Its time to discover the real treasures the island has to offer:
Andy & Cathy have been in Ryde forever (it seems)! So we have put together our ideas of ‘wild’ experiences, that you wont necessarily come across from having much lower marketing budgets. They are able to be enjoyed with or without a car using public transport, & packed with the best places to visit, eat, and stay together… here are our ideas for food and activities in our area:
- Getting here, what you might not realise: The Isle of Wight can be enjoyed with or without a car. You can talk to us about Ferry and race packages. We have a booking agreement with both Wightlink and Red Funnel for cars. We also encourage holidays without a car which is possible by foot passenger tickets by rail from London Waterloo and Victoria into Portsmouth Harbour or Southampton Central. If you have any kind of railcard then enquire to travel all the way through to Cowes or Ryde (rather than Southampton Central Portsmouth Harbour) as the ferry will then be discounted. Wightlink offer a FastCat ferry route from Portsmouth Harbour with a through ticket to Ryde Esplanade, and Red Funnel offer a free bus from the Southampton Central railway station to their ferries to Cowes or East Cowes from Quay Road. Alternatively, use a National Express coach to Portsmouth Hard Interchange or Southsea Parade which is served by Hover Travel to Ryde Esplanade (use railcards for an even better deal!). With our local knowledge we are happy to advise you about getting the most from your visit .
- Day 1 (Food, activities Karting & Golf)
- Head to the bus station on Ryde Esplanade, travelling 10 minutes on the No 2 or 3 alighting at the Tesco Extra stop. Following signs to Wight Karting – nationally renown for their excellently technical outdoor 520m race track & a top action attraction on the Isle of Wight (Trip Advisor). Suit-up as a racing driver for a 2-hour motor sport extravaganza! Finishing Top on the Podium will get you medals or Trophies (group size dependent) and the biggest buzz for the least training on any sport – that’s a promise! Our La Babalu Licensed snack bar do coffees and a selection of bottled beers, or have one of our specialty Milkshakes.
- After Karting take a 15 minute stroll to ‘Splatter’ Paintball , and on the way there have lunch. Our recommendations are; large groups direct to the Olive Tree Restaurant located at Busy Bee Garden Centre for wood fired oven pizza .
- Or skip paintball today and head for a local pub; The Mermaid Gin Distillery and Wishing Well pub are 5 minutes drive away- also serving good food. Or try The Old Fort, Seaview (10 mins drive away) for those looking to enjoy a seashore food and drinks experience.
- Following lunch, it’s on to Westridge Golf for the Top Tracer Golf range system for more. Choose one of the 6 modes of play and test your score against the APP Leaderboard. With those with limited golfing skill, the sport is opened up into a fun, relaxing exercise.
Ryde Taxis can be arranged to collect from Golf and deliver you to your accommodation . The bars & restaurants of the town are varied ask for our recommendations and local knowledge.
- Day 2 (Food, Kite Surf lessons, open top bus tour of the Island, Gin Distillery)
- Adventure begins at 10 am : meet at Appley beach for a lesson with Wind Stalker Kite Surf School if the wind and tide are right. Otherwise another beach will always be notified. Alternatively we can arrange a Solent ‘treasure hunt’ by Rib from Bembridge Power Boats or from Fishbourne or Cowes with Rebel Marine, which is a great option for something a little different. Rebel Marine offer high speed rib trips and charter in our luxury rib ‘Lightning Rebel’ the fastest charter Rib on the island!
- After a great morning (followed by a refreshing shower!) it’s the bus tour of the Isle of Wight by open-top-bus on a Southern Vectis Downs Breezer with a group ticket and a Packed Lunch on-board. You can also explore by car, and there are plenty of routes that you can take to make sure that you see all of the sights.
- Alternatively head to The Dell Cafe at Ryde, or the Old Fort at Seaview.
- End the day at Mermaid Gin Distillery at the Wishing Well for ‘Mini Mixology’ lesson and a sampling of this local distillery’s finest selection of spirits. Onto the next bus or back in the car, you’re very ready to eat – and we end your day back in Ryde.
