2 days ago
The pretty English train station on the edge of a Victorian seaside town pier which has reopened after 10 months
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
Advertisement
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
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
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.
Advertisement
Read More on UK Breaks
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
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.
Advertisement
Most read in News Travel
Exclusive
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,
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
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
One beachgoer wrote on
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.
Advertisement
Ryde is great for shopping, with Union Street lined with boutiques, gift and souvenir shops.
If you continue walking, you'll reach
The town has, on average, the most
The beach at Shanklin is one of the better-regarded stretches of shoreline on the
, with its traditional English seafront promenade adding to the seaside resort experience.
Advertisement
Here's more on why visitors say heading to the
And where to find the
6
Ryde is home to a unique Victorian pier and 'floating' train station
Credit: Alamy
