RYDE
WHY GO? Ryde combines traditional seaside fun, Victorian architecture and unexpected hidden gems. Enjoy a long spacious sandy beach, a thriving independent shopping scene and a whole host of great places to eat out. Shop vintage clothes at The Velvet Pig (thevelvetpig.com), designer interiors at Bou Chic (bouchic.co.uk) or combine coffee with fashion at House of Zabre (facebook.com/zabreiow). The shops in Royal Victoria Arcade are also worth an explore, with the adjoining underground museum which incorporates the Donald McGill Museum (saucyseasidepostcards.com), paying homage to the “King of the Saucy Seaside Postcard” from the early 20th century.
EXPLORE EAST
EXPLORE EAST TOP TIP / ALL ABOARD!
The Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum (iwbusmuseum.org.uk) is an excellent rainy day activity. Entry is free and there’s a collection of about 20 vehicles, most of which can be boarded and explored. Along similar lines is the Isle of Wight Steam Railway (iwsteamrailway.co.uk). Rail enthusiasts should board the recently upgraded modern trainline at Ryde Pierhead and then change at Smallbrook Station for the steam train to Havenstreet.
The golden sands of Appley in Ryde are the home of beach sports on the Island. The sprawling seafront provides much entertainment with two playgrounds, a splash park and a boating lake. If a swim in the sea doesn’t appeal, visit the Waterside Swimming Pool which retracts its roof on sunny days. Continue along the seafront until you reach the Dell Cafe (dellcafe.com) for a coffee by the beach huts of Appley. Behind you is Goodleaf (goodleaf.co.uk), where you can sign up for a tree climbing lesson.
FEELING HUNGRY?
Ryde has an abundance of places to satisfy most appetites. For lunchtime meze, book a table at Ada Mediterranean Kitchen (adamediterraneanryde.co.uk). Popular cafés include No.64 (no64ryde.com) and The Wonky Goat (thewonkygoat.co.uk). For an evening out, spread your wings and try The Duck (theduckiow.co.uk) or Heron (heroniow.co.uk). Both offer modern cuisine near to the seafront. Meanwhile, Michelangelo’s (ristorantemichelangelo.co.uk) combines authentic Italian food with an integrated delicatessen. REDFUNNEL.CO.UK
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