Ryde calls itself the gateway to the Isle of Wight, and it certainly provides the fastest communication to and from the mainland. A regular ferry service between Ryde and Portsmouth was set up in 1805, but as it was dependent on sail, the crossing time was erratic. This practice ceased in 1815, when the pier was opened, and in 1825 a regular steam packet service was inaugurated, bringing the crossing time down to about 35 minutes. Ryde is a seaside town and the second largest urban area situated on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight. The town grew in size as a seaside resort following the joining of the villages of Upper and Lower Ryde in the 19th century. The influence of this era is still strongly visible in the town's central and sea facing architecture. Ryde has six miles of glorious sandy beaches and shallow coastal waters which are ideal for swimming. The tides goes out a long way, leaving firm sand ideal for beach games.
Transportation in Ryde
By Car: From Newport follow the A3054 to Ryde.
By Bus: Southern Vectis run regular services around the island
By Ferry: You can get from Ryde ferry port to Portsmouth in 15 minutes by the 400-seater catamaran.
Just two miles west of Ryde's centre, lies one of the island's earliest Christian relics, Quarr Abbey , founded in 1132. Only stunted ruins survived the Dissolution and ensuing plunder of ready-cut stone, although an ivy-clad archway still hangs picturesquely over a farm track. In 1907 a new abbey was founded just west of the ruins, a striking red-brick building with Byzantine overtones. At nearly half a mile Ryde Pier is one of the oldest and longest piers in the country. The sea wall promenade provides a popular walk, passing Appley Tower, the Victorian watchtower and continuing on to Puckpool Park, where you can enjoy refreshments, tennis, bowling and crazy golf in gardens adjoining the remains of a 19th century battery.
