Things to do in Ryde, Isle of Wight

Fly across the Solent from Southsea, Portsmouth with Hovertravel, the world’s favourite passenger hovercraft service. You will pass the historic Isle of Wight Ryde Pier, the second-longest seaside pier in the country, as you land directly on the shore at Ryde, Isle of Wight in under 10 minutes. Ryde beach is a stunning backdrop to this beautiful seaside town and as the largest town on the Isle of Wight, it really does offer something for everyone to enjoy. 

• Sandy Beaches 
  Ryde beach is a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for miles. Whether you want to enjoy a walk with your four-legged friend, build sandcastles with the family, sit back and relax in your deckchair or make the most of the waves and hire a paddleboard or kayak from Ryde Beach Hire, you are sure to have a great time on this beautiful sandy beach.
  
  
• Coastal Walks 
  Ryde is on the coastal path, so as soon as you step off the hovercraft you can explore the Island on foot. Enjoy a walk to Quarr Abbey, this 2.5 mile route will take about an hour, and you will be greeted with tranquil gardens and grounds and a Tea Shop serving delicious treats!
  
  

• Appley Tower 
  Visit the iconic Appley Tower, a 19th century folly, this grade II listed tower overlooks Ryde’s sandy beaches with far-reaching sea views across the Solent.
  
  
• Monkton Arts
  This hidden gem is a community-based café and arts centre. The Lounge @ Monkton Arts is a quirky vibrant café full of character serving a range of delicious local delicacies and hot and cold drinks, cakes and seasonal food.
  
  
• The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum
  Entry is free to the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum, see an impressive collection of Island buses and coaches dating from 1927 and enjoy some refreshments onboard the café bus.
  
  
• Ryde Arts Trail 
  Ryde Arts Trail is a 2-mile walking trail, discover nine captivating artworks placed throughout the town. You will find one of these artworks at our Ryde terminal.
  
  
• Goodleaf Tree Climbing
  Get adventurous and try recreational tree climbing up to 15 metres high, Goodleaf Tree Climbing is an unforgettable experience suitable for everyone over 8 years old.
  
  

• Boutique shopping 
  There are so many hidden gems in Ryde to discover, some of our favourites includes: The Christmas Imaginarium, Bouchic, Lost Lover, Duxmore Botanics and Liz Earle.  
  
  
• Artisan food 
  You really will be spoilt for choice with the many cafés, bars and restaurants on offer, serving a slice of the Islands produce for you to sample. Some of our favourites include, The Wonky Goat, The Dell Café, Chocolate Apothecary, Graces Bakery and Pickle and Dill.
  
  
• Ryde Superbowl 
  Featuring 16 lanes of Tenpin Bowling and LaserQuest, the ultimate sci-fi action-adventure game for ages 6+. You can also enjoy refreshments in the Pavilion Bar & Grill, Ryde Superbowl is a great activity whatever the weather.
  
  
• Waterside Pool
  Open all year with activities for all ages, from fun sessions to lane swimming, Waterside Pool features a unique retractable roof for those sunny days.
  
  
• Peter Pans Funfair & Amusements
  Next to Ryde beach this seaside amusement park features some small fun rides plus crazy golf and a café for refreshments.
  
  
• Puckpool Park
  Enjoy a 30-minute walk along the coast and discover Puckpool Park, set in an old barracks, there is lots of space to let off steam including a crazy golf and a play park with a variety of apparatus including a zip wire. Relax and enjoy refreshments in The Old Barracks Restaurant & Tea Gardens.

If you want to explore beyond Ryde, there are great transport connections available, with Ryde Transport Interchange a few minutes’ walk from our Ryde Terminal, where Southern Vectis operate buses right across the Island. Ryde Esplanade rail station is also a short walk away connecting you to the East Coast of the Island via Island Line rail to Sandown and Shanklin.