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Home > Places to Visit on the Isle of Wight > Isle of Wight Towns & Villages > Ryde, Isle of Wight
Ryde, Isle of Wight
The largest town on the Isle of Wight, Ryde has been named 'The Gateway to the Island', and for good reason. The catamaran from Portsmouth docks at the end of Ryde Pier. Here the connecting train can take you as far as Shanklin. Next to the pier and Ryde Esplanade bus station is the hovercraft terminal, which links to the mainland in less than 10 minutes.
The several miles of Ryde's sweeping golden sand beach is great for swimming for all the family. The town and sea front is packed with pubs, restaurants and shops.
The festival town of Ryde holds the 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 in Ryde for the biggest, brightest spectacle of the year.
Getting Around
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.
- In and around Cowes
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Separated by the River Medina and linked by a chain ferry, the Isle of Wight's most northerly towns of Cowes and East Cowes are ...
- In and around Newport
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The beautiful and historic town of Newport is situated in the centre of the Isle of Wight and is its principal town centred on ...
- In and around Ryde
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The largest town on the Isle of Wight, Ryde has been named 'The Gateway to the Island', and for good reason.
- In and around Bembridge, St Helens, Seaview
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Situated on the most easterly point of the Isle of Wight, lying beneath the headland of Culver is the village of Bembridge.
- In and around Brading
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Situated just a few miles inland from Bembridge, Brading is one of the oldest towns on the Isle of Wight and steeped in history.
- In and around Sandown
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Sheltered in a beautiful bay, Sandown is famed for its golden sand beach, traditional seafront and the amusement filled Sandown Pier .
- In and around Shanklin
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With its beautiful beach and gardens, its history and tradition, Shanklin is a charming seaside town.
- In and around Godshill
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With its charming thatched-roofed cottages, delightful medieval church and a winding main street lined with tearooms, Godshill is the quintessential English Village.
- In and around Ventnor
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With its warm microclimate, Ventnor is one of Britain's most famous Victorian health resorts.
- In and around West Wight
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The West Wight is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not only a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers and walkers, but a must ...