About Pencil Beach
This sheltered Largs cove offers an ideal spot for little ones taking their first dips in Scottish waters, with convenient parking close by though facilities are limited.
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Really nice view. I love walking here with my dog. It has plenty information about the monument too if you're into that sort of thing
· via Google
Situated on a small peninsula close to Largs Marina. This monument commemorates the Battle of Largs where in 1263 a large Viking fleet invasion jnder command of King Haakon lV was repulsed by King Alexander lll's Scottish forces. The vikings had been hampered by a fierce storm in the Firth of Clyde which aided the Scots defence. In Largs town you can visit the Vikingar Exhibition with its great audio/ visual displays The pencil monument was erected in 1912.
· via Google
We used to call this the Needle and would go there as kids. I'd completely forgotten all the history and information of course 40 years later so was happy to read the information sign. It would be so brilliant to be able to see inside one day...maybe doors open day??? The walk from the car park can take as long as you want, if you have a child, you can stop on the grass, climb trees, play on pretend toadstools, sit on benches, play in streams, go down to the beach, peer at the boats, watch the sailing classes, look in the marina shops and cafe, in reality the walk can be 10mins at the most to get there! Dogs love this place too and people do seem to clean up after their dogs because my youngest was doing gymnastics on the grass and was safe! I mean she got dirty but not from dog poppy!!! And the sea is near for a clean!
· via Google
We visited Largs whilst on holiday locally. Lovely busy seaside town. Decided to visit the pencil monument as we'd seen it as a local landmark. It's a nice walk along the coastline on a sunny day which it was .
· via Google
Visitors say this monument offers beautiful panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde and surrounding islands, and provides historical information about the Battle of Largs. They also highlight the peaceful setting, making it a great place for a walk or photography. Others mention the convenient parking and the pleasant coastal walk to reach it.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Largs Get directions
- Category
- Beaches & Coastline
- Guest rating
- 4.5 / 5 (450 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- No
- Destination
- Largs