on the edge of Largs town, and since it’s so close, it’s definitely worth a visit as you pass by.
At Kelburn you can expect woodland walking routes, waterfalls, and a (very) colourful castle. It is great fun for all ages, whether you’re a family looking for a day out, or a couple looking for an adventure.
Grab those walking boots and get ready to explore the wonders of the enchanted forest. Once you’re finished, you can stop off at the on-site café for some food and refreshments.
All of the best and most unique things to see and do on Millport, Isle of Cumbrae!
Oh, and lastly. Although we encourage you to get out there and explore, please remember one thing…
…Once you get off that ferry, you’re officially on island time. You’ve arrived on the Isle of Cumbrae, where the clocks run a little slower. Make sure to switch off for a while, enjoy being away from it all, and most importantly, RELAX.
So, you’ve landed yourself in Millport after a long day and you’re looking for somewhere to wet the whistle. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Whether it’s been a day of scenic walks, cycling or relaxing at the beach, it gets to that time in the day where you deserve to settle down and enjoy a drink.
Something we always get asked is “well, where’s the best pub in Millport?” and to be honest, it’s not an easy answer.
Even though Millport is only a wee town on a wee Island, there are a number of brilliant options for bars and pubs. Here are your choices…
Please note: In the winter months some local businesses reduce opening hours. We recommend phoning ahead.
The Millport Pier Hotel [Closed 5th – 27th December]
Where: Quayhead Street, KA28 0AP.
What: A Harbour-side hotel and bar with beer garden and sea views.
The Millport Pier Hotel is a welcoming bar and restaurant which can be found next to the pier (funnily enough). They’ve got a dart board, pool table, and will usually be showing live sports. You can also expect a wide selection of alcohol as well as locally sourced, freshly cooked food.
Check out their food menu:
Our favourite thing about The Millport Pier Hotel is the outside beer garden. It’s a wee sun trap and the views across the water are superb.
They’ve even got a Tiki Bar out the back for those sunny days!
Get in touch with The Pier Hotel at 01475 530675 for more info, opening hours, and to book a table.
What: A family-friendly pub serving food by the sea.
The Newton Bar is a fantastic bar/restaurant and certainly worth a visit when you come to the Isle of Cumbrae. Visitors always praise the food, and some say it’s the best on the island.
The Newton do ‘Curry Club’ on a Wednesday, and have entertainment including quiz nights, live music and sport. Check out their Facebook Page for more details.
You can expect a great drink selection, a winning atmosphere and really friendly staff. It’s dog friendly too! What’s not to like?
Get in touch with The Newton at 01475 530920 for more info, opening hours, and to book a table.
Here you’ll be greeted with lovely staff, great service and a nice local atmosphere.
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, then this might be the one for you. Check out the expansive selection of craft beers and local ales.
Sunny weather? Superb, there’s a lovely wee beer garden out the back door. Pouring with rain? Not to worry! There’s a roaring fireplace inside to warm up. The best of both worlds.
Frasers bar is definitely one of the best pubs in Millport – never a disappointment!
Get in touch with Frasers at 01475 530518 for more info and opening hours.
The Tavern is a very welcoming bar with lovely owners. There’s all sorts of entertainment, from bingo to their famous karaoke nights. Every Friday, Saturday, (and sometimes Sunday) night.
They also tend to play football and other sports on the TV, including the Champions League. Why not have a look or give them a message on their Facebook Page to see what they’ve got on?
Sunny weather, why not have a pint out the back? It’s our favourite beer garden on the island!
Get in touch with the Tavern on 01475 530465 for more info and opening hours.
So you’ve found yourself in Millport and hunger strikes? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this blog, I’ll be telling you about all the best cafes, restaurants, and takeaways you can find on the island. So, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, we’ll make sure you don’t starve. I’ll also make sure to throw in our recommendations – so you know what’s good!
So… let’s get right into it! Here are the best places to eat in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae.
Please note: In the winter months some local businesses reduce opening hours. We recommend phoning ahead.
Across from the Harbour in Millport, you’ll find Luca’s; a family-run cafe, bar and pizzeria proud to serve delicious food and cocktails with great service in a relaxed atmosphere.
Family dining, romantic nights out, larger parties or even if you’re looking for an ice cold Italian lager by the bar, is all welcome at Luca’s.
Our recommendation: The goat’s cheese bon bons starter! Also check out their two pizzas & a bottle of wine £30 deal! (Thursdays only).
Typically open Thursday – Sunday. Find more info, updated opening hours, and book a table here.
What: Retro style, 1950s café with amazing ice cream.
The Ritz Café – a much loved local institution. People who have visited Millport over the years all hold fond memories of this place and it’s an iconic part of the island. It is the perfect place to stop if you’re looking for a quick bite or some lunch.
At the Ritz you can expect filled rolls, toasties, burgers and – best of all – their famous sweet selection. The café serves all sorts of ice creams, milkshakes, even some tasty puddings and cakes.
Our recommendation: It’s got to be the Marshmallow ice. Vanilla ice cream, melted marshmallow and raspberry sauce. You get a thick layer of warm marshmallow which stays melted on the cold vanilla ice cream – too good!
Get in touch with The Ritz for more info and opening hours at 01475 530459.
What: Amazing bakery with fresh, tasty homemade goods.
At Brewbaker, you can expect fresh food that is made with love.
Whether it’s bread, quiche, cookies, cakes, tarts, bagels or muffins – you’ll be sure to find some seriously delicious home baking. The best thing to do is just show up and check the blackboard to see what is fresh out of the oven!
Out with the baking, there’s amazing coffee and some great options if you’re stopping for lunch including their speciality salads. Brewbaker also make their own chocolates and truffles. 🍫
To be honest, they often look too good to eat…
Check out their Facebook page to see some of the recent taste sensations they’ve been baking.
Our recommendation: The famous quiches. They’re undefeated. Wash it down with a Brewbaker Latté.
Opening hours vary. Get in touch with Brewbaker at 07449 345089.
What: A lovely deli and bakery which is open all year round.
Crocodeli is a smahing wee deli serving a variety of fresh baking including pastries, baguettes and a variety of breads.
It’s a fantastic spot for grabbing a coffee, a quick bite or to pack up for a picnic. The produce is always fresh and tasty, and the service is friendly.
They’ve also got a lovely selection of cheeses, biscuits, wines, and craft beers to purchase 🍷 Perfect if you’re planning a night in!
Our recommendation: Anything involving the freshly baked bread – it’s the BEST! Try pairing it with one of their signature salads.
Get in touch with Crocodeli for more info and updated opening hours at 01475 531314.
What: Family-run butchers with tasty pies (Takeaway only).
You’ll find The Cumbrae Butcher in the heart of Millport Town, right on the seafront. This shop has been butchers for many years, however has recently opened under new family ownership in February 2022.
They offer an amazing range of fresh meats for all your BBQ and home cooking needs, however, they’re also a a fantastic option for a quick bite. Treat yourself to one of their pies or pastries, which are always freshly baked and hot out the oven! Mmmm… golden brown goodness 🥧
Our recommendation: The Steak Pie. Deep filled with thick pieces of delicious meat and gravy. You won’t find any half-filled pies here!
Get in touch with The Cumbrae Butcher for more info and updated opening hours at 01475 531007.
What: Fresh, modernised cafe and bar. Cafe by day, and restaurant by night.
The Round Island Cafe has a wonderful, warm welcome and many describe it as a wee Island gem. On the lunch menu there’s a selection of toasties, baguettes, baked potatoes, salads and soups.
In the evening there’s a cracking dinner menu with plenty options, including some lovely desserts. They also have a well stocked bar, including some nice draught beers.
You can even get an amazing Afternoon Tea! (the scones are home made and are to die for).
Our recommendation: The Sunday roast! Beef, gravy, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, and lots of delicious veg.
Check what’s happening on their Facebook Page and get in touch for more info, updated opening hours, and to book at 01475 531193.
What: Sunset cafe and restaurant with stunning views out over the Clyde to Arran and Bute.
You’ll find the Fintry Bay Cafe completely secluded on the West side of the Isle of Cumbrae and it’s an obligatory stop if you’re cycling around the island.
Expect comfy seating, cool decor, and lovely grub. Bonus points if you can play a tune on their piano!
On a summer’s day the kiosk is the perfect spot for a break to enjoy an ice cream, milkshake or cold drink while relaxing in one of their outdoor hammocks.
You can also grab a table inside at the cafe, where you can get some delicious breakfast and lunch options.
All the food is fantastic however our favourite part is the amazing views across to Arran and Bute.
Check out their Facebook page for more info and updated opening hours, or call 01475 531073 to book.
What: Wonderful cafe in the grounds of the Garrison House.
The Garrison House is a beautifully restored building and fantastic example of 19th Century gothic architecture. At the Garrison you’ll find a lovely enclosed garden, the ‘Museum of the Cumbraes’ and, of course, The Garisson House Cafe.
The cafe serves a wide range of food, so there’s something for everyone. You can expect light bites, healthy options, breakfasts, lunches, hearty meals, smoothies and cafe classics – all at a reasonable price!
Here’s a snippet of their menu:
Take a seat in the courtyard if there’s good weather, or you can take a seat indoors next to their “music wall of fame”. 🎸
Our recommendation: Try one of the pasta boxes. These change from time to time but are always tasty!
Check out their Facebook page for more info and updated opening hours.
What: Family-run business, providing freshly prepared food, homemade scones and brilliant Italian coffee.
The Dancing Midge is a brilliant wee café and is perfect if you’re looking to have brunch in Millport. They serve full breakfasts, French toast, hot rolls, and bagels.
If you’re visiting a bit later in the day, why not try one of their burgers or jumbo hotdogs? They’re top-drawer.
Our recommendation: It’s got to be the full breakfast. Two slices of bacon, egg, black pudding, haggis, lorne sausage, potato scone, double beans, toast and tea/coffee – the perfect way to fuel yourself for a day exploring the island!
Call The Dancing Midge on 01475 530548 for more info and updated opening hours.
Top Tip: Looking for veggie? The Dancing Midge might be the spot for you. They serve ‘The Midge Vege Breakfast’ and they do an amazing spicy bean burger.
Millport Pier Hotel 🏨 [Closed 5th – 27th December]
Where: Quayhead Street, KA28 0AP.
What: A Harbour-side hotel and bar with beer garden, sea views, and weekend entertainment.
The Millport Pier Hotel is a welcoming bar and restaurant which can be found (you guessed it) next to the Millport pier.
They’re open 7-days a week and have a fantastic food menu, packed with everything from pub grub classics to fresh seafood.
Check out their menu below:
You can get in touch with The Pier Hotel at 01475 530675 to book a table, or check out their Facebook page for more info, updated opening hours, and to see what’s on!
What: A family-friendly pub serving food by the sea. (Takeaway available).
The Newton Bar is a fantastic bar/restaurant and certainly worth a visit when you come to the island. Visitors and locals always highly praise the food, and some say it’s the best place to eat in Millport.
