Ryde, Isle of Wight. Open Daily. Free Admission.

Details

Accessibility

https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/travel/accessible-isle-of-wight

2026:

"Getting to the Isle of Wight and getting about

Whether you choose to come by ferry or hovercraft, both these options have passenger assistance available, accessible toilets on board car ferries and lifts which can accommodate wheelchairs. Red Funnel, Wightlink and Hovertravel all request that you book 48 hours before travelling if you are disabled and will need assistance or hold a blue badge (this is required by marine law). If you are travelling on the Red Jet you should bear in mind that due to tide difference throughout the day, the passenger gangways can be steep for those who have mobility issues.

Once you are on the Isle of Wight you’ll find that, if you’re a driver, there are plenty of disabled spaces to park in at all the main Island attractions, car parks, supermarkets and most pubs. If you’re travelling on public transport, the Island bus company Southern Vectis can accommodate wheelchairs and approved mobility scooters, although it is at the discretion of the driver as to whether there is the necessary space on board for mobility scooters. If you want to travel by train, then Island Line runs from Ryde to Shanklin. There is a downloadable leaflet about Assisted Travel, accessible station and train facilities and everything about wheelchairs, scooters and ramps.

Where to stay?

The Isle of Wight has a huge range of holiday accommodation with everything from chalets and cottages to country parks and caravans many of which have accessible friendly features but you should enquire at the time of booking to see if the facilities will be suitable for you. Much of the accommodation on the Island has accessible bedrooms, disabled parking, a disabled persons toilet, ramp and access level and are wheelchair friendly and camping and country parks not only have fabulous views but also family and child friendly play areas.

You can find more details information about accessible accommodation and venues by visiting Euan's Guide, a disabled access reviews website; Isle Access, a directory of accessibility information on the Island; and Tourism for All, helping make travel accessible to all. We've also put together a selection of accessible friendly accommodation in the list below.

Who Are Euan's Guide?

Euan’s Guide is used by disabled people to discover and recommend accessible places to visit. The website has thousands of access reviews of everywhere from cafes and hotels to boats, beaches and museums! Add your reviews to help others find great places to go on the Isle of Wight and beyond.

What shall we do today?

We realise that not all accessibility issues are visible and that different people have different needs so if you have additional needs or require assistance, you should check with the attraction, pub or restaurant to make sure that you can be comfortably looked after. The Isle of Wight’s greatest business is tourism and you will find a friendly welcome across the Island.

For some splendid days out and family fun there are lots of places on the Island that are accessible friendly. Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, The Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Blackgang Chine are brilliant for a visit for all the family and there’s also the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Amazon World and Monkey Haven for furry friend fans. Both of the Island theatres at Shanklin and Medina have wheelchair spaces and hearing assistance and the Island Riding Centre and Superbowl at Ryde also have facilities for those with additional needs.

There are, of course, beaches which, whilst the sand may not be accessible for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, have flat paths which run alongside. Appley beach in Ryde is ideal as is the path between Sandown and Shanklin beaches and Cowes Esplanade.

So plenty to do and see whatever your ability. Come and visit our beautiful Island and see for yourself!"

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryde

2026:

"Ryde is an English seaside town and civil parish on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight. The built-up area had a population of 24,096 according to the 2021 Census.[1] Its growth as a seaside resort came after the villages of Upper Ryde and Lower Ryde were merged in the 19th century, as can still be seen in the town's central and seafront architecture. The resort's expansive sands are revealed at low tide. Their width means the regular ferry service to the mainland requires a long listed pier – the fourth longest in the United Kingdom, and the oldest surviving.[2]"

Address

Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 2PJ

Email

info@visitwight.org 

Phone

Town Council: 01983 811105

Website

Town Council: www.rydetowncouncil.org.uk  and  www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/towns/ryde

Directions

From Newport, leave the town via the A3054 northwards signposted for Ryde, and remain on this road all the way into Ryde.  

From East Cowes Ferry, second exit at roundabout onto Well Road, A3021. Follow this road out of East Cowes and just after the entrance to Osborne House turn left at the roundabout onto Whippingham Road, which continues to be the A3021, signposted for Newport. Remain on this road until the roundabout with the junction of the A3054 where you take the first exit towards Ryde. Stay on this road all the way into Ryde.  

From Fishbourne Ferry leave terminal on B3731 until junction with A3054 where turn left towards Ryde and follow this road all the way into Ryde.

OS SZ591926  

Opening Times

Daily.

Transport

Bus Service Numbers 2,3,4,8,9 and 37 operate throughout the town and from the Bus Station.

There are 3 Train stations in the town.

For more travel information go to www.traveline.info or call 0871 200 22 33

Amenities

Shops

Accommodation

Churches

Car parks

Public Houses

Restaurants

Food Takeaway Shops

Hovercraft Terminal

Catamaran Terminal

Library

Museums

Theatre

Sports Centre

Speedway Track#

Beach