16 of the best things to do in Millport Scotland

There is a surprising number of things to do in Millport for a small place. Millport, on Great Cumbrae, just off the Ayrshire Coast and the town of Largs, is a popular weekend destination in the summer for people nearby and in Glasgow.

though Millport is the name of the town on Cumbrae and not the actual name of the island, most people refer to the entire island as Millport and so it’s not uncommon to hear people say they caught the ferry to Millport when actually they got the Largs to Cumbrae ferry and visited Millport when on the island.

That sounds pedantic, but it was a little confusing when we were staying in Largs and heard people refer to the island as Millport, we thought we were missing out on another trip somewhere!

If you’re looking to visit the Isle of Cumbrae and Millport and wondering what to do in Millport I’ve got you covered.

We spent a full day exploring all the best things to do on Cumbrae and have compiled this list so that you can have a great time exploring too.

While one day is enough in Millport, you could easily spend a weekend here so I’ve included some recommendations for places to stay in Millport too.

Best things to do in Millport, Cumbrae

1. Cycle around the island of Cumbrae

The top thing to do on Cumbrae is to go cycling around the island. You can either bring your own bike or rent one from one of the two shops on the island.

This was the main reason we wanted to visit Millport since we were standing in Largs and were missing being able to cycle (there’s no bike rental in Largs unfortunately!).

After catching the ferry to Millport from Largs, we headed straight to On Yer Bike in Millport and were one of the first there to rent a bike for the day. We later realised this had been a good call getting there for opening time, since both bike shops in Milport sold out bike rentals!

We paid £12 each for a bike for the entire day and helmets were included in that price.

Once you’ve got your bike, you’re ready to go!

There is a road that goes around the outside of the island and is just over 10 miles long. It’s mostly flat and it’s paved the entire way. Though it’s open to cars, there are so many people cycling that the bikes definitely rule to roost. Though do pay attention, of course!

We decided to go clockwise around the island and a couple of miles in came across Fintry Bay cafe and restaurant. We stopped here for tea and were able to sit outside and enjoy the ocean views and over to the Isle of Arran.

The cafe is pretty cool and has hammocks and a nice chillout area outdoors as well as indoor seating. They also do meals so if you’re cycling by at lunch, this would be a great place to stop.

As you continue and go around the north side of the island, there are fewer cars and you get some nice views up towards the Trossachs and Arrochar Alps mountains.

Then, on the eastern side of the island, you’ll see the mainland and the town of Largs, as well as the hills of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

We stopped off along the way to have a swim in the sea and even caught a glimpse of a pod of dolphins. I assume they were the same ones we’d seen the night before while walking along the waterfront in Largs!

Cycling around Millport and Cumbrae took us just over an hour at a fairly leisurely pace. I would allow at least 2 hours and longer if you’re cycling with younger children.

2. Grab a drink from Fintry Bay Patio and Restaurant

I mentioned this above too, but it deserves its own spot on this list of what to do on Cumbrae since it’s a cool place in a picturesque location.

Fintry Bay Patio and Restaurant is about 3 miles or a 1-hour walk from Millport town centre.

They have a large outdoor seating area with views of Bute and Arran as well as places inside and bathrooms too. They have a good selection of food drinks and snacks including cake and scones.

There’s also. more substantial lunch menu with tasty seafood, pizzas from a stone-baked oven, and burgers and chips! It’s such a gem to have on Millport.

There’s also a children’s play area outside so you can enjoy your drinks at a leisurely pace while they’re entertained.

They also cater for vegetarians and vegans which can be difficult to find elsewhere!

3. Rent a kayak or paddleboard

On Yer Bike also rent kayaks and paddleboards and from Millport, you can hit the water and head over to The Eileans; two large rocks not far from the shore of Millport.

There are seals that live in this area almost all year and you can watch them from your kayak (at a distance, don’t disturb them) which is very cool.

Even if you don’t see the seals, a kayak trip in this area is fun as the surroundings are pretty and the water is so clear it almost looks tropical!

4. Go for a swim

We couldn’t resist a swim part way around the island during our bike ride on Cumbrae.

Whenever I see clear water in the UK I’m surprised, I think I’m used to the murky waters of The Wash off the North Norfolk Coast. And clear water to me means it’s time for a swim!

The water was refreshing but not too cold when we visited in June and we dried off on the rocks on one of the little beach areas around the coast.

