Ryde (town, England)

Ryde (town, England), town on the north-eastern coast of the Isle of Wight, southern England. With its long stretch of flat, sandy beach, the town developed as a popular seaside resort during the early Victorian era. Ferry and hovercraft services operate between Ryde and Portsmouth on the mainland, and a train service, using London Underground rolling stock from the 1930s, runs from the pier to Shanklin, around 11 km (7 mi) to the south.

The town’s pier—the oldest in England—was built in 1814, and is 686 m (2,250 ft) long. Ryde Carnival and Arts Festival, reputed to be the oldest organized carnival in England, was first held in 1888. The event, held each summer, features processions and firework displays and attracts thousands of spectators. The town is one of the island’s leading retail centres and features a Victorian shopping arcade, with many antique shops. Population 20,502 (1991).