The Esplanade, Ryde

Street guide, Isle of Wight

The seafront road running along Ryde's northern edge, facing the Solent and the mainland beyond. The Esplanade connects Ryde Pier and the transport hub at its base to the beaches, the boating lake and the residential areas to the east. The road is wide and handsome, with Victorian and Edwardian buildings on the landward side and views of the water, the pier and the comings and goings of ferries and hovercraft on the seaward side. Ryde's sandy beach stretches to the east, and at low tide the sands extend far out into the Solent. The Esplanade has hotels, restaurants, ice cream kiosks and seasonal amusements. It is the first thing many visitors see when stepping off the ferry, and it sets the tone for Ryde's seaside character.