Car Hire Ryde

Ryde welcomes visitors to the Isle of Wight’s bustling eastern gateway, home to around 24,000 residents who enjoy the town’s Victorian seaside charm year-round. The A3055 connects you directly from Newport while the hovercraft and ferry services link you to Portsmouth, creating seamless mainland access for your island adventures. Seasonal weather brings warm summers perfect for beach activities and mild winters ideal for exploring the town’s historic attractions and indoor museums.

Attractions In Ryde

Victorian elegance meets modern entertainment in this charming seaside town where historic piers stretch into the Solent and vintage funfairs bring joy to families throughout the year.

The Lost Crypt

Dover Street houses this exceptional escape room experience that consistently earns 4.8-star ratings from over 70 adventurous visitors who praise its authentic atmospheric setting. You’ll solve challenging puzzles while immersed in genuine historical surroundings that create an unforgettable gaming experience. The attraction welcomes groups by appointment, offering you thrilling problem-solving adventures that combine entertainment with Ryde’s mysterious underground heritage.

Peter Pan Funfair

Located at 23 Esplanade, this traditional seaside funfair provides classic amusement park experiences with rides, arcade games and refreshment kiosks for all ages. You can enjoy nostalgic fairground atmosphere while children experience the magic of vintage carnival attractions that have entertained families for generations. Open daily from 10 AM until 6 PM, the funfair offers you affordable entertainment and those quintessential British seaside memories.

Appley Tower

Appley Tower is a unique and distinctive architectural landmark situated right on the seafront near Ryde. This prominent, Grade II listed tower was constructed in the 1870s as an ornamental folly within the grounds of the former Appley Towers estate. It stands as a striking visual feature, providing a memorable focal point along the beach. Though privately owned, the tower remains a cherished piece of Victorian seaside heritage and a much-photographed structure. We find the tower particularly enchanting during its daily opening hours from 10:30 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.

Appley Park

This expansive public park along Garden Walk consistently receives 4.6-star ratings from over 300 visitors who appreciate its stunning coastal views and family-friendly facilities. You can enjoy peaceful walks through well-maintained gardens while children explore playground areas and everyone benefits from the spectacular Solent panoramas. Available around the clock, the park provides you with free outdoor recreation and some of Ryde’s most photographed vistas.

Ryde Pier

Stretching majestically into the Solent, this iconic Victorian pier offers you unique vantage points for watching both the historic Island Line railway and modern hovercraft operations. You’ll witness the fascinating interplay between traditional and contemporary transport while enjoying sea breezes and coastal views that have captivated visitors for over a century. The pier remains accessible throughout the day, providing endless opportunities for maritime observation and photography.

Looking for car hire in nearby locations? Consider these excellent options:

• Brading
• East Cowes
• Sandown
• Yarmouth

The Donald McGill Museum

Royal Victoria Arcade on Union Street houses this delightful museum celebrating the king of saucy seaside postcards, earning 4.6 stars from visitors fascinated by British coastal humour. You can explore extensive collections of vintage postcards alongside social history exhibits that document the island’s cultural evolution through popular entertainment. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, it offers unique insights into British seaside culture.

The Museum Of Ryde

Also situated within Royal Victoria Arcade, this local history museum showcases the town’s development from small fishing village to major Victorian resort destination. You’ll discover artefacts, photographs and stories that bring Ryde’s past to life through carefully curated displays celebrating local heritage and community spirit. Operating Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, we recommend combining your visit with the nearby Donald McGill Museum.

Isle Of Wight Bus And Coach Museum

Park Road features this remarkable transport museum that delights over 800 visitors annually with its impressive collection of vintage buses and coaches. You can explore beautifully restored vehicles that tell the story of island public transport while learning about the engineering marvels that connected communities across the Isle of Wight. The museum operates on selected days throughout the year, so advance checking ensures your visit coincides with opening times.

All Saints’ Church

Queen’s Road showcases this imposing Victorian Gothic church that serves both the local community and visitors interested in architectural heritage. You’ll admire beautiful stained glass windows, intricate stonework and peaceful interior spaces that provide moments of reflection amidst your island explorations. Church services take place on Thursdays from 9 to 10 AM, Fridays 4-5 PM and Sundays from 9 AM until 1 PM.

Appley Beach

Appley Beach is one of the Isle of Wight’s most expansive and popular stretches of sand, located to the east of Ryde Pier. This wide, sandy beach is known for its shallow, safe waters and is particularly favoured by families. At low tide, the sea recedes significantly, revealing extensive sand flats. The beach is bordered by a long promenade and the mature woodland of Appley Park, making it a wonderful setting for walking and casual recreation.