Ryde Town

Ryde is the largest town on the Isle of Wight, and with its prominent position along the seafront and hovercraft and passenger ferry links it is little wonder it is often referred to as “The Gateway to the Island”.

In addition to an expanse of sandy beaches which stretch right along the town, Ryde has a great selection of boutique shops, museums and galleries for you to visit along with lots of other things to see and do along its esplanade.

Things To Do in Ryde

Ryde offers a great variety of things to do which will interest all ages, not least of which are the hovercraft and catamaran ferry from which you can travel to and from the mainland.

Hovertravel are the world’s oldest hovercraft operator and operate the last remaining hovercraft passenger service in Britain, whereas a trip on the Wightlink catamaran service will take you down Ryde’s recently restored early 19th century pier, which carries both vehicle traffic and train services.

Head along Ryde esplanade and you will encounter a number of great places for family entertainment, including the Superbowl and LaserQuest.

Further along there is a fun fair for young children and a very popular canoe lake which leads on to Ryde’s sandy beaches.

At low tide the sea goes out a long way making it a popular place for sports and outdoor activities, and a regular venue for beach soccer tournaments.

Continue along the seafront and you will discover the imposing Appley Tower, which is situated at the back of Appley beach, and even further along this walk you will reach the Victorian Fortification Battery at Puckpool Park.

Tucked away on the south-west side of Ryde you will find the Play Lane Millenium Green, a tranquil beauty spot, perfect for relaxing with a picnic.

For an engaging, inspiring and exciting day out for casual visitors and families alike, visit the award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway, based just outside of Ryde on Havenstreet, and take a ride behind one of their vintage steam locomotives for a special journey back in time.

Places To Eat in Ryde

Both Union Street and Ryde High Street offer various cuisines from around the globe as well as a good range of bars and pubs for more traditional “pub grub”. One of the most popular eateries is the famous Orrery Café whose walls makeup an incredible planetarium, and also forms part of the Donald McGill museum.

Events in Ryde

As the largest town on the Isle of Wight it is little surprise that Ryde is the venue for some of the biggest events that take place annually. Every August bank holiday thousands of scooter enthusiasts descend upon Ryde for the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally, and only a few weeks later Ryde Esplanade can be seen covered in cherished classic cars for the International Classic Car Show.

Ryde also holds one of the UK’s oldest carnivals, which is traditionally held at the end of the summer and forms the end of the Isle of Wight carnival season which travels across the Island. Ryde’s collection of late night bars and clubs also tend to make it one of the most popular spots for nightlife.

Places To Stay in Ryde

As a long established seaside resort Ryde has a number of traditional hotels and guesthouses available to those looking for accommodation.

There are also various holiday cottage options in Ryde for those looking for a self-catering break, and several campsites just outside of Ryde town offering caravan and camping options.

Ryde Local Information

If you are looking for information on Ryde and the rest of the Isle of Wight then call into the Ryde Tourist Information Point. Located at bus station on the Ryde Esplande, they stock a range of brochures and leaflets, and their staff can offer help and advice where possible.

Ryde Heritage Trail

Ryde Heritage Trail is a guided walk around Ryde, starting at Lind Street, going to St Thomas Square, down Union Street to the Pier, along the Esplanade to the far end of the Canoe Lake, then back along the Esplanade and up St Thomas Street ending at St Thomas Church. Click here to find out more.

Watch Ryde Heritage Trail videos

Getting Around Ryde

Buses to all parts of the Island depart from Ryde Esplanade. Alternatively catch the train to Shanklin via Smallbrook (for the IW Steam Railway), Brading, Sandown and Lake.