Ryde

Ryde is in the north-east of the island. With grand Georgian and Victorian houses, it rises up from the 1/2-mile-long pier and into the hills behind. The pier was built in 1814 and now houses the high-speed ferry link operated by Wightlink to and from Portsmouth, and the terminus for the island's electric railway which runs to Shanklin. The pier is one of only a few in the country that you can drive your car along and park it at the end for the ferry.
The long high street houses a wide variety of shops and boutiques and takes you down to the Esplanade with its golden sand beaches and wide choice of activities. The Esplanade consists of a ten-pin bowling alley, indoor ice rink, swimming pool, and a nightclub as well as numerous amusement arcades and children's play areas.
Further from the Esplanade, is the Promenade which stretches from the esplanade to Puckpool Park. Along the Promenade is Appley Tower, a Victorian Folly and nearby is Appley gardens.

By ferry or hovercraft:

• The Fast Cat operated by Wightlink runs just about every half hour in the summer.
• The Hovercraft run by Hovertravel also leaves every half hour.

Island Line trains run a regular service from the Fastcat terminal at the pier head. this stops at: Ryde Esplanade, Ryde St John's, Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. This service operates ex London Underground rolling stock.
Southern Vectis has a bus terminal at the foot of the pier adjacent to the Ryde Esplanade railway station.

• Ryde Pier681 m long.

• Isle of Wight Steam Railway

  phone: +44 1983 882204
  address: Havenstreet Station
  A former branch line resucitated to accurately recreate the atmosphere of the island's railways in the pre-war era, when the island was the home of already superannuated locomotives and coaches from the mainland. Accessible by car at the steam railway's Havenstreet Station, or by changing from the island's one remaining public service railway (between Ryde and Shanklin) at Smallbrook Junction.

• Toymaster Isle of Wight

  phone: +44 1983 563836
  address: 9 Union Street
  The oldest and largest independent toy store on the Isle of Wight.

• Michelangelo's Italian Restaurant

  phone: +44 1983 811966
  address: 30 Saint Thomas St

• Olive

  address: 33 Union St
  Authentic Italian restaurant, delicious pizzas (£10-20) and very friendly staff.

• The Solent Inn

  phone: +44 1983 563546
  address: 7 Monkton St
  A multiple CAMRA award-winning pub where the local musical talent can be seen on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

• The King Lud

  phone: +44 1983 562942
  address: 2 Esplanade
  Friendly staff, bu fairly basic pub.

• Dorset Hotel

  phone: +44 1983 564327
  address: 31 Dover St, PO33 2BW
  Close to 6 miles of sandy beaches, Esplanade, Ryde Shopping Centre & transport routes. Ryde offers a range of restaurants, pubs, night clubs & other entertainment for the young & old. Online booking.