The pretty English train station on the edge of a Victorian seaside town pier which has reopened after 10 months
On the edge of Ryde Pier is a train station that is used to pick up passengers from ferries, which is why it 'floats' over the sea, and it's just reopened after 10 months of essential upgrades.
6
6
Ryde's Victorian pier opened in 1814, and Ryde Pier Head first became a tramway station in 1864.
The tramway was at first horse-drawn, but it was electrified in 1886, making it one of the first electric tramways in the world and later it was developed into a train station.
In October 2024, the train station on the pier was closed in order to undergo renovation work.
Upgrades were undertaken to ensure the structure could hold new trains that would be added onto the route - for the first time in 30 years.
Lots of the track was replaced, steel barriers were installed, weather screens were put in, and it was freshened up with new paint.
The station was due to reopen in May 2025, but was delayed until early July 2025 after issues due to storms.
The station is a stop on the Island Line train service that operates between Ryde and Shanklin.
The journey offers incredible views, and doesn't cost much either - the one-stop trip from Ryde Esplanade to Ryde Pier costs £1.70 and takes two minutes.
Tickets from Ryde to the neighbouring town of Shanklin cost £3.90.
A pier train station isn't all the town has to offer - the seaside town is so charming that it was even the inspiration behind the Beatles song, Ticket to Ride.
The Mykonos-like beach restaurants in the Isle of Wight
6
6
Paul McCartney said the title referred to "a British Railways ticket to the town of Ryde on the Isle of Wight."
One of the most popular spots is Appley Beach - the coastline has long stretches of soft sand, a cafe and playground.
Visitors say that the beach gets even bigger at low tide making it ideal for kids and families.
And the stretch of beach nearest the village of Seaview is dog-friendly too.
One beachgoer wrote on Tripadvisor: "Lovely flat sandy beach for the kids to play without the worry of deep water and then the tide came in around 2-3pm and was so lovely, still super shallow."
On Appley Beach is a historic watchtower that used to be part of a sprawling family estate.
6
The tower is right on the beach and formed part of the home of the Hutt family, who owned the Appley House in the late 1800s.
Ryde is great for shopping, with Union Street lined with boutiques, gift and souvenir shops.
If you continue walking, you'll reach Shanklin, which is actually the UK's sunniest town.
The town has, on average, the most hours of sunlight per day, according to a new study, looking at which places in the country are the safest bet for a warm day out.
The beach at Shanklin is one of the better-regarded stretches of shoreline on the Isle of Wight, with its traditional English seafront promenade adding to the seaside resort experience.
Here's more on why visitors say heading to the Isle of Wight is like 'going back in time'.
And where to find the best caravan spot on the island.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
23 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Thousands of state-run trains cancelled
Thousands of state-run trains have been cancelled because too many drivers are off on holiday. South Western Railway (SWR) has cancelled about 2,500 trains over the next four weeks because of staff shortages, it said. The company, which was taken into Government ownership in May, has slashed 5 per cent of its 1,600 daily services over the next month because 'large numbers of our drivers are on annual leave or cannot work due to sickness', it said. Jeremy Varns, the co-ordinator of the SWR Watch group, said: 'It's increasingly evident that passengers are no longer a priority. With operators now financially supported by the Treasury, there's little motivation left to provide a reliable, quality service. 'Time and again, the industry's default response to challenges is to reduce timetables, not improve them. Meanwhile, passengers are paying record fares for turn-up-and-go travel, only to face declining reliability and longer gaps between services,' he continued. 'Rather than using the summer holiday period as an opportunity to promote rail travel with affordable fares, and extra services to tourist destinations, the focus appears to be on charging more while delivering less.' DfT blames private sector Officials from the Department for Transport (DfT), which now owns SWR, blamed 'previous private sector ownership' for August's spate of planned cancellations. It comes after the Labour government handed train drivers a 15 per cent pay rise last year as one of its first acts in office. About 80 trains per day will not run between July 28 and August 28 as a result of the summer holiday surge. Passengers using South Western Railway (SWR) may feel especially aggrieved by the latest batch of cancellations because they come after repeated signal failures at London Waterloo, SWR's main London station, earlier this month. The latest failure on Monday was so bad that bosses were forced to issue a 'do not travel' warning, leaving hundreds of thousands unable to commute to work. Off-peak services mainly affected A company spokesman insisted that the August cancellations are being made to prevent disruption caused by short-notice staff absences, and that they would mainly affect 'quieter, off-peak services'. 'The summer timetable sees a small reduction in services – less than 5 per cent of our 1,600 daily services – at a time when fewer customers are travelling with us,' said the spokesman. 'Over the summer holiday period, customer numbers drop by 12-17 per cent and the services we have removed are those with the lowest forecast demand.' None of the cancellations are included in downloadable copies of timetables, although it is understood that online journey planners have been revised. Referring to the delayed and over-budget £1billion fleet of new Arterio trains being introduced by SWR, the spokesman continued: 'Since the transfer to public ownership we have unlocked our new trains programme and now have 14 Arterios in daily service, enhancing capacity, comfort and reliability for customers across our suburban network. 'This timetable reduction will help protect the driver training programme so we can roll out even more Arterios in the coming months, while also and minimising the risk of on-the-day cancellations due to colleagues taking their annual leave during the school holidays' A DfT spokesman said: 'We are driving high standards for operators, ensuring they put passengers first by protecting as many services as possible while making improvements for the whole network, and making sure more trains show up when they should. 'The issues causing these reductions were inherited from previous private sector ownership under the flawed franchise system, which is exactly the sort of thing we hope to eradicate through Great British Railways. 'The new Managing Director will be setting out a plan to drive up performance and is already ensuring these issues have as little impact on passengers as possible.'
