Known as the Gateway to the Island because it is so easy to reach, Ryde is just a short sea crossing from Portsmouth or Southsea. With the construction of the pier, in 1814, and the establishment of a regular ferry service in 1825, the town became an elegant Victorian seaside resort.
Ryde's main attraction is its miles of glorious golden sand and shallow coastal waters that extend all the way around the coast to Springvale and Seaview. The Esplanade has a marina, beautiful gardens and activities for all the family, such as bowling green, children's amusement park, tenpin bowling, boating lake and swimming pool with retractable roof. Stroll along the sea wall to Puckpool Park, with café, tennis and children's play park. Appley Park has pitch and putt and the Victorian landmark Appley Tower. Regattas have attracted crowds to Ryde for around 150 years with Ryde having the UK's oldest Carnival dating back to 1887. August see's the arrival of 10's of thousands of scooters and classic cars for planned events.