When it comes to the menu you can expect a great selection of meals including steak, burgers, curry and different chicken dishes. Proper tasty stuff.
Our recommendation: Curry Club Wednesdays! Your choice of curry, rice, poppadoms, spiced onions and mixed pakora. All for £14.50 (£12.50 takeaway). Quality.
Check out their Facebook page or contact on 01475 530920 for more info, updated opening hours, or to book a table.
If you head to Fraser’s bar you’ll be greeted with lovely staff, a wide range of beers, great service and a nice local atmosphere.
It’s also a great shout for food – whether it’s for lunch or dinner. We’d describe the food as ‘hearty scran’ so you can expect classics like soup, steak pie, scampi, burgers and fish & chips.
Our recommendation: The macaroni! It’s class.
Contact Fraser’s on 01475 530518 for more info and updated opening hours.
What: Award-winning fish and chips (Takeaway only).
You can find Deep-Sea Fish & Chips on the far end of the town, next to the Millport pier. There’s not much to say other than it’s a brilliant Chip Shop with all your classic options. Superb stuff.
Our recommendation: The classic Fish & Chips, but get the fish breaded and load the chips with chip shop curry sauce. Oaft. Wash it down with a pint from the Millport Pier Hotel next door.
Call ahead on 01475 530443 for more info and updated opening hours.
Let’s keep Scotland’s landscapes litter free. It should go without saying, but if there’s not a bin nearby, do the right thing by taking it with you. Also, please use recycling points where available.
Golden Dragon Chinese 🐉
Where: 32-33 Glasgow St, KA28 0DL
What: Chinese Takeaway
Open 6-days a week (closed on a Tuesday), The Golden Dragon is the one Chinese Takeaway option on the island.
You can place an order by calling 01475 530090. As a heads up, it’s cash only!
The Tavern Bar serves food from “The Pod” which you’ll find out the back, in the beer garden. Expect a mix of tasty food including hot dogs, pakora, and burgers, typically served Friday – Sunday.
To order takeaway, you give The Tavern Bar a call on 01475 530465 😊
You can also check out their Facebook Page for updated opening hours and to see what’s currently on!
All of the best places to eat in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae. It might be a small town on a small island but one thing is for sure – you won’t struggle to find some proper good food.
Try one of our recommendations and let us know how you get on!
Ultimate Guide to Millport, Isle of Cumbrae:
For everything you need to know about planning your visit to the island, check it out our full guide:
We’ve always strived to be a genuinely environmentally sustainable business, through efforts such as tree planting initiatives in partnership with Ecologi, and our local and sustainable build processes, however a lack of funds during the early stages of our start-up meant we were unable to install our own green energy infrastructure from the outset.
Up until January 2023, we’ve been powering our cabins through the national grid, supplied by the 100% green energy supplier – Octopus Energy.
Despite amazing efforts of Octopus to make green energy accessible to all, we always wanted to have something tangible which would allow us to generate our own on-site renewable energy.
After applying to the ARIA fund near the end of 2022, we managed to secure some vital Scottish Government grant funding which has allowed us to install 8 x solar panels on the roofs of each of our 5 cabins in Millport.
The installation took place during early January, and we’re delighted with the final product. Check them out:
The funding has also allowed us to install 2 x premium Tesla Powerwall batteries, enabling us to store generated energy in high-generation, low-usage periods, for use in low-generation, high-usage periods.
Based on the infrastructure as a whole, we are hoping to achieve annual carbon savings of 2681.11kg CO2e.
2024 Update: We now generate 12 Megawatt Hours of electricity each year, and are 95% self-sufficient for electricity during the summer months and 55% self-sufficient year-round. When the Tesla Powerwall Battery is full, and we’re generating more than we use, the excess green energy is exported back into the grid for use elsewhere.
When compared to our predicted energy consumption data, we believe this infrastructure will allow us to power our business through renewable energy for the vast majority of the year – what a result!
We will now only have to rely on the mains connection as a back-up for short periods of high consumption or the winter where solar energy generation potential is limited.
This is a huge milestone for our business, and we’d like to thank the Ayrshire Rural and Islands Ambition (ARIA) fund for helping us achieve this huge ambition of ours!
So, IT BEGINS – we’re officially on the road to our first site of Cabins. How exciting!… but also kind of terrifying.
All I can really say is, we’ve got a hell of a long way to go. As I write this, it’s currently the 3rd of May 2021 and things are just starting to kick off. We’ve finalised the architects drawings, we’re in the midst of securing the land and the foundations of our very first cabin are currently being built.
Up until now, it’s pretty much been a year full of endless planning. But now, the wheels are fully in motion, and there’s no going back…
So you can follow along at home, Daniel and I will be taking the cameras with us and documenting the whole journey. Expect loads of exciting video content and all sorts of updates on the build process as it unfolds.
To make things easy, everything will be posted right here in this blog post. We’ll also let you know by e-mail and on our socials when there’s an update. Sound good? Great.
So before we get into the build, let’s just take a minute to set the scene. What’s the story and how did we get to where we are now?
Well, for those who don’t know, myself (Adam Jack) and my cousin (Daniel Jack) are the two guys behind this Cabin concept. We share a passion for adventure, quirky stays and the environment. We’ve also always had a dream of starting up a family business.
Last year, Daniel and I both lived in Glasgow and we’d spend nights sitting in my flat, drinking Tennent’s lager and brainstorming business ideas… because that’s where all good ideas begin. 🍻🧠
We realised one night that we’d stayed in all sorts of weird and wonderful places on our travels, from converted shipping containers to glamping pods, but nothing had quite hit the spot when it came to the perfect night away.
It wasn’t long before we decided that we were on a mission to shake-up Scotland’s tourist accommodation game. Gone were the days of dusty B&B’s, carbon churning hotels, and basic glamping pods which (let’s be honest here) are nothing but a bed in a shed. 🛖
After a full year of planning, we’ve now just hit the ‘go’ button on the build of our first cabin. From there, the ultimate goal is to build 5 cabins in total, and plonk them all on a scenic site on the wonderful Isle of Cumbrae. We’re aiming to launch our business at the beginning of 2022.
So yeah, that’s you pretty much up to date with the story so far. To hear more about the cabins, our story, and our plans, you can check out Episode 1 of the Build Journey Series below:
There’s no going back now… the build is officially underway!
From the beginning, Daniel and I have been keen to keep everything local and sustainable with our business. Of course, it all starts with the cabins themselves.
To bring our concept to life we teamed up with local architects, Stewart Associates, and local builders, System 5.
The whole thing started by taking our poorly drawn concept images and a tonne of different ideas to the professionals. We worked very closely with the architects and after months of iterations, we finally managed to create the perfect design.
With the technical designs complete, it was time to get the builders involved. Over the last month (or so) there’s been all sorts of logistical planning and ordering materials, but we’re finally at the stage where the cabin is starting to be built. 🛠
The best thing about keeping everything local is being involved in the process every step of the way. We’re lucky to live a short commute away from the workshop, so are always down to see how things are progressing.
To date, we’ve constructed the steel chassis frame and the wooden foundations of the cabin have been put in place. I’d say we’re about 10% of the way to a final cabin, check out how it’s looking:
The road ahead involves getting the cabin structure in place, with the walls and roof panels. After that, it’s all about the electrical instalments, getting the windows and doors put in, and starting to build out the rest of the features.
All going well, we should be looking at the Jack’s prototype cabin in 12-weeks time. Watch this space!
We started with a steel chassis, which was pretty much the foundations, and over the last 5 weeks we’ve built up to something which resembles a cabin.
Once we had the sides up, it was a case of fixing the roof panels in place and making sure we had a structure that was water-tight. As you can imagine, this was a pretty important step. Even though it’s currently summertime, we can always count on some trusty West of Scotland precipitation…
Next up, it was time to get our larch cladding finish onto the exterior of the cabin. This really started to bring the cabin to life…
Aaaand, that’s pretty much where we’re at just now. Next steps include installing doors, windows, electrics, and eventually kitting out the inside of the cabin – exciting stuff!
We’re feeling proud to now have a structure that has been locally designed and built. Furthermore, with sustainable and locally sourced materials (wherever possible).
Our environmental impact is something we always consider at Jack’s. We’ve been making conscious decisions when it comes to the structural timbers, cladding, wall finishes, and many of the fixtures and fittings.
You can read all about our environmental efforts in our concept blog here. 🌿
Here’s Episode 2 of our Cabin Build Journey YouTube Series:
Okay, so the 12-week prototype was quite a bit ambitious…
Our first cabin is also a prototype, so as you can imagine, it’s been a bit of an iterative build process so far.
Also, the reality is we’ve been working hard behind the scenes on securing the land, our planning permission etc. and (honestly) there’s still a hell of a lot that can still go wrong with our start-up…
So we’re kinda… well, not in a HUGE rush to commit to building the next 4 cabins. Saying that, once we’ve ironed out these final risks of the business set-up, we’ll be full steam ahead. 🚂
Anyway, back to the cabin build. Up until now the inside of the cabin, as you can imagine, has just been one big, empty space.
Of course, before we could build out the interior, we had to get all the electrics installed. ⚡️
Thankfully, we’ve been busy working with the builders in recent weeks to finalise socket, light switch, and LED lighting placements, and we’ve just had the electricians in to get everything installed.
As you can see below, we sorted out the interior of the cabin a sleek, birch plywood finish and started to build out the partition wall between the bathroom and living area:
This was the first time we could stand in the cabin and get a real feeling of what the final outlay is going to be like. We’re so happy with the feel of it and can tell it’s going to be the perfect balance of spacious and snug.
With regards to the external, the big windows were next to arrive which look great and got installed pretty quickly! We had a temporary door on for a week or so, but it wasn’t long until we got our shiny, new sliding door put in place. 🚪
That’s right, last week we managed to give “The Hive” cabin its first bit of personality with a splash of paint. 🎨
Check it out:
If you didn’t know, each of our cabin themes will be based on a colour, and (you guessed it) “The Hive” is based on the colour orange. 🐝
We don’t want to go overkill on the interior colour scheme. In fact, the idea is to use a lot of black, white, and wooden finishes for the interior, with hints of the theme colour throughout. Anyway, more on all of that once we get to the interior design stage….
In other news, this has left the exterior of the cabin is starting to look pretty polished! Take a look:
Of course, the orange colour looks pretty bold at the moment, but it will look a lot more muted once we get our perforated aluminium sheet over the top of it. With a bit of help from our Instagram followers, we chose a sheet with hexagonal shaped holes (very fitting to the theme), and we look forward to getting these fitted soon!:
As an update on the inside, we’ve just managed to get the plumbing installed for both the bathroom and kitchen space. The warehouse is also packed out with the contents of the cabin. I’m talking the kitchen, the bathroom, the bed, the flooring panels, the bathroom multi-panels, and the water boiler.
The next step is a whole load of installations to bring the interior to life! Stay tuned.