The Sun
23 minutes ago
- The Sun
The eight English cities hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 – and what to do in each place
THE Women's Rugby World Cup is taking place across the UK next month. And for the first time, it will take place across eight English cities - and VisitEngland have shared their top tips on what to do in each. 8 Running from August 22 to September 27, the eight cities are Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York - with Anne Marie headlining the opening ceremony. Here is the full guide of what to do in each - and the rugby-themed events taking place. Brighton & Hove Brighton & Hove previously hosted three UEFA Women's Euro fixtures in 2022. But beyond the pitch, Brighton offers a rich mix of experiences from panoramic views atop Brighton i360 to the adrenaline of the Brighton Zip. The colourful Lanes entice visitors with eclectic boutiques, artisan coffee shops and bakeries, while Shelter Hall on the seafront provides a contemporary twist on the traditional food hall. No visit to Brighton is complete without a trip to the iconic Palace Pier with its exhilarating roller coaster rides and views of the English Channel. Top Tip: The Red Roses take on Australia on September 6 whilst New Zealand go head-to-head with Ireland on 7 September. Head to the fan zone in Victoria Gardens between September 4 and 7 for a free, family-friendly, female-focused festival including local music and rugby taster sessions. Bristol The city's engineering legacy is front and centre at the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel's SS Great Britain. Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol Bears and Bristol City FC, is set to host both semi-finals and two quarter finals – and has already made history with England's highest attended women's rugby game outside of London. Ellie Kildunne: Defying Odds and Inspiring a Generation For a creative fix, dive into the immersive world of Wake The Tiger or create your own masterpiece with Graft's graffiti workshops – a must-do in Banksy's hometown. Top Tip: A dedicated Rugby World Cup walking route will link the two fan zones at Ashton Gate and Bristol Amphitheatre to allow visitors to take in the sites en route. Quarter finals will take place on the weekend of September 13 and semi-finals on the weekend of September 19. Exeter The tournament's most south-westerly venue, Sandy Park in Exeter has been home to the Exeter Chiefs for the past 18 years and will host seven matches this year, including two quarter-final fixtures The Devonshire city offers a culture-packed break with riverside walks, Gothic architecture and top-notch local food. Start with the awe-inspiring Exeter Cathedral, boasting the world's longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling, before heading beneath the city's surface on a tour of the Exeter Underground Passages. Back above ground, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum offers a rich collection of art, archaeology and natural history. If the sun's out wander down to the scenic quayside, home to indie shops, artist studios and riverside pubs. Top Tip: Exeter's free and accessible Princesshay fan zone will show all matches on a big outdoor screen for the duration of the tournament with plenty of seating options, a pop-up bar and nearby street food vendors. 8 Twickenham, London The legendary Twickenham Stadium will host both the Women's Rugby World Cup final and bronze final on September 27. In nearby Richmond, discover natural beauty and regal heritage with walks and wild deer spotting in Richmond Park, explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew or step into history at Hampton Court Palace. For a tranquil meal in a secret garden setting, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the charming Petersham Nurseries hidden away along the River Thames. Top Tip: Organisers are anticipating that the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 final could sell out Twickenham Stadium and surpass England's record for the highest attended women's rugby game. If you do miss out on a ticket, you can still soak up the sporting atmosphere at one of Twickenham's rugby pubs, such as The Barmy Arms or The Cabbage Patch, which always come alive with fans on match days. 8 Salford, Greater Manchester Manchester is no stranger to ball sports, but it's rugby that's set to shine in the city this summer with the Salford Community Stadium hosting four Women's Rugby World Cup fixtures. Make a post-match visit to Salford Quays, where the city's industrial past has been transformed into a cultural and culinary hub. Sample the 19 independent kitchens at Kargo food hall or take in the creative legacy of L.S. Lowry at The Lowry arts centre and theatre. Top Tip: To align with the four games being played at Salford Community Stadium on August 23 and 30, Piccadilly Gardens in the heart of Manchester's city centre will host a fun filled fan zone experience with more details to be announced. 