Food recommendations are very personal to us: these are updated regularly (April 2023) twice a year and we know you will be happy: or favourite Mediterranean fare at Crazy’s in High Street Ryde, or Ryde Tandoori on Union Street. For fancier fare and for fine dining book The Heron Ryde– and Alex the Chef there will definitely impress you.On your route around Ryde take in the Pier- opened in 1814 to accommodate the Victorian pleasure seekers and over half a mile long. A walk down here after supper will give great views of the Ryde Town and the Solent.
- Day 3 (activities Tree Climbing, Paddleboarding, Bowling Alley)
- Ryde start with to Goodleaf Tree Climbing at Appley Park taking in the Harbour, Canoe Lake and beautiful beaches on the way. The paths are level and easy for bikes or mini scooters. The tree climbing is set in a Victorian park and this family run business takes you high into the treetops for great views of the coastline. If you have runners with you then the best (and easiest) 10K is Ryde Prince Consort Car Park to Priory Bay and back. Check out that route on Google Earth- lovely!
- We then suggest a traditional Fish and Chip lunch at Appley Beach Café, or The Duck Restaurant for more upmarket taste and £ both– all are very close or on the beach.
- A short 5 minutes walk to Easthill Road Bus stop catching the Southern Vectis No. 8 Bus to St. Helens Causeway using a ‘Day Rider’ ticket– £5 per head (on Groups of 5+ saver) and make your way across the sand dunes of the Causeway to the Tackt-Isle Adventure Activities, where we suggest 1/2 day on either the sea – where you can get wet-suited up for Kayak and Paddleboard (SUP) Games, or a dry-land option – a Speedy Scavenger Hunt and Bushcraft! With lovely beaches to explore you’re guided (when booking a larger group) to the amazingly beautiful Priory Bay. Everything you need is supplied by Ben and his team – just bring your sense of adventure!
- After a refreshing shower, it’s back on the Number 8 bus towards Ryde towards your accommodation and to pick up your bags or back in the car, then its home after an unforgettable time! Or for a further evening of fun and an extra late departure you can upgrade to Bowling and/or Laserquest at Ryde Superbowl for the evening, which includes a free drink at the on-site café, bar or restaurant. We advise that the times of the last Hovercrafts and Ferry times are checked in this instance.
- Accommodation recommendations:
- Appley Manor Hotel, Ryde Inns of Distinction is a great option for those looking for a pub stay with a little bit of luxury – and they have a few options, including one in Seaview, Bembridge and Fishbourne
- Esplanade Hotel, Ryde
- Travel Lodge, Ryde
- Castle Hotel, Ryde
- Strand B&B, Ryde
- Vintage Vacatuibs Campsite, Ashey / Ryde
- 10 of the best Isle of Wight Caravan Parks
Variations for ‘split groups’
- Southern Vectis No 4 (via Staplers) to visit the Island Riding Centre for a taste of Dressage or a beginners riding session
- Ryde cycle pick-up for Paintballing at Coombley Woods
- Mixology cocktail event at the Harbour House, Ryde Harbour
Upgrades
(additional charges)
- Coach Collection Provided by Red Line Taxis, Seaview Services, ALS Coaches, Alpha Cars, or Ryde Taxis.
- Go-Karting Exclusive F1 or Endurance Team Competition Event with trophies and presentation.
- Full Mixology at Mermaid Gin Distillery at the Isle of Wight Distillery, Seaview.
- Seafront-Location Lunch or Evening Meal at the Three Buoys, Ryde or Best Dressed Crab, Bembridge (with limited wine).
- Golf Driving-range competition Enjoy the floodlit/ all weather range with the ‘Top Tracer’ technology at Westridge Golf Centre, Ryde.
- Bowling and/or Laserquest for your Day 1 evening activity – free drink included in on-site café, pub or restaurant.
- Lunch at the Harbour House Cocktail Bar on Day 1.