Here’s Episode 3 of our Cabin Build Journey YouTube Series:
So, over the last 6-weeks as we’ve started on the bathroom and fully kitted out the kitchen! 👨🏻🍳
Before we get into that, I should probably show you how the aluminium sheeting installation went:
As you can see, we also added some exterior spotlights to finish it off – looking sleek!
Next up, we had the kitchen. When deciding which one to go with, we needed something that would fit the bill for a couple or small family group staying in the cabin for up to a week, so a kitchen that was fully equipped, yet compact and stylish.
We chose Elfin Kitchens to supply our kitchenette. These guys supply micro kitchens to all sorts of glamping pods, converted shipping containers and student accommodation, so they were a great fit. The kitchen has a nice matt black finish, which contrasts really nicely with the bright birch ply walls, and fits perfectly with The Hive’s orange, white and black colour scheme, so we’re so happy with the result.
We’ve also seen our surfaces start to come together as the flooring in both the bathroom and living space, as well as the bathroom wet walls, have all been installed.
The material that these surfaces are made up by is called Multipanel. They’re essentially interlocking panels that are FSC Forest Friendly certified, durable, watertight, and easy clean which fits the bill for us. As with all material suppliers we scrutinised their eco credentials, and we’re confident we’ve made another genuinely sustainable choice for our floor and walls.
The only problem was… it was realllllly expensive. There are for sure cheaper options for flooring and walls out there, but I suppose sometimes you need to make economic compromises for the environment. Such is life…
Another HUGE piece of news happened recently – we finally got the results of our planning application! 👨💻
Check out how we got on below:
Here’s Episode 4 of our Cabin Build Journey YouTube Series:
This month we’ve seen some HUGE progress as we’ve fully kitted out ‘The Hive’ cabin! I’m talking 95% complete. 📈
Let’s see how things have been progressing…
Firstly, we needed to get a solution for the rest of the cabin furniture. We could have looked at different suppliers for this, but we decided to build these bespoke-ly and in-house at the warehouse. The benefit of this is that we could maintain the certain aesthetic which is created by using the light birch plywood, and we could carefully craft all of our cupboards, dining table and storage solutions down to the millimetre. 📏
Throughout the cabin we’ve made the use of clever design to make space saving and storage solutions. Probably my favourite part of the whole cabin is the fold-up dining table, which simply pops up if you’re looking to sit up, or drops straight down if you’d like a bit more space. Once folded upright, it also reveals a clever storage space which has been incorporated into the underside.
Next up, we began to create a group of hexagonal shelves above the bed. 🛑
This is an idea we’ve had since the beginning and it was so fun to watch it finally come to life! Of course, ‘The Hive’ has to be full of bee, honey and hive related elements, and this was going to be one of our focal points. 🐝
By the way, if you want to read about all how we’re really bringing ’The Hive’ to life, you can read about the cabin experience in our ‘Concept Deep Dive’ here.
Anyway, back to the shelves. Again we originally looked at some off the shelf options for this (see what I did there), but a bespoke build just seemed like the way to go. We started to plan out at first, thinking about how to maximise the wall space with the perfect amount of shelving.
Since it was above the bed, it was important to get these at the correct height and depth on the wall, to create the right aesthetic (also because our insurance policy doesn’t cover us for guests smashing their heads when they get up for the toilet in the middle of the night).
We made all the shelves at different depths, to give a sort of 3D effect, and once they were all build, we started to get them up. Here’s how it went:
Combined with the LED strip light, we were chuffed to bits with how it turned out. So much so, that we got a team photo with the final product weyyheyy:
We also started to fully kit out the bathroom space around point. We installed the infrared heated mirror, towel rail, shower, toilet, and sink, and we couldn’t be happier with the final result. 🛁
We know how important a quality bathroom is in self-catering and our brand-spanking-new design certainly fit the bill. Check it out:
Other than that, we had a few finishing touches such as the remainder of the bespoke furniture, folding wallbed, LED sign and Infrared Panel Heaters. It’s safe to say we we’re BUZZING with the finished product. 🐝
Here’s how it looks:
Aaaand just like that, there you have it – ‘THE HIVE’ cabin!
All that’s left is to add our after this update ‘soft furnishings’, so stuff like cushions, bedding, ornaments. Oh, and probably the most exciting part of the cabin – the artists wall mural. Stay tuned!
Being an environmentally focussed business, we thought long and hard about our choice to advocate the use of wood-burning hot tubs.
Wood burners are charming, smell great, and have an amazing aesthetic, but are they eco-friendly?
Well, the short answer is – yes! The key is being responsible, sensible, and sustainable in your burning practices.
What type of fuel should I use? 🪵
You might be thinking that the obvious answer here is, well… wood?
Turns out, there’s loads of different biomass fuel options out there, some of which are better than others, depending on your requirements.
As a business, we’ve been round the houses (and then some) when it came to choosing the right type of fuel for our hot tubs. For us, we needed something that was fit-for-purpose, highly energy efficient, and kept our carbon emissions to a minimum.
We looked at all sorts of fuels, from eco sawdust briquettes to kiln-dried logs, and even re-purposing waste wooden pallets. There are also other environmentally friendly options such as soy logs and compressed paper bricks.
There’s pros and cons for all of these, but ultimately, we chose to go for what we believe to be the best and most environmentally friendly option – Woodlets Briquettes (more on these shortly).
Wood fuel at a glance 👀
For a long time, we were sold on using kiln-dried logs for our wood fuel. When managed properly, it’s a fantastic option.
The moisture content in kiln-dried logs is very low (under 20%), meaning less CO2 emissions, less smoke, and an all-round cleaner fuel. Furthermore, if sourced from sustainable forests and local suppliers, you can manage your wood burning practices responsibly and sustainably.
Saying that, there is still a carbon footprint associated with the kiln drying process, as the moisture in the freshly cut logs is essentially “cooked off” at a high temperature. As an alternative, you could use seasoned logs, however this requires a fresh wood source, storage space and a fair amount of time.
If you do choose wood fuel, the key to sustainability is by creating a ‘closed carbon cycle’. Carbon is a pollutant and is a product of the lifecycle of a tree. When trees are growing, they absorb carbon, and they release carbon when they rot or when they are burned.
If carrying out truly sustainable practices, enough trees should be re-planted to absorb (at least) the carbon released from the wood fuels.
Woodlets Briquettes 🪵
So, after exploring our options, here’s where we ended up – Woodlets Briquettes.
These fantastic wee logs are sustainable, highly efficient, and can be used in any type of wood burning stove.
All of the wood used to manufacture the briquettes are sourced from accredited and sustainable Scottish forests, and the briquettes are Clean Air Act compliant.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
♻️ Woodlets Briquettes are made in Scotland, from sustainable forests
You might find the best possible wood supplier, but if it turns out it’s shipped over from elsewhere in Europe, then that’s no use to you!
Land Energy collect all their wood within a 60-mile radius of their factory in Girvan, Ayrshire. Our briquettes then take a 50-mile trip from their factory to our hot tubs in Millport.
🔥 Woodlets Briquettes burn 20% hotter than kiln-dried wood.
This is due to their high calorific value and low moisture content (less than 10%).
Less moisture = more efficient & less emissions
♻️Land Energy’s Used-bag Recycling Scheme
Since Day 1 of our business, we’ve tried to avoid single use plastics at all costs, which is why we were delighted to hear about Land Energy’s commitment to sustainability.
Although our Woodlets Briquettes currently come wrapped in plastics, we’re able to re-cycle 100% of the plastic through Land Energy’s “used-bag recycling scheme”.
We simply bag up all of our packaging, and post it back to Land Energy. Check us out in action:
Once sent back, the plastics are recycled, within the UK, into things like picnic tables, benches, planters, dog kennels, and much more useful stuff – pretty cool!
Land Energy are also working on a new product – Roastie Toasties – which ditch the plastics all together and come in 100% recyclable cardboard.
Unfortunately, they’re only able to distribute these small batches at the moment, but we’ll be first in line when they’re ready!
Do they work in practice? 🤔
So, equipped with all our research, Woodlets Briquettes seemed like a no brainer 🧠
All sounded good on paper, but do they work in practice?
When it came down to the testing in our wood-fired hot tubs, it’s safe to say the Woodlets Briquettes lived up to expectation.
Our first impressions were how easy to handle the Woodlets were. They are the perfect size for our stoves, and can also be broken up by hand in to smaller pieces. Due to their uniform shape they were also stackable, making them very easy to store.
The most impressive thing about it was the heat up time. We found that we could heat up our hot tub to temperature in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes. When compared to kiln-dried logs, this was about 30-minutes quicker.
Woodlets were also brilliant at retaining heat and seemed to keep the water at temperature for a longer time. As an added bonus, there was also remarkably less ash and mess left over from the briquettes, so it felt like a cleaner fuel.
We’ve now been using Woodlets Briquettes since April 2023, and are confident that we’re using fuel which is both highly efficient, and gave us the feel-good factor of using a product which is made 100% sustainable.
What type of wood-burning appliance should I use? 🔥
If you’re going to choose to burn any fuel, it’s only right that you chose a modern and efficient wood burner.
In general, enclosed wood burners are engineered to get the maximum amount of energy, and thus heat, from your fuel. In fact, when compared to open fires, they are dramatically more efficient and release up to 10 times fewer emissions!
For us, we use a company called Skargards to supply our wood-fired hot tubs. They are the very best in Swedish hot tub manufacturing and are built sustainably for efficiency and durability.
Check them out:
We also chose to use purchase their ‘insulated cover’ which accelerates the heating process by up to 30% in winter and preserves the heat after use for the next day.
The efficiency of the hot tub and the heat retention of the insulated cover is very noticeable. We’ve previously put the insulated cover on after a full night’s use and found that the water is still at a welcoming 35 degrees the next morning!
This means less fuel used, and an easy heat up for the next day – nice one.
Fancy a dip in one of our tubs?
Why not check out our Unique Hot Tub Cabins here in Millport.
Welcome to the next generation of self-catering accommodation in Scotland.
We think of our one-of-a-kind Cabin Concept as a crossroads where quirky interior design meets eco-consciousness, in a stunning island setting.
This is something we get asked quite often. Again, there are pros and cons to both options.
One of the deal breakers here was the heat-up time. Wood-fired hot tubs can reach temperature in 2-4 hours. Electric hot tubs can take 8-12 hours from, which for our use case as short-stay tourist accommodation, simply didn’t work.
The only alternative to avoid the heat up time would be to keep the hot tub “switched on” at all times, which a lot of people do in domestic settings. Of course, this is just churning through masses of electricity.
Ultimately, we just found it difficult to justify electric hot tubs for our use case. Besides, they also don’t have the same natural charm and aesthetic as the Skargards tubs do 😉
How are we aiming to achieve a ‘closed carbon cycle’? 🌎
From the outset, we’ve been determined to create a genuinely sustainable business.
Firstly, we recognise that we’re producing carbon through things like Coffee Log fuel and ferry travel. Secondly, we look at how we can reduce, then off-set our carbon footprint.
Through our partnership with Ecologi, we currently donate a set amount each month to fund carbon capture and reforestation projects around the world.
