Spring is just around the corner here in the UK, and to celebrate making it out of another gloomy winter, why not plan a day trip somewhere new? Britain boasts so many stunning locations, and luckily, you don’t always need a sunny day in order to enjoy them.

There’s one particular spot I’ve visited loads since childhood that attracts crowds during summer, but receives fewer visitors in the early months of the year. But after a rain-drenched weekend there, I can confirm it’s equally great – maybe even more so Largs, an enchanting coastal town on Scotland’s western shore, lies approximately an hour’s journey from Glasgow.

Famous for its Viking museum, nostalgic amusement arcades, and ferry crossings to the Isle of Cumbrae, it’s a location many Scots will probably have enjoyed during summer months. It’s one of those destinations I remember so fondly that I thought it couldn’t possibly be as good as I thought it was.

But I was so wrong. During a family trip, we enjoyed rainy beach walks, ate some delicious food, and even saw a couple of Vikings — all without a trace of sunshine.

This town, nestled beside the Firth of Clyde, has everything you could want in a seaside getaway, including a variety of charming hotels and accommodation options. We stayed at the Old Rectory, a magnificent holiday home that sleeps up to 14 guests, equipped with a hot tub and lots of space for unwinding.

One of the highlights of Largs is how close you are to the water, no matter where you’re staying. The Victorian-style promenade is teeming with attractions, along with an excellent array of dining spots offering everything from classic fish and chips to delicious Thai cuisine.

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Largs was the location of a crucial battle in 1263, signifying the end of significant Viking influence in Scotland.

The Vikingar museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this history, or for a more engaging experience, the annual Largs Viking Festival is a must-see. As luck would have it, the festival was underway during our stay in August, showcasing battle re-enactments, live music, and some intriguing costumes.

Beyond its Viking roots, Largs is also famed for its art deco-style ice cream parlour, a huge attraction for visitors.

Nardini’s, fondly known as Scotland’s most famous cafe, has earned its reputation through its warm and cosy interior, not to mention its delicious ice cream.

Similar to Vikingar, it boasts an excellent waterside position, making it a perfect place to enjoy a scoop or two of your favourite ice cream flavour.

Beyond their extensive range of cakes and light bites, it’s an excellent choice for lunch or a snack whilst exploring the coast.

Head towards the town centre and you’ll find charming narrow lanes filled with independent gift boutiques, dining spots and even more ice cream shops.

One morning, we chose brunch at Perk — a lively cafe decorated with greenery and literature, featuring an outstanding menu as well. The vanilla matcha was amazing, and I just had to order the feta and avocado waffles from the menu.

If you’re still hungry after your meal, there’s a display cabinet brimming with pastries and other treats ready for collection.

While Largs might lack those familiar chain retailers, it makes up for this with an extensive array of independent traders showing off their distinctive wares.

There’s a large market tent with vendors selling everything from organic dog food to wooden lamps, accessories, soaps and even tarot consultations. I could have happily spent the whole day browsing.

Fancy something more adventurous? Take a short ferry journey from the harbour to the Isle of Cumbrae, where you’ll find the bustling town of Millport. The island is sufficiently small to cycle round in merely a few hours, with a well-earned pint waiting afterwards before a quick 10-minute crossing back to shore.

Nearby sits the magnificent Kelburn Castle, a splendid park and estate which hosts its own music festival in summer. It’s a perfect destination for families as well, featuring multiple playparks, waterfalls and plenty more to explore all within 10 minutes of Largs.

However, in all honesty, Largs itself provides more than enough entertainment for a day trip or weekend break. Don’t allow the classic Scottish rainfall to put you off — it makes those waterfront walks more refreshing and the ice-cream parlours even more welcoming.