Largs and Great Cumbrae Island

The award winning Vikingar! at the north end of the promenade is a multi-media exhibition which fully describes the Viking influence in Scotland, which ended with the Battle of Largs in 1263 (see below). Other facilities include a theatre and cinema, swimming pool, café, bar and gift shop. Info: Apr-Sep Mon-Fri and Sun 1030-1730, Sat 1230-1530; Oct and Mar Mon-Fri and Sun 1030-1530, Sat 1230-1530; Nov and Feb Sat 1230-1530, Sun 1030-1530. £3.80, children £2.90. Tel 689777, The Vikingar

The Battle of Largs is commemorated by the Pencil Monument, about a mile south of town along the shoreline footpath. The defeat of the Vikings by the Scots effectively marked the end of Norse sovereignty over the mainland and Western Isles.

Hidden away in Largs' Old Kirk on Bellman's Close, just off the High Street, is Skelmorlie Aisle, an absolute gem of Renaissance architecture unique in Scotland. Built in 1636 as a mausoleum for Sir Robert Montgomerie of Skelmorlie and his wife, the burial vault sits within an aisle with a richly painted timber barrel-vaulted roof. The decoration features the family coat of arms, biblical scenes and representations of the four seasons. The tomb was decorated by Scottish masons following Italian patterns and also includes the coat of arms. Info: Jun-Aug Mon-Fri 1400-1700; keys from museum next door. Free.

A few miles south of Largs on the A78 is Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, the 13th-century home of the Earls of Glasgow, which boasts a vast range of activities designed for kids. As well as the castle itself, there's a walled garden, secret forest, horse riding, adventure playground, Marine assault course and a woodland glen with a network of trails leading past waterfalls. Info: Tel 568685, The Kelburn Country Centre Easter-end-Oct daily 1000-1800. £4.50, concession £3. Guided tours of castle every afternoon from Jul to Aug, an extra £1.50 per person.Take bus 585 from Largs station.

You can also take a boat trip during July and August from Largs to Rothesay and the Kyles of Bute with Clyde Marine Cruises of Greenock, Tel 01475-721281. The old paddle steamer Waverley departs from Largs on Tuesdays during the summer, Tel 0141-2218152, to Arran and Bute. Details also available from the tourist office.

Great Cumbrae Island

Only a few minutes from Largs by ferry is the hilly island of Great Cumbrae. At only four miles long and a couple of miles wide, it's ideally suited for a day or half-day trip from Largs and is best explored on foot or by bike. Great Cumbrae is a major water sports centre and Millport beach is a popular place for windsurfing. The only settlement of any size is Millport, which is home to Europe's smallest cathedral, the beautiful Cathedral of the Isles, built in the mid-19th century. Info: Daily 1100-1600 except during services.

About a mile east of town is the Marine Life Museum, part of Glasgow University Marine Biology department, which contains an excellent aquarium. Info: Mon-Fri 0930-1215 and 1400-1645; Jul-Sep also Sat. £1.50, £0.75 children. Tel 530581.The nicest parts of the island are away from Millport and are best explored by bike. The 14-mile main road runs right round the edge of the island, or there's a narrow Inner Circle Road which passes The Glaidstone (417 ft), the highest point on the island. More information on these cycle routes is available from the TIC.