Further, with the help of Ecologi, we’re vowing to plant a tree for every single booking at Jack’s Alt-Stays!
Check out our impact so far:
2 YEARS
of Climate Impact
39 TONNES
of CO2e Avoided
2546 TREES
In Our forest
To find out the 11 ways we’re doing our bit for the planet, check out our Climate Action Plan.
So, there you have it…
If you’re like us and care about the environment, but also love the warmth and aesthetic of a charming wood burner, then not to worry!
The fact is, burning wood comes with a lot of responsibility. Wood burners are brilliant, but it’s important to do your research.
To summarise, you should use responsible practices, choose sustainable suppliers, and always think about the bigger environmental picture.
With proper practices, it’s easy to make your wood fuel an environmentally-conscious fuel.
Who are The Jacks?
We’re two cousins with a passion for adventure, quirky stays, and the environment.
Welcome to the next generation of self-catering accommodation in Scotland.
We think of our one-of-a-kind Cabin Concept as a crossroads where quirky interior design meets eco-consciousness, in a stunning island setting.
The beautiful Isle of Cumbrae is home to a small island town called Millport. The island itself comes in the form of a 10-mile loop and is located just off the coast of North Ayrshire. It is incredibly scenic, packed with things to do and is a hidden gem when it comes to exploring Scotland.
If you’re thinking about planning a trip to the island, well… you’ve ended up in the right place.
One thing is for sure, island life should always be simple and stress free. Should you be spending hours and hours of your life planning your island getaway? No chance. You’ve got better things to spend your time on.
To make life easy for you, we’ve taken the time to combine everything you need to know about planning a trip to Millport on The Isle of Cumbrae, all in one place.
Whether it’s food recommendations, things to do, places to stay, the best walking routes or even scoping out a beer garden – it’s all in here!
We like to call this one: The Ultimate Guide to Millport, Isle of Cumbrae 📕
Please note: In the winter months some local businesses reduce opening hours. We recommend phoning ahead.
Fire KA30 8BG into your trusted Google Maps. That’ll take you right to the Largs ferry slip where you can grab your tickets.
It’s only 40-minutes from Ayr, 1-hour from Glasgow, or 2-hours from Edinburgh.
Taking public transport? Well, there are also easy train links to Largs through Scotrail or bus links through the 585 Stagecoach and the 901/904/906 McGills services.
Getting to Millport Town from the Cumbrae Ferry slip 🚴♂️
You’ve got a few options here – bus, bike or car:
To be honest, we’d always recommend leaving your car on the mainland. Travelling about Cumbrae is as easy as it comes.
The bus always meets the ferry on the arrival and costs only £2 for a single ticket. You’ll be in Millport 10 minutes later. Check out the Cumbrae Bus Fares.
If you’ve got the bike, you can cycle to the town in 25 mins. After all, Cumbrae is known as a ‘cyclists paradise’.
You’ll find a couple of different cycling route options on the island, but the best is just to cycle right the way around.
Clockwise or anti-clockwise? 🔄
Well, that’s the big question.
Scott Ferris of Mapes Cycle Hire would always recommend going around anti-clockwise. That way, and if you’re starting from the Cumbrae ferry slip, you avoid the ferry traffic that heads straight to the town, and you can relax on the long way around the north and west side of the island.
By going anti-clockwise, you can stop in at the Fintry Bay Cafe at the three-quarters(ish)-round point for an ice cream and a juice, giving you that well-deserved, energy boost through the final stretch towards Millport town.
360-degree panoramic view around the island? Now you’re talking.
You can find the Glaidstone (also pronounced ‘Glaid-stane’) at the very top of the island, which is at a height of 417 feet (127m) above sea level. To put that into perspective, a Munro is any mountain in Scotland over 3,000 feet – so it’s certainly no challenge to you Munro baggers out there, but a stunningly scenic walk up, nonetheless!
It’s well worth the jaunt up to the top as the uninterrupted panoramic views across the River Clyde are unreal. You can find the Glaidstone as part of the Inner Circuit Walk and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the island’s peak, starting off from Millport town.
Once you’re up there, you’ll see the neighbouring Clyde islands of Wee Cumbrae, Arran, and Bute, and back across to the mainland coast of North Ayrshire. On a clear day, it’s nothing short of spectacular and you might be able to see as far south as Ailsa Craig.
Load up the route to the Glaidstone on your Google Maps app Here.
The Isle of Cumbrae offers brilliant opportunities to enjoy getting out on the water! Millport is incredibly popular with the likes of Stand Up Paddleboarding, Sea Kayaking, Snorkelling, and day Sailing.
With the sparkling water and beachfront lined with palm trees (actually ‘New Zealand Cabbage Plants’), you’ll feel like you’re exploring an island paradise. You can paddle along the beach and out to the ‘The Eileans’ which are the two, small islets in the bay, offering a year-round home to Millport’s resident seal colony.
💡 Top Tip –Make sure to staysafe whilst enjoying watersports! Millport Bay is sheltered and protected. As you head further out, you’re exposed to elements such as currents and wind, as well as other boats. Check out the likes of the Scottish Canoe Association and RNLI for safety tips, as well as the Met Office for the weather.
Want to know the best part? You can find seals that live on The Eileans most of the year! They’re amazing to watch from the kayaks so make sure to paddle out and pay them a visit.
Kayaking in Millport is suitable for almost all ages and the shop says, “as long as you can swim, anyone can hire our Kayaks”. Life jackets are included with the hiring.
The Isle of Cumbrae is home to a collection of quirky rock formations which can be found dotted around the island. Over the years these have become iconic Cumbrae landmarks, and they’re bound to catch your eye as you’re out walking or cycling.
The most recognisable out of the trio is the ‘Crocodile Rock’ which has been around for over 100-years! It is also considered to be one of Scotland’s “quirkiest, best-known landmarks”.
Croc rock’s origins have a somewhat… interesting story to tell. Check it’s, and the other rocks’, story in our full blog post, The Cumbrae Rocks. We’ll also share their locations around the island.
Fancy a wee G&T after a long day of exploring the island? Well, our good friends at Isle of Cumbrae Distillers have got you covered.
Isle of Cumbrae Distillers is was started by a unique team of 5 full and part-time “Millportonians”, distinctively positioned as being one of the few all-female distilling teams in Scotland, and the only international women’s team, drawing representation from the UK, Canada, and the USA.
The idea began to blossom during Thursday quiz nights at Millport’s ‘Twa Dugs’ bar, but quickly developed into the Isle of Cumbrae’s first-ever distillery. The distillery was officially launched in September 2019 and, since then, has been a roaring success.
The team named their flagship gin “NostalGin” as it embodies the heritage of Millport as well as the Scottish Island experience. The gin itself has flavours of lavender, fresh island bramble and a hint of sweet orange.
They released their second gin – “Croc Rock” – in April 2021, appropriately named after the island’s iconic Crocodile Rock. Then came “Restoration Gin” in November 2022, a percentage of profits go towards the regeneration of Millport’s beloved Town Hall.
Currently, the lovely group have their store open in Millport town and have been running gin tastings and tours since Summer 2021. They also run seasonal events such as cocktail-making, lamp-making, and other workshops – so keep an eye out!
Here’s a video of our recent visit:
You can find the Isle of Cumbrae Gin Distillery Here.
The Sensory Trail takes you around Cumbrae’s 10-mile coastline, giving you the opportunity to delight in the island’s nature, wildlife, sandy bays and pebble beaches, sea life, and beautiful scenery.
There are five Sensory Point Markers on the trail where you can just pause in peaceful and calming surroundings. They look like this:
These are at five coastal locations around the Island namely, Farland Point (1), Ballochmartin Bay (2), White Bay (3), Fintry Bay (4), and Sheriff’s Port (5).
With the help of the audio guide below, you can see, taste, smell, touch and listen to aspects of Cumbrae and relax and unwind through this enjoyable and invigorating sensory experience.
You can cycle, walk or drive around the Trail. All markers are near the roadside, apart from Farland Point, which is a short, but level walk.
Look out for the ball at the top of the Sensory Point Markers – touch all five and take with you the gift of luck from the Islanders!
Fancy yourself as an aspiring David Attenborough? Well, you’re in luck.
The island is a paradise for nature-lovers and wildlife watchers with over 125 species of birds, seal colonies, porpoises, and basking sharks.
Around Cumbrae’s coast it’s quite common to see grey seals and harbour porpoises. If you’re lucky, you may even be lucky to see Minke whales, basking sharks, and common dolphins.
💡 Top Tip – You can often see porpoises from the ferry over to the island, so keep an eye out!
You’ll also see a huge variety of birds around the island’s coast. Around Millport itself it’s you’ll see ducks, oystercatchers, red-breasted mergansers as well as the usual gulls. Just make sure they don’t steal your chips!
The Isle of Cumbrae is home to what was crowned “The Narrowest House in World”.
The front of ‘The Wedge’ only measures 47 inches and it has a place in the Guinness Book of Records for being the narrowest ever recorded home. Well… it did until a house in Warsaw, Poland, named the ‘Keret House’ stole the title in 2008, at 32 inches wide.
So, Millport’s Wedge has now claimed the title of ‘Britain’s Narrowest House’.
See what they did with the last letter ‘E’ there? ⤴️ That tickles me every time…
The house gets wider as you move towards the back and is uniquely shaped like a wedge of cheese, hence the name.
Despite the tight squeeze, The Wedge boasts beautiful sea views and it’s right in the middle of Millport town – so no complaints on location!
Unfortunately (as it’s someone’s home) you can’t actually go inside, but make sure you keep an eye out for this bizarre, wee house when you’re in town!
You can find the Cathedral tucked away in the trees just behind the town of Millport. The grounds and building itself are beautiful, so it’s definitely worth the short stroll up from the shorefront to see.
Down the road from The Cathedral, you’ll find the gothic-style Garrison House.
This one has a pretty unique story…
The Garrison house was built in 1745 by Captain James Crawford. It was originally built as the residence for the Captain himself, and his officers of the Revenue Cutter Ship, The ‘Royal George’.
The Royal George Ship was strategically stationed at Millport and played a key role in enforcing customs and excise on the ships passing through the Firth of Clyde. The Ship was also hot on the heels of smugglers who attempted to smuggle all sorts of contraband up the Clyde.
The land that The Garrison House sits on was owned and leased out by the Marquis of Bute back in the day, for the small price of one white rose, to be paid yearly on the 11th of July (I wish my rent was this cheap). If you look to the grounds you’ll see the front garden still has white roses in it to this day.
Today, the Garrison House hosts a cafe, museum, and has some lovely gardens to walk through, or even find a spot for a picnic.
You’ll also find a pretty impressive model railway, based on Millport (with a slightly exaggerated rail network) if you’re into that kind of thing.
At the moment Clyde Charters are only setting off from Largs Marina, but we’re talking with them to arrange a Millport pick-up, possibly in 2022!
There are lighthouses, castles, cairns, caves, and abandoned forts. This is a must-see place for hillwalkers, bird spotting, photographers, and all other outdoorsy types.