5. Check out the Standing Stone

Though the significance of standing stones is debated, it’s generally believed that they were placed to commemorate a special event or celebration or as a way to signify religious beliefs.

Either way, Standing Stones have been dated as far back as the stone age and there’s one on Cumbrae which you can walk or bike to.

According to North Ayrshire Heritage Trails, the Cumbrae Standing Stone is also known as the Gouklan Pillar. Though digs around and underneath it have taken place, no artefacts have ever been found and it’s now been set in concrete after being toppled throughout the years.

You’ll find the Cumbrae Standing Stone in Craigengour Wood at the top of Ferry Road.

6. Find Crocodile Rock

The famous ‘Crocodile Rock’ has been visible for over a century and is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most eccentric landmarks.

This peculiar stone creature can be found lurking on the shores of Millport Bay near the public toilets.

At low tide, you’ll get a better view of the croc which is said to have been painted by a local artist, Robert Brown, who thought the group of rocks looked like a reptile after a few drinks at a local bar.

These days, the croc is restored to full colour every summer by the Burns Club!

7. Look for Lion Rock and Indian Rock

Croc Rock isn’t the only painted rock or strange rock shape on the Isle of Cumbrae.

On the east side of the island is lion rock which looks a bit like something out of The Lion King movie.

The rock stands 10 metres high and stretches 50 metres long. The rock has been carved out over time from erosion and other geological processes to create the shape that you can see today.

There’s no painting on lion rock so it might take a little bit of imagination, but even if you can’t quite see the resemblance to rocks from The Lion King, you’ll definitely still think it looks unusual!

Then, on the west coast of Millport is Indian Rock which is tucked away in the woods.

The first part of this rock painting is said to have been the nose, which was believed to have been added to the rock to guide sailors. It wasn’t until a bit later that in the 1920s, that the face was added.

8. Walk the Cumbrae sensory trail

The Sensory Trail walk on Cumbrae is one of the best walks on the island.

It takes you along the coastline, past beautiful bays, and pebble beaches and has five sensory points along the way which invite you to pause and take in your surroundings.

There’s a ball on top of each of the sensory markers and it’s said if you touch all five you’ll take the gift of luck from the islanders. We could all do with some extra luck couldn’t we?

The five markers can be found at Farland Point, Ballochmartin Bay, White Bay, Fintry Bay, and Sheriff’s Port.

You can walk, cycle or run this trail and it’s a great way to explore the island.

9. Try Cumbrae Gin

I bet you wouldn’t;t have expected to find a gin distillery on this small island, I know I didn’t!

The Isle of Cumbrae Distillers was started by a team of five locals and they’re one of the few all-female distilling teams in Scotland.

The Millport distillery launched in 2019 and has been popular both on the island and further afield ever since.

They have some great gins such as the NostalGin which has notes of lavender and bramble as well as orange, or the Cros Rock gin which pays tribute to the Crocodile Rock just a few minutes walk from their shop in Millport.

You can take gin tastings and tours (booking recommended since they have a max tour number of 20) from their store in Millport and you’ll be treated to a welcome gin and tonic with their signature NostalGin, followed by learning about the history and making of their gins.

You’ll also get a sample of two of our gins, and a souvenir-tasting glass to take home.

10. Go golfing in Cumbrae

The golf course on Cumbrae Island is one of the best-kept secrets of Millport and if you’re someone who’s into gold you’ll want to play this picturesque course.

As you play, you’ll get amazing views of Arran and Bute and during the summer there’s a bar and restaurant at the golf course so that you’ll stay hydrated and fed before and after your game.

If you’re looking for something that takes up less time or you’re visiting Millport with kids, then the Millport promenade has a small crazy golf course. This type of golf is definitely more up my street and is a whole lot of fun to play!

11. Check out the aquarium at the University Marine Biological Station

The Field Studies Council on Millport operates the University Marine Biological Station which has recently been refurbished and holds courses to teach children and adults about the natural world.

You’ll also find the Robertson Museum and Aquarium which is open to the public Monday-Friday 11 am to 3 pm and costs £2.50 per adult, £1 per child under 16 and under 3s go free.

At the aquarium, you’ll learn about the underwater world as well as the history of the marine station on Cumbrae. There are some fun interactive exhibits as well as the chance to meet some resident marine life.

