Ryde Pier is early 19th century and the world's oldest seaside pleasure pier at 210 years. It is also the second longest in the country and allows ferries to berth even at low tide, when the sea retreats half-a-mile from the shore. It was made a Grade II listed building in 1976.
Before the pier was built, passengers had the uncomfortable experience of being carried ashore on the back of a porter. Then, depending on the tide, having to walk up to half a mile upon wet sand before reaching the town. If Ryde was to attract wealthy and fashionable visitors who were visiting other seaside resorts, the need for Ryde to have a pier was obvious. It connected with the steam railway network allowing people to holiday all over the Island.
Serving travellers still today, WightLink's passenger service docks at Ryde Pier Head, and there are Island Line train stations at both ends. Ryde Pier Head Station at the sea end of the pier, and Ryde Esplanade Station at the shore end.
Many of you will arrive via the foot passenger ferry to this historic and beautiful pier. On Saturday afternoon, another engineering marvel, the Waverley Paddle Steamer, will dock at Ryde Pier Head, at around 1.15pm and then again at around 6.00pm.
Ryde PO33 2HE