You’ll also have an opportunity to see lots of amazing wildlife on this tour, including Cumbrae’s own resident dolphin!
I challenge you to find a golf course with a better outlook than at the Millport Golf Club. Seriously, what a view:
This special golf course is often described as a ‘hidden gem’ by visiting golfers and it’s one of the best ways to take in the surrounding beauty of the island.
Meander around the well-maintained course as you enjoy stunning views across to the Isle of Arran, Bute, and the Ayrshire coast.
During the summer season, full catering and bar facilities are available. Visitors can also organise catering packages including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Don’t fancy the full 18-holes? Not to worry, there’s always crazy golf on the Millport promenade.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on one of the many event weekends, you’re in for a treat. From the Classic Car event in early May, to the Scooter Rally in late August, these are some pretty unique events you’ll find in Millport.
The Island’s flagship event was the Country and Western Music Festival in September where thousands of revelers descend onto the island in fancy dress for live country music, lively bar atmospheres, and fun activities for kids. Sadly the music festival site isn’t taking place this year, but there’ll still be plenty country-themed entertainment around the local pubs!
While exploring the West Bay area, you might notice a particular anomaly in the wall? Indeed, there’s a Cannon embedded in the wall…
…Well, it’s actually a German Howitzer 150mm field gun which was manufactured in Munich for use by the Germans in WW1.
There were originally a pair of these guns in Millport, located around here in the West Bay area. But how did they end up here? Take this story with a pinch of salt.
Well, back in 1919 Millport Burgh was selected, along with many other Scottish burghs, to be given captured German ordnance as a form of memorial from WWI. This act by central government proved to be very unpopular as the public felt they were an unwelcome reminder of the war. Largs had actually been given a machine gun that was in such poor condition they sent it straight back!
So what happened to two guns in Millport’s West Bay? Well as I said, people just didn’t want them here. So, one “disappeared”, which roughly translates to ‘launched into the Clyde’, and the other was buried underneath the seawall here. It’s since become weathered and sits in this state which has caused it to become another unique thing for Millport’s visitors to come and see.
Here’s a way to have some fun while you’re out exploring the island – Geocaching!
Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunting game where participants navigate to coordinates in order to find treasure, or the “geocache”. Geocache come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, and can be anything from boxes, to plastic containers, to film canisters.
Inside the geocache, you’ll find a logbook to sign and some treasure! Take a bit of treasure and replace it with something of your own, to mark your visit.
There’s plenty of geocache to be found on the Isle of Cumbrae, so grab your smartphone and get searching! Click here for more info.
On The Isle of Cumbrae, you’ll find five main nature walks, all of which are equally spectacular.
Whether it’s a hike up to the Glaidstone for 360” panoramic views or a long stroll around the full outer circuit, there’s plenty opportunity to take in the beauty of the island.
So, ditch the car on the mainland, stick on the FitBit, and get those boots strapped up. Here are the best walking routes on the island, complete with pre-loaded Google Maps route buttons.
The Outer Circuit 🥾
As it says on the tin – the whole way round. This main Cumbrae walking route will take you around 3 hours and 15 minutes on foot.
Cumbrae is essentially a big 10-mile loop, but it’s certainly no chore to venture the whole way round, with the wonderful coastal views to be taken in on all sides.
Clockwise or Anti-clockwise? That is the hotly debated question! Some say clockwise is the best. Some say anti-clockwise. I say, if you’re walking, do whatever you want – you’re going the full way round anyway.
💡Top Tip – Always walk on the right-hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic. The locals are well used to walkers & cyclists and are great at giving you enough space, but always err on the side of caution and step in, just in case!
Here’s a few things to keep an eye out for along the way!:
A trek around Cumbrae’s inner circle. Be sure to stop off at the island’s highest point – The Glaidstone viewpoint – for 360-degree panoramic views around the Clyde.
The panoramic views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll look over to the Isles of Arran, Bute, Cumbrae’s little brother ‘Wee Cumbrae’, and of course, back over to Largs on the North Ayrshire coast. On a clear day, you’ll even see as far south as Ailsa Craig!
If you’re up for a challenge, complete both the Inner and Outer circuits in one day!
💡 Top Tip – This route is perfect for dog walkers. Just be careful of what’s coming around the bend and pop your furry friend on the leash when passing the many farms’ lambs and cows.
The Farland Point Route 🥾
Easy on the legs with stunning sea views. This is one for the wildlife watchers!
Head right along Millport’s Victorian promenade, past Kames bay, and keep going a little further, you’ll see a gate. Head through it and that’s you on Farland Point. If you hit the Field Studies Council (FSC) you’ve gone a little too far.
💡Top Tip – Cumbrae is home to over 125 species of birds, seal colonies, porpoises and basking sharks. The Farland Point route is definitely one for the wildlife watchers! Look out for Oystercatchers in the skies, limpets and barnacles in the rock pools, grey seals, and our very own resident dolphin and porpoises in the ocean!
The Targets Walk 🥾
Up close and personal views of Wee Cumbrae, The Isle of Arran, and The Isle of Bute.
From the town, head up to the Millport Golf Club – quite possibly the most scenic course in the world – and join the woodland walking route from there. At the most elevated point you’ll see a spectacular view of Arran’s ‘Sleeping Warrior’.
Follow the path down to the gate at the road and turn right towards the turning point at Fintry Bay. Grab your obligatory ice cream, and head back south towards Millport town via the pavement on the coastal road.
Looking for somewhere to wet the whistle? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Something we always get asked is “well, where’s the best pub in Millport?” and to be honest, it’s not an easy answer.
Even though Millport is only a wee town on a wee Island, there are a number of brilliant options for bars, pubs and beer gardens. Here a few of your choices…
The Millport Pier Hotel 🍺 [Closed 5th – 27th December]
Where: Quayhead Street, KA28 0AP.
What: A Harbour-side hotel and bar with beer garden and sea views.
The Millport Pier Hotel is a welcoming bar and restaurant which can be found next to the pier (funnily enough). You can expect a wide selection of alcohol as well as locally sourced, freshly cooked food.
Our favourite thing about The Millport Pier Hotel is the outside beer garden. It’s a wee sun trap on a nice day and the views across the water are superb – would recommend.
What: A family-friendly pub serving food by the sea.
The Newton Bar is a fantastic bar/restaurant and certainly worth a visit when you come to the Isle of Cumbrae. Visitors always praise the food, and some say it’s the best on the island.
The Newton do ‘Curry Club’ on a Wednesday, and have entertainment including quiz nights, live music and sport. Check out their Facebook Page for more details.
You can expect a great drink selection, a winning atmosphere and really friendly staff. It’s dog friendly too! What’s not to like?
Here you’ll be greeted with lovely staff, great service and a nice local atmosphere.
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, then this might be the one for you. Check out the expansive selection of craft beers and local ales.
Sunny weather? Superb, there’s a lovely wee beer garden out the back door. Pouring with rain? Not to worry! There’s a roaring fireplace inside to warm up. The best of both worlds.
Frasers bar is definitely one of the best pubs in Millport – never a disappointment!
The Tavern is a very welcoming bar with lovely owners. There’s all sorts of entertainment, from bingo to their famous karaoke (usually on a Friday night).
They also tend to play football and other sports on the TV, including the Champions League. Why not have a look or give them a message on their Facebook Page to see what they’ve got on?
Sunny weather, why not have a pint out the back? It’s our favourite beer garden on the island!
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, there are plenty cafes, restaurants, and takeaways in Millport. Here are the best:
The Ritz Café 🍦
Where: 26 Stuart St, KA28 0AJWhat: Retro style, 1950s café with amazing ice cream.The Ritz Café – a much loved local institution. People who have visited Millport over the years all hold fond memories of this place and it’s an iconic part of the island. It is the perfect place to stop if you’re looking for a quick bite or some lunch.At the Ritz you can expect filled rolls, toasties, burgers and – best of all – their famous sweet selection. The café serves all sorts of ice creams, milkshakes, even some tasty puddings and cakes.
Our recommendation: It’s got to be the Marshmallow ice. Vanilla ice cream, melted marshmallow and raspberry sauce. You get a thick layer of warm marshmallow which stays melted on the cold vanilla ice cream – too good!
What: Amazing bakery with fresh, tasty homemade goods.
At Brewbaker, you can expect fresh food that is made with love.
Whether it’s bread, quiche, cookies, cakes, tarts, bagels or muffins – you’ll be sure to find some seriously delicious home baking. The best thing to do is just show up and check the blackboard to see what is fresh out of the oven!
Out with the baking, there’s amazing coffee and some great options if you’re stopping for lunch including their speciality salads.Brewbaker also make their own chocolates and truffles. 🍫
To be honest, they often look too good to eat…
Check out their Facebook page to see some of the recent taste sensations they’ve been baking.
Our recommendation: The famous quiches. They’re undefeated. Wash it down with a Brewbaker Latté.
Where: 24 Glasgow Street, KA28 0DLWhat: Family-run business, providing freshly prepared food, homemade scones and brilliant Italian coffee.The Dancing Midge is a brilliant wee café and is perfect if you’re looking to have brunch in Millport. They serve full breakfasts, French toast, hot rolls, and bagels.If you’re visiting a bit later in the day, why not try one of their burgers or jumbo hotdogs? They’re top drawer.
Our recommendation: It’s got to be the full breakfast. Two slices of bacon, egg, black pudding, haggis, lorne sausage, potato scone, double beans, toast and tea / coffee – the perfect way to fuel yourself for a day exploring the island!
Top Tip: Looking for veggie? The Dancing Midge might be the spot for you. They serve ‘The Midge Vege Breakfast’ and they do an amazing spicy bean burger.
Where: 51-52 Stuart Street, KA28 0AGWhat: Fresh, modernised cafe which serving brilliant coffee, lunch and baked goods.The Round Island Cafe has a wonderful, warm welcome and many describe it as a wee Island gem. On the menu there’s a selection of toasties, baguettes, baked potatoes, salads and soups.They serve cracking homemade specials and all the baking is fresh too. You can even get an amazing Afternoon Tea! (the scones are home made and are to die for).
Our recommendation: Their smoothies are the best. I’d recommend one of their Green smoothies – who knew blended broccoli could taste so good? 🥦
What: Sunset cafe with stunning views out over the Clyde to Arran and Bute.
You’ll find the Fintry Bay Cafe completely secluded on the West side of the Isle of Cumbrae and it’s an obligatory stop if you’re cycling around the island.
On a warm summers day it’s the perfect spot for a break to enjoy an ice cream, milk shake or cold drink. They also have a great selection of fresh baking as well as soups, sandwhiches, salad & pasta boxes.
All the food is fantastic however my favourite part is the amazing views across to Arran and Bute. Check it out:
Our recommendation: Definitely their beef or bean (V) chilli nachos. Served with guacamole, salsa, sour cream and jalapeños. Oh yes.
What: Wonderful cafe in the grounds of the Garrison House.
