Ryde Town

Paul McCartney recently confirmed what we all already ‘knew’ … the Beatles hit Ticket To Ride was inspired by a trip to Ryde made by Macca and John Lennon in the early sixties.

This quirky fact is just one part of the story of the Isle of Wight’s largest town.

It’s a fantastic place that combines shopping centres, nights out, golden sands and creative hearts - making it a great holiday destination.

The late Oscar-winning film director Anthony Minghella grew up in the town and journalist and author Philip Norman is also a Ryde boy.

This gateway to the East Wight has excellent connections to the mainland and is a super entry point to the rest of the Island so if you are about to Say Yes to the Isle of Wight, don’t forget to set aside some time for your Ticket to Ryde!

Things to Do

Where to start? Ryde has so much to see and do but the seafront is perhaps its crowning glory with miles of gorgeous sand, loads to see and do, and a seawall footpath that takes you past lovely cafes and restaurants, to Appley and Puckpool, where the park has tennis courts, mini golf, children’s play area and a nice little café; before continuing on to the neighbouring village of Seaview.

Did you know you can take a trip up a beautiful, majestic oak tree with Goodleaf Tree Climbing? Located in Appley Park, you can go as high as you feel comfortable and if you reach the tree top, you can enjoy a birds-eye view of Appley Park and across the Solent. 

Head to Ryde Pavilion, where the Rolling Stones once played, has Lazer Quest and ten-pin bowling.

If a spot of shopping beckons then Union Street is perfect, boasting superb bars and restaurants blended in with independent shops selling all sorts of goods, while the Royal Victoria Arcade halfway along the street is ideal for browsing quirky bargains.

In the arcade you will find The Museum of Ryde from Ryde Heritage Society, which includes the infamous collection of saucy postcards by Donald McGill.

The retail opportunities continue up the High Street, where pubs and eateries mix with the shops.

If you want something creative thrown into the holiday mix then head to Monkton Arts in Monkton Street where there is always something going on.

Places to eat

The Heron and The Duck are two Ryde restaurants whose reputation has grown massively in the past couple of years but whether it be Caribbean, Indian, Thai or Turkish food, there is a world of flavours awaiting you in Ryde. 

One popular restaurant with a Mediterranean cuisine is Ada in Union Street and another favourite with locals for a light bite is the amazing café at Busy Bee Garden Centre on the outskirts of town.

And whether it be a cocktail or a real ale, there is a watering hole to suit around the town. The Blacksheep Bar in Union Street is just one of these, offering occasional live music and a buzzing atmosphere. On the same lively street is Artisan Cocktail Bar and Grill, which has some brilliant mixology going on!

For a more traditional village pub on the outskirts of Ryde, why not try White Hart Inn at Havenstreet.

Places to stay

If you are looking for a truly unique holiday let, then why not stay in an old American school bus 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 two holiday apartments 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
• The South Island Rugby Sevens and sports events
• Wight Wave Beach Festival on Appley Beach
• Ryde Carnival (reputedly the oldest in the UK)
• Isle of Wight Classic Car Show

And there are plenty of other things going on around the town all summer long. Check out our What’s On page for further event details.

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 is currently undergoing a multi-million pound refit to make arriving on the Island a more pleasing experience.