Ryde Tourist Guide Isle of Wight Portsmouth to Ryde Ferry

Ryde Tourist Information

Ryde is the largest town on the Isle of Wight. It's a major landing point for the foot passenger ferries from Portsmouth and Southsea and has been for over one hundred years. The town has a typical Georgian and Victorian facade evocative of when it became popular as a seaside resort.

There's plenty for families to do with tenpin bowling, a bowling green, ice rink, an amusement park for the children, a marina. To help you get around or for a leisurely tour around the town you can pick up the Dotto Train ride. It runs during the summer from Puckpool Park, along the Esplanade, through the town and up to the town centre. Being one of the main centres on the Isle of Wight there's a good choice of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants in the town.

The main events in the town are the carnivals including a children's carnival and an illuminated carnival. There is an ever expanding number held throughout the year which culminates in the longest running carnival at the end of summer. Ryde Carnival is believed to be the oldest carnival in Britain and originates from Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1887. The event attracts floats from all over the island and is a fitting finale to the year's events. Click on the Ryde Carnival link right for information on this year's carnivals.

There is a Tourist Information Centre in Ryde which is open between April-October Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm. Sunday 10am-3.30pm. Ryde Tourist Information, 81/83 Union Street, Ryde. PO33 2LW.

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Ryde Beach

Ryde has one of the best beaches on the island. Ryde Beach is six miles of golden sandy beach easily accessible from the town on foot. Lifeguards patrol the beach in summer and the shallow waters make it a popular family friendly beach not far from the ferry - excellent for a day trip. At low tide a large area of sand is exposed making ideal for beach games and strolls. A canoe lake, paddling pool and a swimming pool with a retractable roof add to the beachside attractions so you won't be short of anything to do.

Along the seafront there is street parking backed by pleasant managed gardens. Within walking distance is a good choice of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants in the centre of Ryde.

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Portsmouth to Ryde Isle of Wight Ferry

Wightlink run a Fastcat service to Ryde from Portsmouth. It takes foot passengers only. Services run all year round and the Portsmouth to Ryde journey takes just 18 minutes

Services run very regularly throughout the day making it an easy hop across the Solent. Leaving the port you get some fantastic views of the Portsmouth Waterfront and Spinnaker Tower.

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Southsea Portsmouth to Ryde Hovercraft Ferry

Hovertravel run a regular service to Ryde on east of The Isle of Wight. Hovercrafts run at least every half hour and the journey only takes 10 minutes, making it the quickest crossing from the mainland to the Isle of Wight - great for a day trip. It takes foot passengers only, although you can take your bike over free of charge.

If you're travelling to Southsea by car there is a mix of pay and display and street parking around Clarence Pier.

Hovertravel Ltd, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3AD. Tel: 023 9281 1000.

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