13 Best Things to Do in Ryde for a Day Out (Isle of Wight)

Ryde is the first port of call for anyone visiting the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth on the catamaran or the hovercraft. There are loads of things to do in Ryde, but it’s too often skipped as holidaymakers travel on to the rest of the island. 

STOP… and stay – enjoy some of the many activities in Ryde. In fact, you can easily take a day trip to Ryde from Portsmouth, and spend your day enjoying the shops, attractions and restaurants in the seaside town. 

I went to Ryde for the day so I can show you just a few of the great things to do over there. Visit Ryde and it kinda feels like you’ve travelled abroad with the water crossing, without all the hassle of passports. 

Let me show you some of the great things to do in Ryde, to hopefully inspire you to take a trip over to the island from the south coast. 

Activities in Ryde

Here are some of the best activities in Ryde you can enjoy, just a short cycle, bus ride or taxi from Ryde Pier and hovercraft terminal. 

1. Wight Karting 

Have a go at karting round the all-weather Wight Karting track and see if you can lap your friends. 

Unfortunately I was the one who was lapped this time, but, I still had a great time trying. 

Karting is surprisingly easy (to do, hard to do well) and in my 15-minute session I managed to go round 20 times, which did spin me out a bit. Literally. 

I was saved from the bumpers twice but apart from that, I’m proud of my first attempt. So much fun putting full pedal to the metal though, and charging round the track. 

Wight Karting had all kinds of precautions for COVID in place – with balaclavas for all, washed and quarantined jumpsuits and new gloves for everyone too. 

It’s a really popular activity for all ages, and the friendly staff made it a really nice experience too. 

2. Cycling along the seafront

I took my own bike over on the hovercraft, which is free but you just need to tell them in advance. Or, you could hire a bike from TAV Cycles in Ryde if you prefer. 

Having a bike made it easier to get up to Wight Karting, although there was that big hill that was much more fun on the way down. 

After karting I cycled down to Appley Beach and seafront and along the path there. You’ll see Appley Tower and can climb up the steps. Keep going past the beach huts, and as far as you want – that’s the beauty of cycling!

I also cycled back into town and locked it up there to look round the shops. It was easy to bring it home again on the catamaran as there’s a designated bike area on there too. 

3. Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum 

The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum is one of the most unique attractions on the island. Featuring an awesome collection of buses restored from every era since buses began, you’ll see some real rarities here. 

Unfortunately I didn’t quite have time to pop in but next year I’m well up for the Isle of Wight Bus and Beer Weekend – one of the most unique festivals on the Isle of Wight. The basic premise is to ride old buses round the island, to the pubs. Dad and I are excited for it already. 

4. Goodleaf Tree Climbing 

I love the concept behind the Goodleaf Tree Climbing. Basically, they’ve kitted out this tree to be safe for kids and adults to climb up and down as high as they dare. 

I was looking for a ‘centre’ on my hunt for this, but it’s this tree, in the middle of a field. The sun had come out, the kids were squealing in delight and parents watching were happy their kids were happy. 

Shopping in Ryde

5. Shopping on Cross Street 

Can’t visit Ryde without a little shopping now can you? Looking round the boutique shops in the area is one of the best things to do in Ryde. 

The Christmas Imaginarium shop is amazing. It’s open from March to December and is a homage to all things festive. The owner, Russell Ince, wrote Santa’s Secrets years ago – a Christmas book which has taken off incredibly. He’s sold film rights in Hollywood, now has a whole bookshelf of books in this series, and has this shop in Ryde as a HQ. 

Also, on Cross Street, check out Bouchic for Orla Kiely products, Moomins stuff, and some fun things to buy for babies and children. And, Kandy Box for every kind of sweetie you could want. They have prepacked sweet selections (which I went for) and the olde style of containers of sweets too. Bought Ben home a Dip Dab, aren’t I kind?

6. Shopping on Union Street 

Union Street is well known for it’s long run of unique shops. Visit Mia, House of Zabre, Pure Wight Soy Candles, Number 66, Fantastic Store, Framers, The Velvet Pig and Gibbs and Gurnell. Whether you’re Christmas shopping in Ryde, clothes shopping or just window shopping in Ryde, you’ll find some unique things to buy here. 

Pop into the Royal Victoria Arcade on Union Street too, to see the restored stained glass panels in the rotunda. You can find more on the history of it here.

There’s also an Americana AJ’s Diner in there which when I walked past was serving up big milkshake floats.