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Ryde, Isle of Wight

Ryde Canoe Lake

The largest town on the Isle of Wight, Ryde has been named 'The Gateway to the Island', and for good reason. The catamaran from Portsmouth docks at the end of Ryde Pier. Here the connecting train can take you as far as Shanklin. Next to the pier and Ryde Esplanade bus station is the hovercraft terminal, which links to the mainland in less than 10 minutes.

The several miles of Ryde's sweeping golden sand beach is great for swimming for all the family. The town and sea front is packed with pubs, restaurants and shops.

The festival town of Ryde holds the oldest carnival in the U.K. Traditionally held at the end of the summer, it provides a fitting finale to the carnival season, when floats from all over the Island converge in Ryde for the biggest, brightest spectacle of the year.

Getting Around

Buses to all parts of the Island depart from Ryde Esplanade. Alternatively catch the train to Shanklin via Smallbrook (for the IW Steam Railway), Brading, Sandown and Lake.

Download Ryde town map

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