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Ryde, the local area & other fantastic places to visit on the IOW

With long, spacious stretches of sandy beach, a thriving independent shopping scene and fabulous eating out, Ryde is a quirky mix of a traditional seaside fun, Victorian architecture and unexpected hidden gems!

One of the UK’s original seaside destinations and much loved by Queen Victoria, a trip on the FastCat or Hovercraft is part of the joy of a visit to Ryde. The town is easy and quick to get to from the mainland – it’s perfect for a day out or short break. If you’re already on the Island you’ll find Ryde easy to reach by bus, train, car and on foot and bicycle.

Visitors throughout the centuries have been seduced by Ryde’s relaxing coastal vibe, why not pop over and take a look for yourself.

A whole island to explore...!

Ryde offers a whole host of places to visit, activities and opportunities for everyone of all ages to enjoy themselves. There is something for everyone to enjoy all year round. Read on for just a selection of what Ryde and the rest of the Island has to offer, you wont be disappointed!

Fantastic places to visit for sightseeing and exploring the Island

Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House & The Needles are just a few of the many landmarks you can visit and explore on the Island.

Amazing places to visit all over the island!
Only a short trip from Rowan Lodge.

Robin Hill

Robin Hill

Robin Hill offers something for everyone, whether it is the thrill of the Island’s three biggest rides to the challenge of Squirrel Tower or the peace of the woodland walks where the Red Squirrels live.

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Butterfly World

Butterfly World

A visit provides the opportunity to see hundreds of butterflies flying freely in a natural environment. Visitors have the unique opportunity to study the egg-caterpillar-chrysalis-imago life cycle first hand.

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The Needles

The Needles

The Needles Park is the Isle of Wight’s premier visitor attraction and is situated at Alum Bay overlooking the Island’s most famous landmark, The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. Every year, nearly half a million people visit to view these jagged chalk stacks and lighthouse, the unique multi coloured sand cliffs and enjoy the Park’s facilities, including the spectacular chairlift.

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Steam Railway

Steam Railway

The Isle of Wight once boasted 54 miles of railway, most of which was closed between 1952 and 1966. However its unique atmosphere has been perfectly preserved by the largely volunteer-run Isle of Wight Steam Railway, which began operating trains in 1971.

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Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke has been an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king’s prison and a royal summer residence. Here you can meet the loveable donkeys and see them work, visit a fascinating museum and see the Castle’s Edwardian style garden. Experience far reaching panoramic views from high castle walls and place yourself at the very heart of the Isle of Wight’s History.

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Osborne House

Osborne House

In 1845 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osborne House and its 1000 acres. Osborne House was a retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. They greatly enjoyed the Isle of Wight, far from the pressures court life at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

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Wildheart Animal Santury

Wildheart Animal Santury

Home to Britain’s largest collection of tigers, this award winning zoo has been a dedicated ally to the tiger for over a quarter of a century. The Zoo also cares for a wide range of other animals including lions, leopards, jaguars, lemurs, monkeys, snakes, spiders and lizards. All the animals are housed in a wide variety of naturalistic enclosures that encourage them to display their natural behaviours.

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Blackgang Chine

Blackgang Chine

40 acres of Victorian cliff top gardens hold surprises around every corner. Developed over many years eccentric attractions include: Giant Hedge Maze, Water Gardens, Hall of Funny Mirrors and viewpoint picnic areas.

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Rosemary Vineyard

Rosemary Vineyard

One of the largest English vineyards, covering 30 acres, Rosemary Vineyard is ideally placed to make the most of the mild Island climate. Admission to the vineyard is free and we also offer free guided tours.

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and much much more....!

www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

Events

Ryde Events

Ryde is well known for its busy events calendar. With an eclectic diary of events ranging from the iconic August bank holiday scooter rally to Isle of Wight Pride in July to the International Classic Car Show in September, there’s always something happening in Ryde.

Music buffs head to the Island in October for Harp on Wight. You’ll find live music and performance in Ryde venues all year round.

If you fancy a nostalgic trip around the Island, The Classic Beer, Buses and Weekend in October is a treat. With various routes running from pub to pub, you’ll be spoiled for choice of beer and buses!

Under the Pier at the end of the summer celebrates the diverse marine wildlife of the low-tide pier.

Isle of Wight Events

IOW Festival

June

Cowes Week

July/August

Tour of Britain

September