Discover
The Local Area
Ryde, Isle of Wight
Victorian seaside town
Miles of sandy beaches
Just 4 miles off England's South Coast
A warm welcome awaits
Ryde, Isle of Wight
Situated just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is simple to get to and a wonderful holiday destination all year round to explore.
Retro Staycations is situated just outside of the picturesque seafront town of Ryde, the largest town on the Island. A quirky mix of traditional seaside fun, boasting fine Georgian and Victorian buildings, a variety of thriving independent pubs and restaurants and unexpected hidden gems! Ryde is best known for its award-winning stretches of golden sand beaches, seafront promenade and marina. The sea water here is some of the warmest on the Island. The town offers great transport links to all areas of the Island.
Ryde is just a short crossing from the mainland and offers a wonderfully laid-back vibe and is the perfect location for a nostalgic holiday escape.
Stay and save
Ferry Travel Discounts
With frequent services and four routes to choose from, travelling to the Isle of Wight couldn't be easier. Just let us know once you've booked your accommodation and we'll provide you with a unique discount code for both Wightlink and Red Funnel vehicle ferries
Explore the Island
Nearby Sights & Attractions
A stay at Retro Staycations provides the ideal opportunity to explore some of the great beaches, lazy summer days, fresh food and live music down by the seaside, plus countryside and outdoor activities on offer. Once you arrive you will be spoilt with the luxury of doing as much or as little as you like. Here’s just a small selection of hidden gems located right on our doorstep…
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Step back to a bygone era when steam power was the order of the day. The Island’s heritage railway passes through 51⁄2 miles (9 km) of countryside from Smallbrook Junction to Wootton via the small village of Havenstreet, where the line has an indoor Discovery Centre, Woodland Walk, children’s playground, railway shop and cafe. At Smallbrook Junction, the steam railway connects with the Island Line.
Settle back in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages and enjoy an idyllic view of the Island’s unspoilt countryside.
Main attraction and discovery centre, distance from Retro Staycations: 3.2 miles | 8-minute drive
Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum
If you were around in the 1960s and 1970s taking holidays in the UK, it’s more than likely you would have taken a bus or coach trip and this small museum definitely brings back those ‘On the Buses’ days.
Hidden in the back streets of Ryde is this collection of beautiful vintage vehicles which once ran on the Island. This working old Southern Vectis bus garage is a piece of Isle of Wight history. Take a step back to the past and relive those precious memories at this free to attend museum.
Distance from Retro Staycations: 2.1 miles | 7-minute drive
Miles of soft sandy beaches
Ryde is famed for its miles of golden sand beaches and low tides which go out for over half a mile – creating clear shallow pools, ideal for padding in. Its exceptionally wide sandbanks reach almost as far as the end of the 681m long Ryde pier when the tide is out.
Ryde beach also offers fantastic views across the Solent to Portsmouth. Horse Sand Fort and Spitbank Fort, two of the 19th Century Solent defence fortresses can also be seen from Ryde across the water.
With beach huts nestled under the trees and its own fairy castle on the beach – Appley Tower, a gothic folly built in the 1870s – there’s a real sense of magic along this shoreline.
Distance from Retro Staycations: 3.2 miles | 11-minute drive
Queen Victoria's royal palace by the sea
Open the doors to the once private world of Queen Victoria and her family at Osborne House. This former royal residence remains largely untouched, providing intimate details of royal life during the 19th century.
The house was built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat. Albert designed the house himself, in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo.
Explore the extensive ground and private beach. See the newly renovated Swiss Cottage. Ornate furnishings and artefacts from The Royal Collection fill rooms and corridors where Victoria entertained heads of state, inventors, princes and princesses and ruled the vast British Empire.
Distance from Retro Staycations: 7.9 miles | 17-minute drive
Goodleaf Tree Climbing
Have you heard of recreational tree climbing? No?! Neither had we until we discovered Goodleaf Tree Climbing in Appley Park, Ryde.
Everything takes place in one stunning oak tree. The friendly staff at Goodleaf teach you to climb high into the branches using ropes and harness. You can climb to about 15 metres! Tree climbing with Goodleaf is a unique activity that’s great for building confidence and getting up close to nature.
Perfect for families with kids aged 8 and over, it’s highly rated by us and others. Booking in advance is recommended.
Distance from Retro Staycations: 3.3 miles | 12-minute drive
Did you know?
The Isle of Wight is the UK’s sunniest staycation destination!
According to Met Office data in 2021, the Isle of Wight sees the most hours of sunshine each year with a whopping 1,923 hours recorded. You might actually think you’re abroad when visiting the Isle of Wight. With an average of 37 hours of sunshine per week, it far outstrips the UK average of 29 hours per week, so remember to pack your suntan lotion!
Visit the Isle of Wight in style
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