The Garrison House is a beautifully restored building and fantastic example of 19th Century gothic architecture. At the Garrison you’ll find a lovely enclosed garden, the ‘Museum of the Cumbraes’ and, of course, The Garisson House Cafe.
The cafe serves a wide range of food, so there’s something for everyone. You can expect light bites, healthy options, breakfasts, lunches, hearty meals, smoothies and cafe classics – all at a reasonable price!
Take a seat in the courtyard if there’s good weather, or you can take a seat indoors next to their “music wall of fame”. 🎸
Our recommendation: Try one of the salad boxes! These change from time to time but are always TASTY.
What: The freshest and best burgers in town. fact. [Takeaway only].
If you’re looking for a burger in Millport town, look no further. Get yourself down to see the boys at The Burger Shack for some seriously delicious burgers and fries.
They use 100% aged Scottish beef from the local butcher and freshly bake their own Japanese Hokkaido style buns every time they open. Fresh, local and unbelievably tasty. What’s not to love?
Our recommendation: The Crocodile Style Chicken Burger is the absolute business. Pair that with a side of cajun fries for a mouthwatering combo.
What: A family-friendly pub serving food by the sea. [Takeaway available].
The Newton Bar is a fantastic bar / restaurant and certainly worth a visit when you come to the island. Visitors and locals always highly praise the food, and some say it’s the best place to eat in Millport.
When it comes to the menu you can expect a great selection of meals including steak, burgers, curry and different chicken dishes. Proper tasty stuff.
Our recommendation: Curry Club Wednesdays! Your choice of curry, rice, poppadoms, spiced onions and mixed pakora. All for £14.50 (£12.50 takeaway). Quality.
Millport Pier Hotel 🏨 [Closed 5th – 27th December]
Where: Quayhead Street, KA28 0AP.
What: A Harbour-side hotel and bar with beer garden and sea views.
The Millport Pier Hotel is a welcoming bar and restaurant which can be found (you guessed it) next to the Millport pier. You can expect a wide selection of alcohol as well as locally sourced, freshly cooked food.
Suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and you’ll find classics like haggis, burgers and fish & chips.
If you head to Fraser’s bar you’ll be greeted with lovely staff, a wide range of beers, great service and a nice local atmosphere.
It’s also a great shout for food – whether it’s for lunch or dinner. We’d describe the food as ‘hearty scran’ so you can expect classics like soup, steak pie, scampi, burgers and fish & chips.
What: Award-winning fish and chips [Takeaway only].
You can find Deep-Sea Fish & Chips on the far end of the town, next to the Millport pier. There’s not much to say other than it’s a brilliant Chip Shop with all your classic options. Superb stuff.
Our recommendation: The classic Fish & Chips, but get the fish breaded and load the chips with chip shop curry sauce. Oaft. Wash it down with a pint from the Millport Pier Hotel next door.
Let’s keep Scotland’s landscapes litter free. It should go without saying, but if there’s not a bin nearby, do the right thing by taking it with you. Also, please use recycling points where available.
Crocodile Chippy 🍤 (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
Where: 30 Glasgow St, KA28 0DL
What: Golden deep-fried goodness [Takeaway only].
You’ll find the Crocodile Chippy off the beach right next to Crocodile Rock (funnily enough) and it’s a place that certain to tingle your tastebuds. We love this place, and the menu boasts a lot more than a standard ‘chippy’.
Of course you get your chip shop favourites, but they also serve unreal specials at the weekend which are a bit different. Expect fresh stone-baked pizza, burgers, lamb koftas, and crispy Korean BBQ cauliflower.
Our recommendation: The World Famous ‘Crocodile Style Chips’! Cajun chippy chips and crispy southern fried chicken topped with cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese, buffalo sauce, chipotle mayo and bacon bits. Jeezo… my mouth started watering as I typed that.
Where:33 Stuart Street, KA28 0AJWhat: A lovely deli and bakery which is open all year round.Crocodeli is a smahing wee deli serving a variety of fresh baking including pastries, baguettes and a variety of breads.It’s a fantastic spot for grabbing a coffee, a quick bite or to pack up for a picnic. The produce is always fresh and tasty, and the service is friendly.They’ve also got a lovely selection of cheeses, biscuits, wines, and craft beers to purchase 🍷 Perfect if you’re planning a night in!
Our recommendation: Anything involving the freshly baked bread – it’s the BEST! Try pairing it with one of their signature salads.
Giovanni’s is a cracking place offering takeaway pizza & pasta. Either order directly on +44 7731 418877 or simply pop in.
The pizzas are authentic, stone baked and delicious. Create your own pizza or chose from their tasty range of pastas. There’s also sides available including chips and garlic bread.
From budget hostels to eco-cabins, there’s all sorts of accommodation available on the Isle of Cumbrae.
Whether you’re looking for rural or something a bit more modern, there’s something for every type of traveler on the Island.
Here are 13 places you can stay in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae:
The Bothy – Private & Exclusive Cottage
Figgitoch Farm is situated on the beautiful Isle of Cumbrae with fantastic views of the Firth of Clyde. It’s the perfect place for relaxing, walking, cycling, golfing, painting, or just chilling out. The bothy is a quant farm cottage which has been lovingly restored to a high standard, complete with a private garden and patio.
The College is a Visit Scotland 3 Star Guest House. It is located next to Britain’s smallest cathedral, The Cathedral of The Isles. Both were built at the same time in 1851 by the architect William Butterfield. The College was originally built for students of theology in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
The College was refurbished recently and now allows visitors to enjoy a unique combination of modern luxury and homemade meals in a building full of history and character.
This ground floor villa has stunning views over the sea and is only 100 yards from the sandy beach with tropical palms fronting the promenade and yachts moored out in the sheltered bay. From here you can explore the charm of a seaside town with cafés, shops, bars, and bistro.
A newly furnished and decorated 2 bedroom flat on the seafront. With spectacular sea views, this second floor flat has two double bedrooms, a large living area, a separate kitchen, and a bathroom with shower.
It’s right above The Ritz Cafe, 1 min walk from Quay Head bus stop. On the second floor, the property is well equipped with little luxuries like Egyptian cotton 600 thread count bed linen and big fluffy towels. Perfect for families and couples.
Discover our one-of-a-kind Hot Tub Cabin Concept in Millport.
We think of our unique Cabin Concept as a crossroads where quirky interior design meets eco-consciousness, in a stunning island setting.
The cabins are perfect for couples and small families seeking a premium, relaxing island retreat. They’re also located a short walk from Millport town.
The Croc Rock Studio is a delightful wee ground floor apartment which has fantastic views across to Millport Bay. Look out the window from your comfortable armchair and enjoy amazing views towards the sea and beach.
The carefully designed studio has lots of thoughtful touches and is a place for peace and tranquility. It has also been described as the perfect place for artists and writers. There’s no TV, however you can expect art supplies, super quick broadband, books and games. Plenty to keep you entertained!
Also if you’re a responsible pet owner, then you’re in luck – “nice dugs are welcome!”.
The Millport Pier Hotel has undergone a total refurbishment to the Bar, Restaurant & Kitchen areas. A new wrap around beer garden offers outstanding views over the Newtown bay and a beautiful view south over Wee Cumbrae and Arran The Bar/Restaurant will offer a locally sourced freshly cooked menu with a range of fine wines, Scottish & International beers.
A Holiday studio apartment near to the golf club. The Nest is a small 1st-floor bedsit reflective of Millport’s original accommodation, though lucky enough now to have an inside toilet!
This is one for the digital detoxers! No internet, no sky tv, no gas central heating, no washing machine! Just a place to rest called The Nest, after enjoying the beautiful peaceful island.
Top Tip: If you’re looking for more options, check out the “Millport ‘Staycation’ Accommodation” group on Facebook. The group is for both advertising and finding holiday accommodation in Millport, Cumbrae!
Heaven above the Haven
This is truly a little piece of Heaven in Millport. A three-bedroom flat sleeping 6 with stunning sea views overlooking the Firth of Clyde, across Millport Bay and towards the Isle of Arran in a peaceful and tranquil location at the edge of the town.
Ideally located just a short walk from the sandy beaches of Kames Bay and either a 15-minute walk or short bus journey to the shops of Millport town, Garrison House, and the famous Ritz Cafe.
This Apartment features a private garden and is close to the beach. Complete with wood burning stove, the apartment has 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Pets welcome.
This beachfront apartment was originally part of a small grocer’s shop and is grade C listed. The building dates from the 1830s and has been carefully stripped back inside to provide a compact, quirky space to enjoy.
A kitchen/ living room with a cosy wood burner looks out to Kames Bay, and on a summer morning, with the window open, you’ll be able to hear the waves and the call of the seabirds.
Millport Holiday Park is a friendly, family orientated Static Caravan Park & Touring Site. It has a private play park, a games room, a coin-operated laundry & a coin-operated shower block. It is situated only a 5-minute walk from the main seafront of Millport and just a 2-minute walk from the Golf Club. It boasts fantastic views across the Firth of Clyde to Argyle, Bute & Wee Cumbrae. No dogs. Linen hire costs £15.
This is a unique and quirky cottage. Accessed from the road by a few stone steps, the cottage is tucked away behind other buildings, making it a quiet and peaceful haven. It has its own private garden, and we welcome up to two dogs- no extra charge!
Great news! There’s plenty of more fun to be had across the water…
Let’s check out all of the best things to get up to:
Visit the Largs Pencil Monument ✏️
The Pencil monument stands at about 70 feet tall and towers over the Largs coastline. It was built in 1912 to commemorate the Battle of Largs (1263) when we defeated the Vikings of Norway on the shorefront.
Largs has since become famous for its Viking connections and has been given the nickname ‘Viking Town’. You’ll find all sorts of Viking references throughout the town, from the Viking Chippy to the ‘Vikingar!’ leisure centre.
Largs even host an annual Viking Festival to give people a glimpse of what life was like in a 13th Century Viking Village.
The Pencil can be found along at the end of the prom, near the Largs Marina.
Another reference to the town’s Viking roots – Magnus the Viking. Magnus was given his spot on Largs prom in 2013 which marked the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Largs (1263).
You’ll find this big guy right across the road from the world-famous Nardini’s. In fact, you can’t really miss him as you’re walking along the prom.
It’s a great photo opportunity and you might even find him dressed up depending on the season. He’s been spotted wearing football scarves, santa hats and has even been wearing his facemask throughout lockdown.
Along at the edge of town, you’ll find the Largs Yacht Haven which hosts all sorts of fun for water lovers. Whether you’re a boat owner or someone who’s just visiting, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
The marina offers private boat tours from the likes of Clyde Charters or Sea Clyde Private Charters which is an amazing opportunity to see the surrounding islands from a different perspective. You’ll find all sorts of wildlife on these tours including dolphins, seals, sea birds and porpoises – so keep those eyes peeled!
The marina also is home to a contemporary bistro offering great coffee and light lunches called Bosun’s Table as well as a quality restaurant called Scott’s. Whether you’re looking for a coffee pit-stop or a night of dinner and cocktails, the marina has you covered.
