Ryde
A popular seaside town noted for its miles of excellent sandy beaches, backed by a long Esplanade, fine Victorian hotels and pleasant gardens. Ryde's Grade II listed Georgian pier stretches over half a mile out into the Solent, making it the second longest pier in Britain. The pier is managed by Wightlink, who operate a catamaran service to Portsmouth, connecting with regular train services to Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin.
Ryde Pier and Seafront © David
Dixon (CC2)
Along with its marvelous sandy beaches, this long established seaside resort has many places of family entertainment, including a pavilion, ice rink/arena, super bowl, children's amusements and a canoe lake. Local historic landmarks include Appley Tower and Puckpool Battery.
Appley Tower is folly castle built just above the beach at the end of the Esplanade. It once formed part of a large estate, the rest of which has long since disappeared. The castellated tower has become one of the island's most iconic buildings and a symbol of Ryde. Usually open to the public in the summer season.
A good mix of cafes and restaurants can be found long the seafront, with a wide of choice of global cuisine. A number of excellent bars and pubs in the town also offer traditional local menus.
The wide Union Street in Ryde is packed with clothes, fashion and jewellery shops. A delightful Victorian Arcade here is lined with bespoke emporiums selling books and curios.
The town is the venue for a number of popular annual events including an International Classic Car Show and the UK's oldest carnival at the end of the summer.
Places of interest to visit in Ryde
Bus Museum
The Museum has a display of around 20 historic vehicles, transport artefacts, displays, photographs, a tea bar and a shop.
Opening times: Mon,
Wed, Thur, Sun 10am to 4pm - Admission
Charge
Location: Park Road, RYDE, Isle of
Wight, PO33 2BE
Tel: 01983 567 796
Website: iwbusmuseum.org.uk
Image Credit: Glyn
Baker (CC2)
Puckpool Park & Battery
Located at Puckpool Point, just to the east of the town. This squat gun emplacement was built in 1865 as one of a number of "Palmerston Forts", raised in response to the threat of a possible French invasion. Designated a Scheduled Monument, the fort and its surrounding grounds now form a public park. Located close to Appley beach, there are various family activities, including mini golf, tennis, climbing frames, swings, slides, and a Tea Gardens offering refreshments.
Image Credit: Chris Allen (CC2)
Map of Ryde
South East England
Towns & Villages on the IOW
Cowes, Freshwater, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Newport, Ventnor
Attractions on the IOW
Appuldurcombe House | Bembridge Windmill | Blackgang Chine | Brighstone Museum | Dinosaur Isle | Steam Railway | Mottistone Manor Garden | Needles Battery | Newtown Creek | Osborne House | Old Town Hall | Robin Hill