The largest town on the Isle of Wight, Ryde is clustered with grand Georgian and Victorian houses overlooking The Solent strait. It’s a popular seaside getaway, with long beaches, a scenic heritage railway and one of the United Kingdom’s most striking monasteries.
Things to do in Ryde
Spend a day soaking up the English sunshine on the picturesque sands of Ryde Beach while taking in the views across The Solent towards Portsmouth. Wander along the coastal promenade, test your skills at kitesurfing or visit nearby Appley Beach to admire the historic Appley Tower.
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, which connects Smallbrook Junction to Wootton station on the outskirts of Ryde. It features original steam locomotives and beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages that make the nine-kilometre-long journey past charming rural stations.
A short drive or cycle west of Ryde takes you to the Quarr Abbey, a functioning Benedictine monastery that exhibits French, Byzantine and Moorish architectural elements. Learn about the abbey’s monastic lifestyle, enjoy afternoon tea in the on-site cafe, then purchase feed from the shop to treat the resident pigs and piglets.
On the southwestern edge of Ryde is the Play Lane Millenium Green, a designated “Breathing Space” that supports a large variety of wildflowers and wildlife. Follow its stone pathways to spot newts and frogs from the platform and witness butterflies and dragonflies flitting through the meadows.
Getting around Ryde
Ryde is a 45-minute ferry ride from Portsmouth or just 15 minutes by ferry, with buses connecting the town with destinations across the Isle of Wight. Ryde is compact enough to explore on foot and cycling is a popular way to get around.