Ryde town

Paul McCartney recently confirmed what many had long suspected—The Beatles’ hit “Ticket to Ride” was inspired by a trip he and John Lennon took to Ryde in the early sixties. It’s a quirky claim to fame, and just one of the many fascinating stories behind the Isle of Wight’s largest town.

Ryde is a vibrant destination that blends golden sands, independent shopping, lively nightlife, and a strong creative spirit, making it a brilliant choice for a holiday. It’s also the hometown of the late Oscar-winning film director Anthony Minghella, and renowned journalist and author Philip Norman.

As the gateway to the East of our island, Ryde boasts excellent links to the mainland, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of our island. So, if you’re ready to explore the Isle of Wight, be sure to carve out time for your very own Ticket to Ryde!

Things to do

Where to begin? Ryde is bursting with things to see and do, but its seafront is arguably the star of the show, stretching for miles with golden sandy beaches and a vibrant atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

During the warmer months, a wooden boardwalk provides easy beach access for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, leading to specially provided accessibility equipment available in July and August, ensuring everyone can enjoy the seaside experience to the fullest.

For those arriving by boat or simply looking to make the most of a day by the water, Ryde Marina offers a warm welcome with modern facilities. You can even hire parasols, loungers and deckchairs, perfect for a relaxing day of sun, sea and sand.

Take a stroll along the scenic seawall footpath, which leads you from Ryde to Appley and its charming tower, with plenty of lovely cafés along the way. Continue on to Puckpool, where the park offers tennis courts, mini golf, a children’s play area, and a cosy little café, perfect for a break before heading further along the path to the picturesque village of Seaview.

Step back in time and be inspired by the rich heritage of island transport at the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum, where over 20 beautifully preserved buses and coaches dating back to 1927 bring history to life.

For a more active day, why not start with a trip up a beautiful, majestic oak tree with Goodleaf Tree Climbing? Located in Appley Park, you can climb as high as you feel comfortable, and if you reach the treetop, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the park and across the Solent. After that, head to Harbour Beach and have a go at paddleboarding or kayaking, available to hire by the half or full hour from the Marina Office, for a fun way to explore Ryde from the water. Then, to round off your day, enjoy some indoor excitement at Ryde Pavilion, once host to the Rolling Stones, where Lazer Quest and ten-pin bowling will keep the energy going.

If shopping is more your style, Union Street is the place to be. This vibrant stretch is lined with superb cafés, bars and restaurants, all nestled among independent shops selling everything from unique gifts to stylish finds. Halfway along the street, you’ll come across the Royal Victoria Arcade, a beautiful spot for browsing quirky bargains.

The retail adventure continues up the High Street, where a lively mix of shops, pubs and eateries ensures there’s always something to catch your eye, and tempt your tastebuds.

Places to eat

Ryde’s food scene has something to tempt every palate. The Heron and The Duck are two standout restaurants whose reputations have soared in recent years, but they’re just the beginning. Whether you’re craving Caribbean, Indian, Thai or Turkish cuisine, there’s a world of flavours waiting to be discovered around town.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, Ada in Union Street is a popular spot serving up vibrant, authentic dishes. If modern British cuisine is more your style, RT’s offers a fresh, seasonal menu alongside breathtaking 180-degree views across the Solent.

Whether it’s a creative cocktail or a proper pint, Ryde is brimming with great spots to unwind. The Blacksheep Bar in Union Street is known for its buzzing atmosphere and occasional live music, while just down the road, Artisan Cocktail Bar and Grill showcases some seriously impressive mixology. 

And right in the heart of the High Street, The Star Coffee and Ale House serves up artisan coffee, a fine selection of ales, and a lively programme of events and live music, making it a true all-day destination.

Places to stay

If you are looking for a truly unique holiday let, then why not stay in a vintage American Airstream at Retro Staycations at Ashey, on the outskirts of Ryde?

But if you want the more traditional experience, there are a number of great hotels along the seafront and bed and breakfasts and self catering opportunities abound.

Dorset House, just behind the seafront and only three minutes from Ryde’s sands, is an ideally situated guest house, while Wightsands Holiday Lets at nearby Appley are similarly just minutes from the beach.

If you are looking for a room with a view, then Strand House has a holiday apartment with incredible vistas over the Solent to Portsmouth and the South Downs on a clear day.

Close to the ferry terminal, The Fishbourne gastro pub has a number of comfortable rooms overlooking Wootton Creek.

Events

Ryde is a hive of activity during the summer and some of the big ones through the summer include:

• Mardi Gras.
• Isle of Wight Pride.
• Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival.
• Elite Beach Sports Festival on Appley Beach.
• Ryde Carnival (reputedly the oldest in the UK).
• Isle of Wight Classic Car Show.

And it’s not just summer that’s buzzing, there’s plenty happening in Ryde all year round. From vibrant festivals to unique local events, there’s always something to look forward to. Merry & Bright brings festive cheer in the lead-up to Christmas, while the International Chess Championship in February offers a completely different kind of excitement.

These are just a small taster of what’s on, head over to our What’s On page for full event details and to plan your visit!

Tourist information

The best place for tourist information is at the bus station on the Esplanade.

Getting there and getting around

Ryde is the gateway to the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel hovercraft arriving from Southsea and Wightlink Fastcats coming in from Portsmouth Hard, where they meet the main railway lines.

Onward travel can be via the Island Line trains which go all the way to Shanklin via Brading, Sandown and Lake; or by Southern Vectis bus to most points on the Isle of Wight.

The Ryde Transport Interchange has recently seen a multi-million pound refit to make arriving on our island a more pleasing experience.