Summary
A charming seaside resort located on the Isle of Wight’s north-east coast, Ryde offers picturesque views towards Portsmouth across the Solent.
Since the early 19th century, the town has been a favorite destination for affluent tourists, showcasing an array of impressive late-Georgian and Victorian architecture that cascades down towards the waterfront Esplanade.
Ryde also boasts extensive, pristine sandy beaches, complemented by attractions such as a funfair, a road train, and a lido, ensuring entertainment for children.
The town is uniquely serviced by the world’s only year-round hovercraft line, facilitating a swift 10-minute journey from Southsea to Ryde’s Hoverport, adjacent to the historic 19th-century pier.
1. Ryde Beach
The beach commences just east of the Hoverport and extends over a mile to Puckpool Head, merging into Appley Beach along the way.
For visitors accompanied by children or those seeking ample amenities, Ryde Beach is the ideal choice.
The waterfront features an amusement arcade, a permanent funfair, a children’s play area, a well-received open-air pool, a boating lake, and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Deckchair rentals are available, allowing you to comfortably observe the yachts sailing by on the Solent during a sunny afternoon.
Lifeguards oversee the beach during summer months, and due to its position facing England, the currents are generally mild.
At low tide, the water can recede significantly, occasionally leaving boats stranded on sandbanks.
2. Quarr Abbey
Nestled in serene countryside between Ryde and Fishbourne to the west is a functioning Benedictine abbey.
Quarr Abbey has its roots in Medieval history, initially established as a Cistercian monastery in 1132 before being disbanded by Henry VIII during the Reformation.
The remnants of the domestic structures are among the most extensive of any Medieval abbey in the UK, featuring segments of the infirmary chapel, parts of the refectory and kitchen, the brothers’ dormitory, and a wood store.
The present-day Quarr Abbey relocated from France at the turn of the 20th century, erecting new monastic buildings and a church in 1912, now recognized as Grade I monuments.
The architecture presents a captivating blend of French Gothic, Moorish, and Byzantine styles, crafted from bricks fired in Belgium.
A visitor center, art gallery, and a farm shop selling beverages and produce produced by the monks are available on site.
3. Appley Beach
Connected by the paved Garden Walk, Appley Beach lies on the east side of the town and seamlessly blends into Ryde Beach, offering the same immaculate golden sands and tranquil waters.
At Appley Beach, one can experience a sense of retreat from the bustling resort atmosphere.
Situated behind the beach is Appley Park, known for its wooded hillside, alongside a striking neo-Gothic tower mentioned further below.
Similar to Ryde Beach, at low tide, the beach stretches for hundreds of meters, remaining delightful even when the tide comes in.
In this tranquil area of Ryde, you may sacrifice some amenities for peace; however, the Appley Beach Cafe at the western end boasts a balcony overlooking the beach and views towards Portsmouth.
4. Goodleaf Tree Climbing
For a unique family-oriented activity, consider climbing a 21-meter mature oak tree at Appley Park, just off the beach.
Founded by a New Zealander in 2005, Goodleaf provides helmets, harnesses, and climbing instruction. The experience of scaling this tree will differ from climbing a wall; overcoming this challenge will be gratifying, regardless of whether you aspire to reach the top or as far as you feel at ease.
In the canopy, you can relax on branches or even try out a treetop hammock.
Upon returning to solid ground, unwind on a picnic blanket with a cup of tea and a piece of homemade flapjack.
5. Isle of Wight Bus Museum
The former Southern Vectis bus depot situated on Park Road hosts an extensive collection of over 20 buses, some dating nearly a century.
The oldest is a 1927 Daimler CK, featuring an earlier Dodson body.
The museum also showcases a charming 20-seater Dennis Ace from 1934, restored to its original 1934 appearance.
This local vehicle was once responsible for the Ryde – Alum Bay route, which included a stop at the long-abolished Ryde Airport.
Additionally, the collection features lovely double-decker tourist buses from the 1930s and 1940s, as well as an open rear platform Paris bus from a similar era.
6. Royal Victoria Arcade
Located on Union Street, which descends towards the waterfront, the Royal Victoria Arcade at 54-76 stands out amidst a backdrop of Georgian and Victorian structures.
Constructed in 1836 and adorned with royal arms representing Queen Victoria, this arcade is one of the earliest examples of a purpose-built shopping center and is Grade II* listed.
The arcade takes its name in honor of Princess Victoria, who resided nearby at Norris Castle.
Inside, visitors will discover intriguing curiosity shops and a museum dedicated to postcards.
Do not miss the rotunda’s dome, featuring a fine leaded glass oculus.
The arcade’s basement houses the Historic Ryde Society, showcasing a preserved ice well from the 1830s.
7. Isle of Wight Coastal Footpath
Ryde serves as a point on a 70-mile signposted trail that follows the Isle of Wight’s coastline.
This pathway predominantly utilizes public footpaths, although a few segments traverse lanes and roads as they retreat from the sea.
Numerous access points are available for public transport along this journey.
For example, during a day hike, you might walk clockwise to Sandown, enjoying breathtaking views over Sandown Bay and the Solent from Culver Down.
Once in Sandown, train services back to Ryde take just over 15 minutes.
Along this stretch, there are ample dining options, including the charming weatherboard cafe, Baywatch on the Beach, found at the National Trust’s St Helens Duver en route to Bembridge.
