Ryde

Ryde is a classic Victorian Isle of Wight town situated on the north-eastern side of the island. With stunning views over the Solent, Ryde still maintains its Victorian pier and a long promenade that can be walked along eastwards to the beautiful Edwardian village of Seaview. The pier, an epic half-a-mile long, was originally opened in 1814 and was made of timber.
Now re-enforced, it welcomes visitors who are disembarking from the catamaran on their journey from Portsmouth. Although the trams no longer run along its length, an all-important rail link provides a connection leading to Shanklin (Incidentally, the island’s railway boasts a 99% rate of being on time!). With its hovercraft service and bus station close by, the transport links from Ryde are excellent.

Piers and promenades were invented and made popular in the Victorian era, due to the sudden demand from the wealthy taking holidays. It is recognised that the first pier in Britain was the chain pier at Brighton which opened in 1822, but records show that Ryde's wooden pier opened in 1814 pre-dating any on the mainland, so it can rightly be called the first in Britain.
There is plenty to do in Ryde for all of the family. The golden beach at Ryde is one of the island’s best with vast expanses of clean, flat sand and exquisite seaside gardens. Along the promenade, within a few steps from the beach, you will find a boating lake, swimming pool, and many ice cream parlours and amusement arcades. Take a walk alongside the harbour and see all the colourful yachts. Take time to watch the ocean liners as they sail out of Southampton Waters to countries around the world.
The town itself rises from the sea-front up Union Street to St. Mary's church on the hill, which has served as a sea mark for sailors in the Solent for hundreds of years. Ryde’s appearance is of classic Victorian architecture, peppered with the occasional Georgian villa now converted into shops or luxury apartments.

Throughout the year, Ryde is host to many attractions – the famous International Scooter Rally, Vintage Car Display, the colourful and vibrant Ryde Carnival – and so much more.
Many unique shops can be found in Ryde, showing their individuality and interesting products; many of which are in Union Street alongside fine restaurants and bars. The Royal Victoria Arcade was built in 1835/6 and is still open today. Situated along Union Street, it houses many individual shops and a wonderful, ornate domed roof. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert frequented the island, living at Osborne House, and the wealthy clientele visited the Arcade to attend Royal photographers who had set up their businesses there. As you will see, the Isle of Wight is steeped in history and Ryde has its own Historic Ryde Society.

Fascinating Fact

Found on the outskirts of Ryde, is Quarr Abbey which was first constructed in 1132 by the fourth Lord of the Isle of Wight, Baldwin de Redvers. It was built for Cistercian monks and the first abbot Gervase of Savigny. Baldwin was buried with his wife in the church as was the daughter of Edward IV. Legend has it that Queen Eleanor, the wife of Henry II was imprisoned at the abbey and eventually buried in a gold coffin in the woods nearby. These woods are still called Eleanor's Copse to this day.

 

 

 

 

Isle of Wight Attractions