Ryde

The festival town of Ryde on the Isle of Wight boasts Britain’s oldest carnival. Traditionally held at the end of the summer, it provides a fitting finale to the carnival season, when floats from all over Britain converge on Ryde for the biggest, brightest spectacle of the year. Ryde Pier, at nearly half a mile, is one of the oldest and longest piers in the country. A high-speed passenger catamaran operates between Portsmouth and the pier head, where the railway line from Shanklin terminates using 1930’s London Underground rolling stock. There is also a connection with the IW Steam Railway at Smallbrook Junction near Ryde. Next to the pier is the hovercraft terminal with links to the mainland in less than 10 minutes. Ryde has six miles of glorious sandy beaches and shallow coastal waters which are ideal for swimming. The tide goes out a long way, leaving firm sand that is ideal for beach games. Along the Esplanade you will find colourful flowerbeds, ten-pin bowling, an indoor children’s play area, ice rink, marina, bowling greens a small fun fair. There is also a canoe lake, paddling pool and a swimming pool with retractable roof. The broad seafront promanade runs alongside the Esplanade to Appley Gardens, where there is a children’s play area and a pitch and putt course. To the east of Ryde can be found the pretty coastal villages of Seaview, St Helens and Bembridge. Sailing is the main summer activity of Seaview and Bembridge, whilst St Helens has a village green, where sports and carnivals are held.