Latest news with #Mykonos-like
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
The pretty English train station on the edge of a Victorian seaside town pier which has reopened after 10 months
The two minute journey from the pier to the mainland costs £1.70 GO SEA IT The pretty English train station on the edge of a Victorian seaside town pier which has reopened after 10 months Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A UNIQUE floating train ride to the end of the UK's oldest pier is once again welcoming passengers aboard. 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The Ryde Pier Head train station is literally over the sea Credit: Alamy 6 The station connects ferry passengers to the mainland who want to avoid the long walk Credit: Alamy 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 Appley Beach is one of the most popular stretches of coastline in Ryde Credit: Alamy 6 The town has charming shops and markets too Credit: Alamy 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 remains of Appley Towers sit just off the beach Credit: Alamy 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.
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The Mykonos-like beach restaurant on the UK coastline where guests get delivered by boat
There's even a more luxe way of getting there too that you won't believe SHIP SHAPE The Mykonos-like beach restaurant on the UK coastline where guests get delivered by boat FOR anyone wanting a slice of Greece right here in the UK, check out this very cool bar. On the Isle of Wight is a bustling coastal bar called The Hut where you'll find all-day parties, live music, and cool beach vibes that make it feel like it belongs in the Mediterranean. Advertisement 4 The Hut gives Mykonos vibes with its white and blue look Credit: The Hut Colwell 4 Guests can even arrive by boat as staff pick them up on a tender Credit: The Hut Colwell With the hot weather rolling back in, The Hut is the perfect place to have a bite to eat, enjoy sea views and have a dance. The bar sits on the edge of Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight which has a shingle shoreline and calm waters. The Hut itself looks like it belongs in the Mediterranean with gleaming white walls, retractable glass windows and long wooden tables. Just like some of the most exclusive Mykonos bars, you can get to this one in style, by boat or even helicopter. Advertisement For those taking to the water, you can get a boat out onto the water, then on approach to The Hut drop anchor as their own tender will bring guests to shore. Those wanting to arrive like a celebrity, you can even come via helicopter. This will land at the helipad at Afton Manor next door - no one will forget that. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "The food was superb and watching the dingies taxi service bringing in the customers from their boats for lunch was incredible." Advertisement With a boat to shore service, and the bar being right on the coast, guests have said it looks like it could be in the Mediterranean or even the Caribbean. Another said: "I still marvel what the owners made out this old humble beach cafe- this would not look out of place in Mykonos." The UK's best beach bar – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails 4 The beautiful bar sits right on the edge of Colwell Bay Credit: The Hut Colwell Posts on social media show The Hut hosts lots of live events with DJs, dancers, live musicians like saxophone players with guests getting up and dancing on the tables. Advertisement For anyone wanting more of a relaxed vibe, avoid Saturday lunch time as The Hut warns that's when the DJ will be at it's loudest. The Hut's menu thrives on seafood, there are surf and turf sharing platters as well as oysters, crab and mackerel. Fish is their speciality with eight dishes dedicated to the likes of sole, sea bass, cod and sea bream. But you can also dig into a juicy cheese burger, steak and Korean chicken. Advertisement When it comes to drinks The Hut has so much choice including 15 house cocktails which are £15 each. There's also an eight page wine list as well as a choice of beers and non-alcoholic drinks. The Hut is busy, so it's recommended to book before setting off, and for bigger groups you'll need to put down a deposit of £15pp to secure your spot. Each year, The Hut holds its own annual party with live music and DJs. Advertisement It costs £250pp whole table buyout which includes a Hut Feast, bottomless rosé, and a welcome cocktail. The Hut has private parties too for anyone who wants to celebrate with incredible views. Both the Roof Deck and the Top Deck can be made indoor our outdoor because they have retractable roofs, sliding glass walls, and heating. Plus one travel writer discovered London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city. Advertisement And the UK's best beach bars – with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails.