8 Northampton Northampton, the Midlands' only Women's Rugby World Cup host city, will see six matches staged at Franklin's Gardens, a venue dating back to 1880. Northampton has plenty to explore between games too, such as the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, or enjoy a countryside escape at the gardens of Castle Ashby. Motorsport fans can head to the world-famous Silverstone Circuit to explore its museum – or even drive the iconic track in a single-seater racing car. Top Tip: Across weekends that the tournament is on, Northampton Market Square's fan zone will be celebrating with live music and street entertainment – along with an all-important big screen and a licensed bar. The fan zone will have a different theme each weekend, from technology and innovation to art, music and culture. 8 Sunderland The North East is all set to welcome fans with the tournament's opening show and first game – a must-watch match between England and the USA – taking place at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on August 22. Beyond the pitch, Sunderland offers sandy summer escapes at Roker and Seaburn beaches. For cultural exploration, visit Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens – keep an eye out for Wallace the lion – and the National Glass Centre, where you can watch live glassblowing in action. Top Tip: A mini music festival will take place at the city's Keel Square fan village on the evening of August 21 – featuring a lineup of female-led live music. The celebrations continue at Keel Square for the next two days with live entertainment, interactive games, food, drink and big screens. They'll also be plenty of community events taking place locally, including touch rugby festivals on nearby beaches. 8 York One of the tournament's newest venues, the York Community Stadium previously hosted the Women's Rugby League World Cup in 2021 and this year will have six matches taking place during the tournament. York is a city layered with history – visit the 7th Century York Minster, uncover Norse heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre or brave the thrills of York Dungeon. For something more modern, enjoy food and drink at creative community venue SPARK* or join a craft beer tasting tour at Brew York. Top Tip: The Red Roses' captain is North Yorkshire-born Zoe Aldcroft, who hails from Scarborough and started playing at her local rugby club aged eight. It takes under an hour to reach Scarborough from York by train, and the coastal town (touted to be England's first seaside resort) offers rich heritage, outdoor adventures and plenty of water sports – perfect for a breezy break away from the pitch. 8
The Sun
23 minutes ago
- The Sun
Win a dream Cornwall home worth over £3 million overlooking the coast
SWAP busy city views for a stunning coastal one, ditch rush-hour commutes for peaceful, beachside strolls. For one lucky person, this dream could become a reality by entering the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, for your chance to win a coastal home in Cornwall worth over £3 million. Enter the Omaze Million Pound House Draw On top of the luxury house giveaway, the lucky winner will also take home a life-changing £250,000 cash prize. The contemporary coastal masterpiece is perched above the stunning Porthcothan Bay, with phenomenal panoramic views. Boasting four bedrooms and four bathrooms, the property is neatly tucked away, providing easy access to the South West Coast Path, which is perfect for dog walks, early morning strolls, and viewing the daily sunrises or sunsets. The lounge and main bedroom are on the upper floor to make the most of the jaw-dropping ocean views and reverse-living layout. Enter the Omaze Million Pound House Draw Boasting light and airy spaces that are filled with natural textures, soft neutrals, and floor-to-ceiling windows, this home frames the sea like a piece of art. Every inch of the home has been carefully considered, from the statement lighting and sleek fittings to the soothing colour palette that echoes coastal luxury. The open-plan kitchen and living areas are ideal for entertaining guests, or simply soaking up the views with your morning coffee. Enter the Omaze Million Pound House Draw ENTER HERE There's also a dedicated home office, cleverly positioned to give you focus when you need it, and a peaceful, serene spot to work with even better views. If the Omaze Cornwall home wasn't enough, the winner will also receive £250,000 cash to help them settle in. The Cornwall property is just 15 minutes from Newquay Airport and has an estimated rental income of approximately £3,500 per month, or the winner can choose to sell up and walk away a millionaire. Entries to the House Draw close at midnight on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25, 2025. By entering the Cornwall House Draw, you'll be supporting FareShare, helping turn surplus food into vital meals and support for people who need it most. Plus, if you enter online by midnight on August 10, you'll also get a chance to win an Early Bird Prize: a luxury VW California Ocean campervan worth over £80,000 and £100,000 cash.
