Ryde

Ryde is a coastal town on the northeast shore of Isle of Wight with wide sandy beaches and a mix of Victorian and modern buildings. It spreads out around its central harbor area, with the pier extending into the water and residential and commercial districts rising behind it.

The merger of Upper Ryde and Lower Ryde during the 19th century transformed the area into a major seaside resort with substantial new construction. This period as a fashionable beach destination shaped the town's character and layout, which it still reflects today.

The town center retains Victorian and Edwardian shopfronts and promenades that reflect its role as a 19th-century seaside destination. Walking through the streets, you can see how the layout and buildings still serve the same purpose of drawing visitors to the waterfront and pier.

Visitors arrive via hovercraft from Southsea or catamaran from Portsmouth, with onward transport by train and bus available at the pier. The beach is most accessible at low tide when the shoreline extends much further out.

The pier was built in 1814 and is the oldest functioning example in Britain still carrying passenger ferries. Its more than half-mile length makes it a rare survivor from the Regency period, continuing to serve transportation as originally intended.

Location: Isle of Wight

Website: https://rydetowncouncil.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.72710,-1.16180

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:52