Ryde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ryde |
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 Ryde viewed from the Solent |
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 Ryde
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| Population | 24,096 (2021 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SZ591923 |
| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | RYDE |
| Postcode district | PO33 |
| Dialling code | 01983 |
| Police | Hampshire |
| Fire | Isle of Wight |
| Ambulance | Isle of Wight |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Ryde is a lively seaside town located on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight in England. In 2021, about 24,000 people lived here. Ryde became a popular seaside resort in the 1800s when two smaller villages, Upper Ryde and Lower Ryde, joined together. You can still see this history in the town's old buildings.
When the tide is low, Ryde's wide sandy beaches stretch far out. Because the sand goes so far, the ferries that connect Ryde to the mainland need a very long pier. This pier, called Ryde Pier, is one of the longest in the United Kingdom and the oldest still standing!
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History of Ryde
In 1782, a sad event happened near Ryde. A large ship called HMS Royal George sank suddenly at Spithead. Many bodies from the ship washed ashore at Ryde. They were buried in an area that is now part of the Esplanade. A special memorial was put up in 2004 to remember them.
Ryde has many beautiful buildings from the 1800s. These include All Saints' Church, designed by a famous architect named George Gilbert Scott. The Ryde Town Hall was finished in 1831. Before the pier opened in 1814, people arriving by ferry at low tide had to travel almost half a mile to shore by horse and cart!
How Ryde is Governed
Ryde has its own local government called Ryde Town Council. This council helps represent the people who live in Ryde. They also give their opinions on new building plans in the town. The main council for the whole island, the Isle of Wight Council, considers these views.
People in Ryde also have Ward Councillors. These councillors represent them on the larger Isle of Wight Council.
Getting Around Ryde
Ryde is well-connected for travel. You can take a hovercraft to Southsea on the mainland, which is a very quick nine-minute trip. The hovercraft station is near the Esplanade, close to the train and bus stations.
There is also a catamaran ferry service. This ferry goes from Ryde Pier to Portsmouth Harbour. From Portsmouth Harbour, you can catch trains to London Waterloo.
Ryde has a train line called Island Line. It runs from Ryde Pier Head all the way to Shanklin. This journey is about 8.5 miles long. Another train station in Ryde is Ryde St John's Road railway station.
The main bus station is located between Ryde Pier and the Hovercraft terminal. Ryde is a very busy stop for buses on the island. The most frequent bus route is No. 9 to Newport, which runs every 10 minutes during the day. Other routes connect Ryde to different parts of the island. In summer, you can even take an open-top bus tour called The Downs Tour.
Fun Things to Do in Ryde
Ryde's long Esplanade is a big draw for visitors, especially those coming for a day trip. Everything you need is within walking distance from the pier. You can find a swimming pool, a bowls club, a bowling alley, and a boating lake. There are also playgrounds for kids, arcades, and cafes.
While the Esplanade is large, Ryde also has other public parks and green spaces. These include Appley Park, Puckpool Park, and St John's Park.
Long ago, Ryde had two piers, but the Victoria Pier is no longer there. Ryde has its own inshore rescue service. This team often helps people who get stuck on sandbanks when the tide comes in. Ryde Pier is also part of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, a 67-mile walking route around the island.
Ryde has a small marina located east of the pier. It's best for smaller boats because it dries out at low tide. The marina can hold up to 200 boats. It has a full-time harbour master who shares important information like weather reports and tide times.
The town centre is on a hill. Here you'll find many local shops and well-known chain stores.
Important Buildings in Ryde
When you look at Ryde from the sea, you'll see two tall church spires. The taller one belongs to All Saints' Church, and the other to Holy Trinity Church. All Saints' Church was finished in 1872 and its spire is 54 meters (177 feet) tall. Holy Trinity Church was completed in 1845. In 2014, Holy Trinity Church became a community center called Aspire Ryde.
St James' Church is another Church of England church in the center of Ryde. It was built in 1827 and still holds services and groups for young people.
Ryde's Roman Catholic church, St Mary's, was built in 1846. It was designed by Joseph Hansom, who invented the hansom cab (a type of horse-drawn carriage). There are also Baptist, Methodist, United Reformed, and Elim churches in Ryde.
Ryde Castle is a building on the Esplanade that looks like a castle. It was built around 1840 as a private home and is now a hotel. It was damaged by a fire in 2012 but was beautifully restored in 2013.
Beldornie Tower is another historic house in Ryde. It dates back to the 1500s or early 1600s and was rebuilt around 1840 in a Gothic-Jacobean style.
Ryde School With Upper Chine is a school located across from All Saints' Church. Its main building, Westmont, is a listed building, meaning it's historically important.
Entertainment in Ryde
On the Esplanade, there used to be an ice rink, but it's no longer open to the public. The local ice hockey team, the Wightlink Raiders, has also stopped playing. The pavilion building now has a bowling alley and a nightclub.
Ryde has local football teams, including Ryde Saints F.C. and Ryde F.C.
Speedway racing takes place just south of town at Smallbrook Stadium. The Isle of Wight Islanders speedway team used to compete here.
Carnivals in Ryde
Ryde is famous for its carnivals! Each year, there are usually five carnivals. These include the Mardi Gras in June, and the Children's, Main, and Illuminated parades at the end of August. There's also a Lantern Parade in December. The Ryde Carnival is the oldest carnival in England!
Famous People from Ryde
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Ryde:
- Raymond Allen (1940–2022), a TV writer known for Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.
- Iris Brooke (1905–1981), an artist and author, was born in Ryde.
- Sam Browne (1824–1901), a soldier who gave his name to the "Sam Browne belt," lived his last years in Ryde.
- Seb Clover (born 1987), a sailor, went to school in Ryde.
- Melvyn Hayes (born 1935), an actor, lives in Ryde today.
- David Icke (born 1952), a well-known author and speaker, lives in Ryde.
- Mark King (born 1958), a musician from the band Level 42, once owned a pub in Ryde.
- Karl Marx (1818–1883), a famous thinker, visited Ryde in 1874 for his health.
- Anthony Minghella (1954–2008), a Hollywood film director, was born in Ryde.
- Philip Norman (born 1943), a writer, went to Ryde School and has written about growing up there.
- Adam Pacitti (born 1988), an internet personality, grew up in Ryde.
- Michael Sheard (1938–2005), an actor known for Grange Hill and Star Wars, lived and died in Ryde.
Images for kids
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Ryde from the air
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Map of Ryde from 1945
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Ryde, seen from Ryde Pier and showing the twin spires
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Ryde Marina
See also
In Spanish: Ryde para niños
