Ryde

Understand

Ryde is in the north-east of the island. With grand Georgian and Victorian houses, it rises up from the 1/2-mile-long pier and into the hills behind. The pier was built in 1814 and now houses the high-speed ferry link operated by Wightlink to and from Portsmouth, and the terminus for the island's electric railway which runs to Shanklin. The pier is one of only a few in the country that you can drive your car along and park it at the end for the ferry. The long high street houses a wide variety of shops and boutiques and takes you down to the Esplanade with its golden sand beaches and wide choice of activities. The Esplanade consists of a ten-pin bowling alley, indoor ice rink, swimming pool, and a nightclub as well as numerous amusement arcades and children's play areas. Further from the Esplanade, is the Promenade which stretches from the esplanade to Puckpool Park. Along the Promenade is Appley Tower, a Victorian Folly and nearby is Appley gardens.

Getting there

By ferry or hovercraft:

The Fast Cat operated by Wightlink runs just about every half hour in the summer. The Hovercraft run by Hovertravel also leaves every half hour.

Getting around

Island Line trains run a regular service from the Fastcat terminal at the pier head. This stops at: Ryde Esplanade, Ryde St John's, Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. This service operates former London Underground rolling stock. Southern Vectis has a bus terminal at the foot of the pier adjacent to the Ryde Esplanade railway station.

See

1 Ryde Pier. 681 m long. (updated Oct 2016)

Do

1 Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet Station, ☏ +44 1983 882204. Open weekends and summer; see website or call telephone number above for precise opening days and times. A former branch line resucitated to accurately recreate the atmosphere of the island's railways in the pre-war era, when the island was the home of already superannuated locomotives and coaches from the mainland. Accessible by car at the steam railway's Havenstreet Station, or by changing from the island's one remaining public service railway (between Ryde and Shanklin) at Smallbrook Junction. £8 (adult); £4 (child); ticket entitles holder to unlimited travel on day of issue. Ryde Carnival is on three days in late August/early September. Day 1 is the children's event, Day 2 the main carnival, and Day 3 is the night carnival. 2 Wight Karting, Brading Rd, Ryde PO33 1QS, UK, ☏ +44 1983 565366, [email protected]. The 520-metre circuit is designed to challenge drivers of all ages and experience levels. It features a mix of tight corners, sweeping bends, and fast straights that create exciting racing and plenty of overtaking opportunities. The tarmac surface is well maintained, and the venue uses modern Sodi petrol karts that deliver smooth handling and reliable performance. (updated Dec 2025)

Buy

Toymaster Isle of Wight, 9 Union Street, ☏ +44 1983 563836, [email protected]. 9AM-5:30PM. The oldest and largest independent toy store on the Isle of Wight. (updated May 2016)

Eat

Michelangelo's Italian Restaurant, 30 Saint Thomas St, ☏ +44 1983 811966. (updated Jul 2018) Olive, 33 Union St, ☏ +44 1983 611118. Authentic Italian restaurant, delicious pizzas (£10-20) and very friendly staff.

Drink & nightlife

The Solent Inn, 7 Monkton St, ☏ +44 1983 563546. A pub that has won several CAMRA awards, and where the local musical talent can be seen on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. (updated May 2016) The King Lud, 2 Esplanade, ☏ +44 1983 562942. Friendly staff, but fairly basic pub. (updated May 2016)

Sleep

Dorset Hotel, 31 Dover St, PO33 2BW, ☏ +44 1983 564327, [email protected]. Close to 6 miles of sandy beaches, Esplanade, Ryde Shopping Centre & transport routes. Ryde offers a range of restaurants, pubs, night clubs & other entertainment for the young & old. Online booking. from £24 ppn.

Go next

The rest of the Isle of Wight is all within a short drive. The ferry takes you back to Portsmouth on the mainland, or you can sail from Cowes to Southampton.