There’s a picture of me, my brother and sister in Millport from the early 90s, all wild hair, skint knees and coordinated shorts and tshirts. We’re on a summer day trip to the Isle of Cumbrae, an annual feature of my childhood.
In the background you can see Mapes of Millport, the toy shop on the main street that has been there for over 75 years. It’s where we used to pick up water balloons, jokes or tricks when we were wee and it is still there today. They also still have the cycle hire store that you may remember from growing up - a bike around the island, in a variety of weather conditions, was a rite of passage for Glaswegians on a summer trip to the west coast.
When I took my own kids on a summer day trip I found that Millport still has a nostalgia tinged charm, there are new things to discover and an ice cream reward still awaits when you return to Largs at Nardini’s.
There are few Scottish summer day trips that feel as effortlessly nostalgic as a visit to Millport. Sitting on the island of Great Cumbrae, the town is just a short ferry ride from Largs, making it one of the easiest island escapes from Glasgow and the west coast, although like any island crossing in Scotland these days it’s best to check the CalMac website in advance.
The crossing takes around ten minutes, yet arriving in Millport feels like stepping into a slower, sunnier version of Scotland.
Summer is when the island comes alive. Families spill onto the promenade with ice creams, cyclists set off around the island’s famous coastal loop, and visitors gather on the waterfront to watch boats drift across the Firth of Clyde.
The island’s circular road stretches for roughly ten miles, making it one of Scotland’s favourite cycling destinations. Many visitors hire bikes as soon as they arrive and spend the day exploring quiet bays, rocky coves and sea views towards Arran and the mainland.
One of Millport’s most famous landmarks is Crocodile Rock, a seaside boulder painted to resemble a crocodile. Generations of visitors have climbed onto it for photographs, and it remains one of the island’s most recognisable sights. Nearby beaches provide sheltered spots for paddling and picnics.
1. Millport
Crocodile Rock by the beach is a symbol of Millport’s playful spirit and a sign that this has been a place for kids for generations. A local man named Robert Brown was the mastermind behind this unusual beachside attraction, it's been there since 1913. | Visit Scotland
2. Millport
I remember playing Millport crazy golf when I was young and I'm glad it's still there. We managed a couple of holes in one while completing the 16 hole course. | Millport
3. Garrison House
Garrison House has been a great addition to a day trip to Millport. The town of Millport owes its origins in the 1700s to the people who attempted to smuggle contraband into the Clyde and to those who tried to stop them. This building was the residence of the captain and officers of the Revenue Sailing Ship. Built in 1745 and restored after a fire in 2001, it's now a library, museum and cafe. | Garrison House
4. Garrison House
The Garrison Funfair is by the garden with some inflatables, slides and rides for the kids, continuing a local tradition of summer fairground attractions. The huts that Glasgow schools would rent on excursions to the island are still behind the main building. The Garrison House Cafe run by Kenny and Lynn Bogan is a great places for a soup and a sandwich. | Garrison House