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  1. Things to do in Ryde
  2. Places to stay
  3. Getting there

Ryde

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  2. Things to do on the Isle of Wight
  3. Isle of Wight towns and villages

  4. Guide to Ryde, Isle of Wight

Your guide to Ryde

Ryde is the gateway to the Isle of Wight, found right on the coast and easy to get to whether you’re already on the Island or setting off from the mainland.

Expect glorious beaches, independent eateries and that quintessential seaside town feeling, with plenty of events going on throughout the year.

On a clear day, you’ll be able to see right out across the Solent to the city of Portsmouth on the mainland, from where we operate our Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head FastCat service.

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Portsmouth - Ryde routeRyde Pier Head FastCat portAppley Beach, Ryde

Things to do in Ryde

As a seaside town, it’s no wonder that Ryde is most well-known for its two sandy beaches – Ryde Beach and Appley Beach, the latter of which is home to the magical Appley Tower.

Heading into the town centre, you’ll find an abundance of independent boutiques, local cafes and family-run restaurants.

We’ve picked out three of our favourite things to do in Ryde below.

Tree climbers stood next to a tree in Appley, Ryde, Isle of Wight

Goodleaf Tree Climbing

Ascend the branches of a majestic oak tree and take in glorious views out across the Solent with Goodleaf Tree Climbing.

The team’s friendly experts will ensure you enjoy a gentle yet thrilling climb up the 15 metre tree using rope and harness.

Based in Appley Park, this unique experience can be found only a few minutes’ walk from our FastCat port.

Goodleaf Tree Climbing
Go karts on a track at Wight Karting Isle of Wight

Wight Karting

Does your getaway need a competitive edge? Top the podium at Wight Karting in Ryde, where you, your family and friends can take on their 520-metre floodlit track.

Suitable for all weathers, the Island’s home of go-karting welcomes anyone over the age of eight, regardless of experience.

A guaranteed memory-making experience, book yourself in for a race today.

Wight Karting
Two bottles of Mermaid Gin on a bar at the distillery, Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Distillery

The Island’s first and only distillery, the Isle of Wight Distillery is probably best known for producing the popular Mermaid Gin.

Ingredients for all their products – which also includes vodka and rum – are locally and ethically sourced, including picking up Rock Samphire from the Isle of Wight shoreline.

Pop in for a sample of their products and get to hear the story behind their brand.

Isle of Wight Distillery

Places to stay

Ryde has a number of places to rest your head, whether you’re looking for a seafront hotel or something a little further inland.

There are quirky options – like Retro Staycations, who offer unique glamping experiences inside their fleet of American Airstreams – and there are more traditional places to stay, like the Royal Esplanade Hotel, which sits right on the seafront, overlooking the Solent.

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The sun rises over Appley Tower in Ryde on the Isle of Wight

Getting there

The easiest way to get to Ryde from the mainland with Wightlink is on our FastCat service, which connects Portsmouth Harbour with Ryde Pier Head in just 22 minutes.

If you’re planning on bringing you car, however, you’ll be best served by our Portsmouth to Fishbourne route, which will get you across to the Island in only 45 minutes. Once you’re in Fishbourne, expect around a 20 minute drive eastward towards Ryde.

Visiting Ryde from our port in Yarmouth? Your journey by car will be a little longer, typically taking around 45 minutes as you travel from west to east.

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