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Ryde, Isle of Wight

Ryde canoe lake

The largest town on the Isle of Wight, Ryde has fine Georgian and Victorian buildings, lively pubs and restaurants, seafront promenade, a marina, great nightlife and entertainment.

Ryde has six miles of glorious sandy beaches and shallow coastal waters which are ideal for swimming. The tides goes out a long way, leaving firm sand ideal for beach games. There is also a canoe lake, paddling pool and a swimming pool with retractable roof.

At nearly half a mile Ryde Pier is one of the oldest and longest piers in the country. A high speed passenger catamaran operates between Portsmouth and the pier head, where the railway line from Shanklin terminates, using 1930's London Underground rolling stock. There is also a connection with the IW Steam Railway at Smallbrook Junction near Ryde. Next to the pier is the hovercraft terminal with links to the mainland in less than 10 minutes.

The festival town of Ryde boasts the Island's oldest carnival in the U.K. Traditionally held at the end of the summer, it provides a fitting finale to the carnival season, when floats from all over the island converge on Ryde for the biggest, brightest spectacle of the year.

The broad seafront promenade runs alongside the Esplanade to Appley Gardens, where there is a children's play area and a pitch and putt course.

The sea wall promenade provides a popular walk, passing Appley Tower, the Victorian watchtower and continuing on to Puckpool Park, where you can enjoy refreshments, tennis, bowling and crazy golf in gardens adjoining the remains of a 19th century battery.

To the east of Ryde can be found the pretty coastal villages of Seaview, St Helens and Bembridge. Sailing is the main summer activity of Seaview and Bembridge, whilst St Helens has its Village Green, where sports and carnivals are held. The Island's only surviving windmill is at Bembridge, where it overlooks Brading marshes and the long distance footpath, the Bembridge Trail.

Download Ryde town map

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