Millport Tourist Information |
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Millport is the main town on Great Cumbrae, which sits in the Firth of Clyde off the Ayrshire coast. The small island is less than 4 km in length and only 127 meters above sea level at its peak, but its strategic situation led to it being used as a base for Customs and Excise. Officers were able to keep a wary eye on goods and shipping and were able to control the flourishing smuggling trade. Visitors to Millport will notice that most of the street names are common surnames – Crawford street, Miller Street, Crichton Street and Howard Street to name but a few. They were all crew members of the 18th century Revenue cutter, the Royal George. The Garrison House also dates back to this period in Millport's history. It was constructed in 1745 and has been the Captain's mansion, the home of the Earl of Glasgow and is now used as a community hall and houses the interesting Museum of the Cumbraes, the model railway club and the Garrison Café. In WWI Millport was a listening post for enemy submarines and today nuclear submarines and cruise ships still use this narrow passage. Present Day Millport Most of the houses in Millport are of Victorian and Edwardian vintage and lie to the east and west of the harbour. The lovely Cathedral of the Isles is not surprisingly the smallest cathedral in the UK and seats just 100 worshippers. Millport's main claim to fame, besides the tiny cathedral, is the world's narrowest house nicknamed the “Wedge”. Millport town has a good range of shops from newsagents to electrical and hardware stores. As the island is a ferry ride away from Largs it needs to be pretty self-sufficient. The town has a small garage selling fuel, but most locals get around on bicycles, hence the three bicycle repair shops in the town! Day trippers and long-term visitors will enjoy taking the trip “doon the watter” on a ferry or on a River Clyde paddle steamer. Those arriving in their own small craft can use the free visitor moorings at the western end of the town. Advertising itself as “No delays, no passport, no language barriers” Millport is just an hour's sailing time from the city of Glasgow and ten minutes ferry crossing from Largs. Things to do in Millport Visitors to Millport can enjoy a relaxing stroll on the beach, safe bathing on a summer's day, windsurfing, renting a boat, buying an icecream on the promenade, spotting seabirds or watching the spectacular sunset over the Isles. The Marine Research Station houses a fascinating museum and aquarium. Hikers can walk the circumference of the island passing ancient standing stones along the way with buzzards, kestrels and seals for company. Crocodile rock with its jagged white teeth and red sandstone head is a popular landmark. As Scotland is the home of golf, it is fitting to play a round of golf on the 18-hole golf course with spectacular views across the Arran hills. The Bowling Club is another popular attraction. Fly fishing can be enjoyed at the local reservoir, or go sea fishing for mackerel from the rocks at Farland Point. Visitors to Millport in September should definitely bring their nine gallon hat and join in the annual Country and Western Festival.
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Directions
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Attractions near Millport
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Mount Stuart
(4 Miles)*
Mount Stuart, a spectacular Victorian Gothic house, is the magnificent architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute (1847-1900) and the Scottish architect Robert Rowland Anderson. |
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Kelburn Castle & Country Centre
(4 Miles)*
Kelburn Castle provides an impressive background to exotic gardens, famous trees and many features of historical interest. |
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Vikingar
(5 Miles)*
The award winning Vikingar! is situated in the beautiful coastal town of Largs, and has views over the Firth of Clyde, the Isles of Cumbrae and beyond. |
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Sponsored Links
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Towns near Millport
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Kilchattan Tourist Information
(3 Miles)*
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Kingarth Tourist Information
(3 Miles)*
Kingarth is the centre of the farming community in the south of the island. The village is at a crossroads, not only of routes but also of history. |
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Mountstuart Tourist Information
(3 Miles)*
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Hotels near Millport
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Self Catering near Millport
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Millport is the only town on the Isle of Cumbrae, reached by a ten minute ferry crossing from Largs. 7 Crawford St is a ground floor, one bedroomed flat five minutes walk from the Blue Star beaches and shops, cafes and entertainments. |
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Portencross Holiday Cottage is situated in a peaceful location on the west coast of Ayrshire; the cottage is only a few minutes away from the local village of West Kilbride. |
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Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day. |
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