12. Check out the UK’s smallest cathedral

One of Millport’s claims to fame is that it’s home to the Cathedral of the Isles which is the smallest cathedral in the UK. One of them is the Cathedral of the Isles, which happens to be the smallest cathedral in the UK.

Built in 1851, this working cathedral sits on 8 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, including lawns, orchards, a managed woodland, and a labyrinth. It’s a great place to go for a wander during your visit to Millport.

You can go inside the cathedral every day from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm for free and there are daily services too.

On Sundays during the summer, the cathedral hosts the immensely popular “Music for a Summer Afternoon” concerts at 3 pm, followed by Cloister Teas in the cathedral cloisters which are open to everyone.

13. Test your luck spotting seals and dolphins

Cumbrae Island is something of a paradise for wildlife lovers. There are over 125 species of birds in the area as well as seals, porpoises and even basking sharks!

As you cycle or wander around Cumbrae, be sure to keep your eyes open and towards the water to see a seal head bobbing up and down in the water or a harbour porpoise.

We were lucky to see some dolphins swimming past just after our swim, which was super cool and not what I expected to see!

Farland Point on the south end of the island is one of the best spots for wildlife viewing.

14. Check out ‘The Wedge’ Britain’s narrowest house

Another claim to fame for Millpoert is that it’s said to be home to one of the narrowest houses in the world and the narrowest house in Britain.

This house, known as The Wedge Millport is only 47″ wide and has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

Since it’s someone’s home you can’t go inside, and be respectful if you’re stood outside taking photos, but it’s a cool place to walk by as you’re exploring Millport!

15. Walk up to the Glaid Stone viewpoint

The Glaid Stone viewpoint on Cumbrae is a great walk where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views.

There’s a little uphill needed to get here as the viewpoint is 127 m above sea level, but it shouldn’t pose any major problems! Having said that it is the highest point in Millport!

You can make your way to the viewpoint by taking the Inner Circuit Walk from Millport town. There’s a path you can follow that takes you from there all the way to the viewpoint in about 30-45 minutes.

At the top, there’s a great view of Little Cumbrae, Arran and Bute as well as the mainland. If you’re up here on a clear day you might also be able to see Ailsa Craig just off the coast of Arran.

16. Explore the museum in the Garrison House

Just a short distance from The Cathedral, you’ll come across the gothic-style Garrison House, a building with a fascinating and unique history.

Constructed in 1745 by Captain James Crawford, it originally served as the residence for the captain himself and his officers from the Revenue Cutter Ship, The ‘Royal George’. The Royal George Ship held a strategic position in Millport, playing a vital role in enforcing customs and regulations on ships traversing the Firth of Clyde. It also pursued smugglers who attempted to transport various contraband up the Clyde River.

Today, The Garrison House has a cafe, a museum, and pretty gardens. The museum is quite interesting, free to enter, and a good way to learn more about the history of the island.

Where to stay in Millport, Cumbrae

Since Millport is small there isn’t tonnes of choice when it comes to where to stay on Cumbrae. A lot of people who decide to stay overnight camp on Millport but the majority of visitors just go for the day.

If you do want to make your trip to Cumbrae even more relaxing, then you can book a night or two on the island. I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Millport to help you decide.

• The Reef – Unique Cabin in Millport: Experience this beautiful cabin where themed pods, top-notch amenities, and thoughtful gestures like complimentary jelly shark sweeties await. Enjoy a relaxing hot tub, access to books and games and lovely surrounding for a relaxing weekend. There’s also The Hive and The Jungle in the same area.
• Hobbit Cottage: In a beautiful garden setting this Millport holiday home 300 meters from Millport Beach has everything you need for your stay.
• Osocozee: Just 400 meters from Millport Beach this 1-bed Millport guest house has a fully equipped kitchen and offers a cosy, private getaway for your stay.

FAQs about what to do on Millport

Final thoughts on the best things to do on Millport

The Isle of Cumbrae offers a range of things to do from cycling around the island to experience the breathtaking coastal scenery to exploring unique landmarks like Crocodile Rock and Lion Rock.

Immerse yourself in the island’s rich wildlife and enjoy spotting seals, dolphins, and a variety of bird species.

Take a moment to relax and indulge in a taste of Cumbrae Gin, crafted by the talented all-female distilling team. Don’t forget to visit the charming town of Millport, where you can explore the Cathedral of the Isles and Garrison House.

If you’re looking for more things to do nearby, be sure to check out this guide to the best thing to do on Arran.