8. Puckpool Park
Continuing past Appley Beach leads you to Puckpool Point.
In the mid-1860s, this location became the site for a Palmerston Fort, a component of a vast defense system intended to deter invasions during the reign of Napoleon III.
The Puckpool Battery remains intact, having been fortified intermittently until the conclusion of the Second World War.
The idyllic park surrounding it provides a peaceful green sanctuary, featuring a thoughtfully designed children’s play area, a putting green, and a 12-hole crazy golf course.
In addition, a cafe operates within the historical barracks building of the battery, while a sheltered beach lies to the east of the headland.
Puckpool Park is accessible via the road train that operates from Ryde’s Esplanade.
9. Ryde Pier
To attract the upper-class tourist demographic in the early 19th century, Ryde constructed a pier to facilitate easier boat docking, eliminating long walks up the beach at low tide.
Construction began in 1813, officially opening a year later.
By 1833, the pier had reached its present length of 681 meters, enabling ferries to dock even during low tide, and this fundamental structure continues to exist today—an uncommon preservation in the UK. Two parallel piers were subsequently built: the first serving a horse-drawn tram, and the second for a double-track railway line that still connects to the Wightlink ferry terminal at Ryde Pier Head.
Notably, Ryde Pier ranks as the second-longest seaside pier in the UK; although its primary function is as a transport link to the terminal, it merits a visit for its historical significance and refreshing sea breeze.
10. Appley Park
Adjacent to Appley Beach lie the remnants of a country house that once overlooked the seaside; this structure was demolished during the 20th century.
However, remnants of the estate’s architecture remain, most notably a Gothic Revival folly above the beach, constructed in 1875 and designed to resemble a castle tower.
The tower features an oriel window that faces the sea and has long served as a seamark for mariners.
Appley Tower is conveniently located along the seafront path, known as the Garden Walk, at the base of a wooded hillside, with pathways leading deeper into the park.
Appley Park also serves as the base for Goodleaf Tree Climbing and features a playground for children, along with several significant trees dating back to the 19th century.
11. Rosemary Vineyard
Situated on the south-facing slopes of a valley just outside of Ryde, Rosemary Vineyard benefits from the Isle of Wight’s temperate climate.
The vineyard cultivates recently developed cool-climate grape varieties such as Phoenix, Solaris, Triomphe d’Alsace, Pinot Gris, and Seyval, producing an array of white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines, in addition to cider, liqueurs, and fruit juices.
Visitors can participate in tours available on Tuesdays or Saturdays from March to December.
These tours commence at 11:00, 12:00, and 13:00, lasting approximately thirty minutes.
Participants will explore the winery and its equipment, along with viewing “Vine to Wine,” a documentary that encapsulates a year at Rosemary Vineyard.
The tour concludes with a tasting session; children can sample a selection of non-alcoholic fruit juices from the vineyard.
12. Haven Falconry
Located just a short drive into the countryside at Havenstreet, this birds of prey center is home to falcons, hawks, owls, vultures, and eagles.
While the focus is on falconry, visitors can engage in various experiences, including a “hawk walk” or handling up to five different species of owls.
The hour-long “Birds of Prey Experience” allows participants to meet several birds while learning about their unique hunting behaviors, physical characteristics, and natural instincts.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, shadowing a professional falconer for a day provides the chance to become proficient at handling falcons and learning various skills necessary for flying these magnificent birds from a gauntlet glove.
13. All Saints’ Church
A prominent landmark visible from numerous vantage points across the island and the Solent, All Saints’ Church is often referred to as the cathedral of the Isle of Wight.
This elaborately designed neo-Gothic church was constructed in the 1860s to serve a growing community and was envisioned by the esteemed revivalist architect and restorer, George Gilbert Scott.
The fittings and decorations exhibit a high standard of craftsmanship.
Noteworthy is the pulpit, constructed from Derbyshire alabaster and awarded first prize at the Crystal Palace during the Great Exhibition.
The frescoes adorning the chancel were painted by the renowned Clayton and Bell workshop, which also provided the majority of the original stained glass windows.
Regrettably, much of this was lost during the Second World War, although some exquisite pieces remain in the east window.
14. Peter Pan Funfair
Situated along the Esplanade, mere moments from Ryde’s ferry terminal, this permanent funfair offers an array of rides and games for younger visitors.
Among the attractions are carousels, bumper cars, cups & saucers, zorbing, and a “Helta Skelta” slide.
Additionally, Peter Pan Funfair features a crazy golf course and numerous classic fairground amusements within its arcade, such as claw machines, coin pushers, and various mini-games.
15. Hovertravel
The crossing from Southsea to Ryde via Hovertravel is notable for being the only hovercraft line still operational in the UK, as well as the world’s only year-round hovercraft service.
Hovertravel is also recognized as the UK’s oldest hovercraft operator, originally established in 1965 and having previously operated multiple lines between the island and the south coast of England.
This rapid mode of transport provides the fastest crossing over the Solent, taking a mere ten minutes.
Travelers journey aboard a Griffon 12000TD, introduced in 2016, with two older AP1-88s kept in reserve for emergencies.
As of early 2019, an adult period return ticket cost £32.00 (with a day return at £23.90), with services operating from Portsmouth from 06:30 to 22:00 during the summer schedule.