Thinking of booking a boat tour?: You should check out Daniel’s ‘Voyage to Wee Cumbrae‘ blog where he talks about his recent boat tour with Clyde Charters to the uninhabited island of ‘Wee Cumbrae’.
Visit Kelburn Castle & Country Centre 🏰
Now, this is probably my favourite place to visit in Largs – Kelburn Estate. You’ll find it on the outskirts of Largs, an additional 15-minute walk out from the marina.
Kelburn is great fun for all ages, whether you’re a family looking for a day out, or a couple looking for an adventure. You can expect woodland walking routes, waterfalls, a beautiful walled garden, and a (very) eye catching castle.
The psychedelic mural was painted on the castle in 2007 by Brazilian street artists and its brought some serious colour to Kelburn Estate ever since.
For children, you’ll find lots of play areas including the outdoor Adventure Course, Secret Forest, Wild West Saloon and the indoor Playbarn.
Kelburn is also famous for its many unusual trees, two of which have been recognised by the Forestry Commission in the Top 100 most important ‘heritage’ trees in Scotland.
There’s all sorts of fun to be had, so grab those walking boots and get ready to explore the wonders of the enchanted forest. Once you’re finished, you can stop off at the on-site café for some food and refreshments.
Feeling active? Well maybe this will be up your street.
Largs is home to the state-of-the-art Inverclyde Sports Centre which offers a wide range of activities for both members and guests. There are basketball courts, tennis courts, football pitches, fitness studios, a golf course, and a gymnastic hall.
If you’re visiting in a small group, you might be interested in trying their gym, tennis, badminton, table tennis, golf-training, archery or maybe even one of their fitness classes!
Geraldo’s is Ayrshire’s 1st ever 5-Star Tourist Shop and you’ll find it a short 2-minute walk away from the ferry slip.
Primarily this family-run business sells some seriously tasty ice cream (which is produced on-site), but it’s also the perfect place to pick up a nice souvenir!
They specialise in handmade chocolates, gift hampers, and a range of unique and unusual gifts that change throughout the seasons. You’ll also find a wide range of premium spirits from all across the country.
This one is a must do if you’re visiting Largs for the first time – a walk along the prom.
The Largs promenade stretches from Aubrey Park to the Largs Marina and it takes 45-minutes to walk the full length. The seafront boasts incredible views across the River Clyde and towards Bute, Cumbrae and the Isle of Arran.
The good news is, you’re already on the route as you exit the Isle of Cumbrae to Largs ferry. A quick left turn will take you to a lovely, pebbled beach as well as the promenade lined with palm trees. Here you can also see ‘Magnus the Viking’ or grab an ice cream from Nardini’s.
Most of the walk, however, can be found by turning right as you come off the ferry. As you make your way over to the marina, make sure to take in those views. There’s plenty of nice spots to stop including the many colourful benches, large grass areas, parks, and a lovely sandy bay.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the Largs War Memorial and the Pencil Monument along the way!
As you’ll probably know, Largs is a cracking wee seaside town on the west coast of Scotland.
Coming from someone who was born and raised here, it took a bit of travelling, living in a city and returning to Largs a few years later, before truly appreciating how lucky I am to live here.
We’re surrounded by wonderful west coast countryside, the Clyde river, and have spectacular views across the Isle of Arran and Isle of Cumbrae.
We’ve even got a promenade lined with palm trees, so when the sun is shining, it’s a tropical paradise. Okay… maybe that’s pushing it a bit, but there’s no denying the natural beauty of Scotland’s west coast and our hometown of Largs.
So, to help you plan your next visit here, let’s take a look at some of our favourite Things to Do, Walking Routes, Places to Eat and Places to Drink. Hopefully, this will give you some inspiration…
The Pencil monument stands at about 70 feet tall and towers over the Largs coastline. It was built in 1912 to commemorate the Battle of Largs (1263) when we defeated the Vikings of Norway on the shorefront.
Largs has since become famous for its Viking connections and has been given the nickname ‘Viking Town’. You’ll find all sorts of Viking references throughout the town, from the Viking Chippy to the ‘Vikingar!’ leisure centre.
Largs even host an annual Viking Festival to give people a glimpse of what life was like in a 13th Century Viking Village.
The Pencil can be found along at the end of the prom, near the Largs Marina.
Visit Magnus the Viking
Another reference to the town’s Viking roots – Magnus the Viking. Magnus was given his spot on Largs prom in 2013 which marked the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Largs (1263).
You’ll find this big guy right across the road from the world-famous Nardini’s. In fact, you can’t really miss him as you’re walking along the prom.
It’s a great photo opportunity and you might even find him dressed up depending on the season. He’s been spotted wearing football scarves, santa hats and has even been wearing his facemask throughout lockdown.
Visit the Largs Marina
Along at the edge of town, you’ll find the Largs Yacht Haven which hosts all sorts of fun for water lovers. Whether you’re a boat owner or someone who’s just visiting, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
The marina offers private boat tours from the likes of Clyde Charters or Sea Clyde Private Charters which is an amazing opportunity to see the surrounding islands from a different perspective. You’ll find all sorts of wildlife on these tours including dolphins, seals, sea birds and porpoises – so keep those eyes peeled!
The marina also is home to a contemporary bistro offering great coffee and light lunches called Bosun’s Table as well as a quality restaurant called Scott’s. Whether you’re looking for a coffee pit-stop or a night of dinner and cocktails, the marina has you covered.
Thinking of booking a boat tour?: You should check out Daniel’s ‘Voyage to Wee Cumbrae‘ blog where he talks about his recent boat tour with Clyde Charters to the uninhabited island of ‘Wee Cumbrae’.
Visit Kelburn Castle & Country Centre
Now, this is probably my favourite place to visit in Largs – Kelburn Estate. You’ll find it on the outskirts of Largs, an additional 15-minute walk out from the marina.
Kelburn is great fun for all ages, whether you’re a family looking for a day out, or a couple looking for an adventure. You can expect woodland walking routes, waterfalls, a beautiful walled garden, and a (very) eye catching castle.
The psychedelic mural was painted on the castle in 2007 by Brazilian street artists and its brought some serious colour to Kelburn Estate ever since.
For children, you’ll find lots of play areas including the outdoor Adventure Course, Secret Forest, Wild West Saloon and the indoor Playbarn.
Kelburn is also famous for its many unusual trees, two of which have been recognised by the Forestry Commission in the Top 100 most important ‘heritage’ trees in Scotland.
There’s all sorts of fun to be had, so grab those walking boots and get ready to explore the wonders of the enchanted forest. Once you’re finished, you can stop off at the on-site café for some food and refreshments.
Inverclyde Sports Centre
Feeling active? Well maybe this will be up your street.
Largs is home to the state-of-the-art Inverclyde Sports Centre which offers a wide range of activities for both members and guests. There are basketball courts, tennis courts, football pitches, fitness studios, a golf course, and a gymnastic hall.
If you’re visiting in a small group, you might be interested in trying their gym, tennis, badminton, table tennis, golf-training, archery or maybe even one of their fitness classes!
Geraldo’s is Ayrshire’s 1st ever 5-Star Tourist Shop and you’ll find it a short 2-minute walk away from the ferry slip.
Primarily this family-run business sells some seriously tasty ice cream (which is produced on-site), but it’s also the perfect place to pick up a nice souvenir!
They specialise in handmade chocolates, gift hampers, and a range of unique and unusual gifts that change throughout the seasons. You’ll also find a wide range of premium spirits from all across the country.
Whether you’re going on a day trip or a full-on island retreat, the Isle of Cumbrae is a must visit! At only an 8-minute ferry from Largs pier, Cumbrae is known as “Scotland’s Most Accessible Island”.
If you’re looking to plan a trip to the island, we’ve written the ‘Ultimate Guide‘ to the island. Check it out:
This one is a must do if you’re visiting Largs for the first time – a walk along the prom.
The Largs promenade stretches from Aubrey Park to the Largs Marina and it takes 45-minutes to walk the full length. The seafront boasts incredible views across the River Clyde and towards Bute, Cumbrae and the Isle of Arran.
Using the Largs ferry terminal as a starting point, a quick turn up the coast will take you to a lovely, pebbled beach as well as the promenade lined with palm trees. Here you can also see ‘Magnus the Viking’ or grab an ice cream from Nardini’s.
Most of the walk, however, can be found by heading south. As you make your way over to the marina, make sure to take in those views. There’s plenty of nice spots to stop including the many colourful benches, large grass areas, parks, and a lovely sandy bay.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the Largs War Memorial and the Pencil Monument along the way!
Our Top Tip: If the weather is nice, take a walk along to the marina around lunchtime and enjoy a half-way stop at Scott’s to refuel. Get yourself a seat outside, enjoy some lunch and wash it down with a cold pint – superb. I’d recommend Classic Fish & Chips or the Beef Burger with Chilli & Parmesan Fries.
THE BEST WALKING ROUTES
Already walked the prom? Not to worry, Largs boasts loads of great walking routes with some stunning views of the coast, using the ferry terminal as a starting point. Here are my favourties:
The Gretta Falls Walk
The Gretta (Greeto) Falls is a fantastic walk towards the hills at the back of Largs town. You can expect amazing views over the coastline and the Gogo river which runs through the valley of the hills.
It’s a really popular walk for families and dog walkers and you’ll find some lovely streams and waterfalls at the top.
The walk to the waterfall takes around 1 hour from the foot of the hill and you can simply follow the wide path (there’s a distinct road which has been made for hydo construction works).
On a nice day it’s a lovely place to visit and you can even go for a dip in the water if you’re feeling brave enough. Here’s me taking the plunge:
If you do fancy a dook, please make sure you stay safe in the cold water. You can do this by taking the advice of Scottish Fire & Rescue and cluing yourself up on water safety.
Lastly, here’s your route from the Largs ferry slip:
The Largs Sundial Walk
A walk ‘up the Sundial’ offers superb panoramic views of the coastline and pretty much the full town of Largs. It’s also a great opportunity to walk through some of the local parks which you’ll find along the way.
From the ferry slip, it’s a 20-minute walk along the prom and up towards Anderson Park. It’s worth a walk through here on the way, especially if it’s springtime as the cherry blossom trees will be out in full force!
Continue across the road to Douglas Park. Follow the road through to the back of the park and keep the tennis court to your right-hand side. From here, you can follow a path up the back of the hills.
This part of the walk takes an additional 30 minutes, with some pretty steep hills and stairs, but it’s all worth it when you reach the sundial at the top.
Check out that view (not Daniel, although he’s looking not too bad):
Also, here’s your route:
Top Tip: Leave nothing but footprints!
Let’s keep Scotland’s landscapes litter free. It should go without saying, but if there’s not a bin nearby, do the right thing by taking it with you. Also, please use recycling points where available.
Knock Hill Walk
Climbing up to the Knock Hill summit is the most challenging out of all the Largs walking routes, but it also offers the best views. At 268 meters above sea level, Largs and the Firth of Clyde has never looked so good. It’s also the best way to see the wonderful Isle of Cumbrae, in all its glory.
