Things to do in Ryde

You’ll find a great range of activities and things to do in Ryde. As the largest town on the Isle of Wight it has a well-established set of shopping streets, and also features some great attractions for all the family, including ten pin bowling, traditional amusements and a cinema.

Ryde also has an award-winning beach which at low-tide opens up to be the largest stretch of golden sands on the Isle of Wight, making it perfect for beach sports and activities, or just simply relaxing in a deckchair!

Shopping in Ryde

Ryde is arguably the best place on the Isle of Wight to indulge in a bit of retail therapy! Union Street is lined with boutique shops, perfect for buying gifts for loved ones, or maybe even treating yourself to a little memento from your visit to the Island.

Ryde is also home to the famous Liz Earle flagship Isle of Wight store where it all began! If you’re a Liz Earle fan, stop at the shop and stock up on products before heading down to the beach to take in the stunning natural landscape and fresh sea air that continues to inspire this amazing brand today.

If you’re looking to make the Isle of Wight the destination for the most important day of your life, Ryde is the place to go to search for wedding dresses! Visit the boutique shops on the high street and let the knowledgeable shop assistants help create the perfect dress for you.

Attractions in Ryde

Ryde is home to some fantastic attractions to keep the whole family entertained, from an old fashioned Steam Railway to a Benedictine monastery!

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a wonderful place to relax and spend the day. Watch the steam trains come and go, or hop on board to experience first class travel through the Isle of Wight countryside. The Steam Railway regularly hold events at Havenstreet, so be sure to check what’s on to be kept up to date with events as they’re added.

Quarr Abbey is another popular destination for visitors. The abbey is a fully functioning Benedictine monastery and is set within grounds that are well worth exploring. Visit the shop for some tasty cake and a pot of tea, then buy some pig food from the shop and treat the monks’ pigs to some snacks! You’ll often see tiny piglets running around waiting to be fed. The abbey is has its very own learning centre where you can find out about the lives of the monks, the building of the abbey and even leave the monks a message!

Ryde’s largest tourist attraction has to be its vast, sandy beach. Ryde beach is one large expanse of sand and stretches all the way to the golden sands of Appley. Bring your bucket, spade and swimming gear and enjoy a traditional day of seaside fun.

Appley Beach (slightly further along and well worth a visit) is home to Appley Tower – an imposing tower which looks out over the sea.

Activities in Ryde

The Isle of Wight is home to a range of interesting and varied activities and Ryde is the perfect example of this!

Appley Park in Ryde is home to the fantastic Goodleaf Tree Climbing. Goodleaf use a magnificent 70ft oak tree as their base, and provide climbing lessons and sessions for wannabe tree-climbers aged 8 and above. The views from the top of the Goodleaf Tree are stunning and well worth the climb! Don’t forget to try Goodleaf’s delicious Tree Climbers’ Flapjack.

Wight Karting is just a short drive from the ferry and offers visitors the chance to put the pedal to the metal and show off their inner speed demon! Race your family and friends around the karting track and challenge them to time trials, then relax and unwind in the clubhouse café. This excellent all-weather, floodlit track is a must visit for those with a competitive spirit!

Right on the seafront in Ryde is Ryde Superbowl – a great place to visit if you’re looking to relax in the evening with your family and challenge them to some bowling. Also available at the Superbowl is a brand new Laser Quest feature, which provides serious fun for those aged 6 and above.

For more ideas for fun things to do in Ryde, take a look at our list below.