This walk starts from the seafront and continues up past the Routenburn golf course. From there, the route soon leads onto the side of the course. Once you get to the top it’s pretty spectacular, here’s a quick video I took:
On the way back down, you can chose to complete the entire ‘Knock Hill Circular‘ walk or you can come back the same way you came.
Some of the terrain on this part of the walk is pretty boggy, especially in the winter time, so walking boots are required!
Google maps were pretty useless for making a route for this one but it’s pretty well explained online already. You can read the full description and download your walking route here.
Quad Rocks Walk
A walk up to the Quad Rocks offers another impressive view over the full town of Largs, the coast, and over to Arran, Bute & Cumbrae, just from a different perspective. Just check out that view!:
The rocks are a popular spot for rock climbers or those who are looking for a hike with a smashing view.
From the ferry up to the Quad Rocks themselves, it’ll take you about 1 hour in total. The first 30 minutes is through the town and to the car park at the back of Inverclyde Sports Centre.
From the electric car charging point head up the hill, but stick by the river to the right. Don’t take the new pathway to the left (although that’s a great walk too!). Keep right and you’ll shortly come across a gorge where you can cross the river. Continue following the blazen trail, you’ll see the Quad Rocks and you can storm right up there, climbing a couple of fences as you go. This terrain here is pretty steep and uneven in parts, so it’s another one where walking boots are recommended!
Feeling hungry? Largs is packed with amazing places to eat. Whether you’re after a lovely restaurant, a quality takeaway or some seriously good pub grub, the town has it all.
So, let’s get right into it. In no particular order, here’s all the best places to eat in Largs…
Room
What: Modern restaurant and cocktail bar.
Where: 48-52 Gallowgate St, KA30 8LZ
Room is an award-winning family-friendly restaurant, located just off the seafront in Largs.
Whether it’s the Katsu chicken curry, their famous enchiladas, or a make-your-own-pizza for the kids, there’s something for everyone here, with tastes influenced from across the globe.
It also has a really modern bar and seating area, in case you’re only interested in drinks. You can expect a wide range of premium spirits and tasty cocktails.
The Three Reasons
What: Pub serving quality food.
Where: 14 Gallowgate St, KA30 8LX
You only need one reason to go here. The top-quality pub grub. The fact they are #1 of 26 restaurants in Largs on TripAdvisor says it all, really.
Being from Largs ourselves, The Three Reasons is our personal favourite. Stuart always has an exciting guest ale on too.
Allegria
What: Family-owned Italian Eatery
Where: 86 Gallowgate St, KA30 8LZ
Allegria is a fantastic, family owned Italian restaurant which you’ll find located on the Largs seafront. It’s got lovely, modern interior and it’s one of our favourites in town.
You can expect a warm welcome at Allegria and incredibly tasty food which is “prepared with love and passion”. Nice one.
Koh-I-Noor
What: Indian restaurant serving fresh curries.
Where: 43 Main St, KA30 8AE
If you fancy something a bit different, this might be the shout. Koh-I-Noor is a proper good Indian restaurant which is certain to satisfy all your curry and pakora needs.
Fresh ingredients, traditional curries, and just an all-round quality restaurant – would recommend!
Tintos Tapas
What: Spanish tapas bar.
Where: 1 Boyd Street, KA30 8LD
Tintos is an authentic Spanish Tapas Bar which has a good few venues across Glasgow and the West of Scotland, including our very own in Largs.
The restaurant is quite small so it’s a nice, snug atmosphere and I guarantee the food will not disappoint. You can expect all the Spanish traditional food and drink like paella, patatas bravas, prawn dishes, Spanish meats, sangria and cocktails.
They also do half price tapas every Tuesday from 5pm!
Fish Works
What: Quality fish & chips, sit-in and takeaway.
Where: 3 The Promenade, KA30 8BG
If you think of a day trip to Largs, you think ice cream, coastal views and, probably most of all, fish & chips. You’ll find tons of chippy’s in Largs, some better than others, but in my opinion, Fish Works is the best of the best.
The produce is completely fresh, sustainably sourced, and delivered daily. Expect top-quality Scottish seafood with the best views of Firth of Clyde.
You’ll find classics like fish & chips but also twists on the traditional like fresh langoustine tails, calamari, seasonal fish, and good old-fashioned fish finger butties.
Nardini’s
What: Ice cream parlor and cafe.
Where:2 Greenock Road, KA30 8NF
Probably the most well-known and loved establishment in the town of Largs – Nardini’s Cafe.
There are world-famous ice cream sundaes, continental sandwiches, fish teas, and proper Italian coffee & pastries. It’s considered “Scotland’s Most Famous Cafe” for a reason and you won’t be disappointed if you visit.
Toni Macaroni
What: Italian Restaurant.
Where:2 Greenock Road, KA30 8NF
Real Italian food. ‘Tony Macs‘ has become an institution for classic Italian food, with 17 locations across Scotland.
You’ll find this located in the same building as Nandini’s, towards the back of the ice cream parlour.
Here you can expect quality pizza, pasta, burgers and all sorts of Italian classics. You won’t be disappointed.
Our recommendation: Can’t choose what to eat at Tony Macs? Go ‘Jimmy Style’ by eating half pizza and half pasta, just bring someone to share with!
Scott’s
What: Quality bar & restaurant.
Where: Largs Yacht Haven, KA30 8EZ
As mentioned, Scott’s can be found in the heart of the Largs Yacht Haven, right next to the waterfront.
The restaurant itself is really modern and is a great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They serve some fantastic seafood, steak and traditional Scottish breakfasts in the mornings.
They have plenty of outdoor seating, making it the perfect place to sit outside on a nice day. There’s also outside heating in in case it gets chilly.
As soon as you come off the ferry, you’ll see a big Wetherspoons pub next to the slipway. What we want you to do is, well… walk right past it.
Largs is packed with quality bar/restaurants and pubs and we’d love for you to support the local businesses when possible!
If you’re looking for a modern cocktail bar in the middle of town, check out Room or Lounge. You could also take a stroll out to Scott’s at the marina for a cocktail. Fancy a wide selection of beers combined with some of the best pub-grub in town? Then check out the Three Reasons.
Now, let’s have a look at your other options:
Ye Olde Anchor Inn
What: Cosy, traditional and very friendly pub.
Where:36 Gallowgate Street, KA308
This place has a lot of character and is a local favourite – the Ye Olde Anchor Inn. It’s a traditional pub which can be found a couple of minutes walk from the ferry slip (quite handy if you need to stagger back to Cumbrae afterwards).
It can be described as snug and charming. You’ll find that it can be very lively and have a fantastic atmosphere at the weekends. You’ll often find live music playing including someone on the accordion.
JG Sharps
What: Family-run pub with beer garden.
Where: 34-36 Nelson Street KA30 8LW
JG Sharps is a traditional, family-run pub which is located a short walk from the Largs seafront.
They’ve got a great selection of beers, wines & spirits and they’ll often have live sports on the TV. Our favourite part, however, is the beer garden out the back – a brilliant spot for a pint on a warm day!
Drouthy Neebors
What: Nice pub playing live sport.
Where:80 Main Street, KA30 9AL
Formerly known as McCabes, Drouthy Neebors is a family friendly sports bar and restaurant. They have a nice wee beer garden and a wide range of tasty pub grub.
It’s also very handy if you’re coming to Largs via the train, as it’s right next to the station!
The Waterside
What: Pub with a variety of live music.
Where:14 Bath Street, KA30 8BL
Looking for a pub with some live music? Well, The Waterside might be the one for you.
They provide all sorts musical entertainment at the weekend, including Karaoke on Fridays and live bands on Saturdays. They also have a variety of music on Sundays, from traditional Scottish music to Jazz.
All the best things to do & see, walking routes, places to eat and places to catch a drink in the town of Largs.
As promised, there’s plenty of more fun to be had across the water, just make sure you check the times for the last ferry! We can’t have you stuck on the mainland…
Millport is known for its beautiful scenery, beaches, cycling, and… shopping?
Well… not necessarily.
Saying that, there are some brilliant wee shops that are always worth dropping into whilst you’re visiting the Isle of Cumbrae.
Spoiler alert: you won’t find any big supermarkets or shopping centres here!
Besides, it’s always best to spend local! Make sure to shop in the local businesses and you’ll leave with the good feeling that you’ve supported our island community.
Here’s a list of some of Millport’s best souvenir shops, gift shops, toy shops, convenience stores, essential shops, and places to buy food & drink…
Please note: In the winter months some local businesses reduce opening hours. We recommend phoning ahead.
A list of all the best shops for buying food and drink in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae…
Cumbrae Butchers 🥧
Address: 25 Guildford Street, KA28 0AB
Tel📞 : 01475 531007
Newly taken over in 2022, the family-run Cumbrae Butchers offers a brilliant selection of fresh meats, including pies, steaks, kebab meat and chicken skewers. Perfect for a BBQ out in the sun or a home-cooked meal.
They also serve delicious pies hot out the oven (perfect if you’re feeling too lazy to cook!).
Brewbaker is a fantastic café known for its baking, great coffee, and artisan delights. The menu often changes, but you’ll find the owner Johanna serving up whatever is freshly made on the day.
Beyond the fantastic baking, Brewbaker also makes their own chocolates and truffles.
Crocodeli is a smashing wee deli known for its takeaway lunches and fresh baking including pastries, baguettes and a variety of breads.
It’s also a bit of a hidden gem for food and drink shopping in Millport as you’ll find a nice variety of cheeses, nibbles, chutneys, craft beers and wines. Sounds like a recipe for a night-in to me!
Hephzi Bee Gift Shop is a lovely wee sweetie shop which you’ll find opposite the Millport Pier.
They sell Porelli’s ice cream, retro sweets, pick’n’mix, cold drinks, fresh coffee, and sweet gifts. You’ll be able to pick yourself up a souvenir here too!
At the Cumbrae Laundry & Eco-Shop, you can either use their coin-operated self-service machines, or they’ll happily offer you wash, dry, fold, and ironing services.
They offer eco cleaning products, bamboo products and items to help you reduce single-use plastics – nice one!
They also have ambitions to sell re-fill food products in the future (but not quite yet).
Shopping in Millport certainly isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you’re thinking about going on a shopping spree, but for a wee town on a wee island, there are plenty of local businesses to choose from.
Always remember to do your bit and shop local, whenever you can!
It helps small businesses and gives you the feel-good factor that you’ve supported the community that you’re visiting – what’s not to love!?
Thanks, and hope you have a brilliant visit 😊
Before You Go…Fancy a Unique Stay on The Isle of Cumbrae?…
Check out our One-of-a-kind Cabin Concept in Millport.
Welcome to the next generation of self-catering accommodation in Scotland.
We think of our unique Cabin Concept as a crossroads where quirky interior design meets eco-consciousness, in a stunning island setting.
Where: 15 Stuart Street, KA28 0HJ
