The pretty English train station on the edge of a Victorian seaside town pier which has reopened after 10 months
GO SEA IT The pretty English train station on the edge of a Victorian seaside town pier which has reopened after 10 months
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A UNIQUE floating train ride to the end of the UK's oldest pier is once again welcoming passengers aboard.
On the edge of Ryde Pier is a train station that is used to pick up passengers from ferries, which is why it 'floats' over the sea, and it's just reopened after 10 months of essential upgrades.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
6
The Ryde Pier Head train station is literally over the sea
Credit: Alamy
6
The station connects ferry passengers to the mainland who want to avoid the long walk
Credit: Alamy
Ryde's Victorian pier opened in 1814, and Ryde Pier Head first became a tramway station in 1864.
The tramway was at first horse-drawn, but it was electrified in 1886, making it one of the first electric tramways in the world and later it was developed into a train station.
In October 2024, the train station on the pier was closed in order to undergo renovation work.
Upgrades were undertaken to ensure the structure could hold new trains that would be added onto the route - for the first time in 30 years.
Lots of the track was replaced, steel barriers were installed, weather screens were put in, and it was freshened up with new paint.
The station was due to reopen in May 2025, but was delayed until early July 2025 after issues due to storms.
The station is a stop on the Island Line train service that operates between Ryde and Shanklin.
The journey offers incredible views, and doesn't cost much either - the one-stop trip from Ryde Esplanade to Ryde Pier costs £1.70 and takes two minutes.
Tickets from Ryde to the neighbouring town of Shanklin cost £3.90.
A pier train station isn't all the town has to offer - the seaside town is so charming that it was even the inspiration behind the Beatles song, Ticket to Ride.
The Mykonos-like beach restaurants in the Isle of Wight
6
Appley Beach is one of the most popular stretches of coastline in Ryde
Credit: Alamy
6
The town has charming shops and markets too
Credit: Alamy
Paul McCartney said the title referred to "a British Railways ticket to the town of Ryde on the Isle of Wight."
One of the most popular spots is Appley Beach - the coastline has long stretches of soft sand, a cafe and playground.
Visitors say that the beach gets even bigger at low tide making it ideal for kids and families.
And the stretch of beach nearest the village of Seaview is dog-friendly too.
One beachgoer wrote on Tripadvisor: "Lovely flat sandy beach for the kids to play without the worry of deep water and then the tide came in around 2-3pm and was so lovely, still super shallow."
On Appley Beach is a historic watchtower that used to be part of a sprawling family estate.
6
The remains of Appley Towers sit just off the beach
Credit: Alamy
The tower is right on the beach and formed part of the home of the Hutt family, who owned the Appley House in the late 1800s.
Ryde is great for shopping, with Union Street lined with boutiques, gift and souvenir shops.
If you continue walking, you'll reach Shanklin, which is actually the UK's sunniest town.
The town has, on average, the most hours of sunlight per day, according to a new study, looking at which places in the country are the safest bet for a warm day out.
The beach at Shanklin is one of the better-regarded stretches of shoreline on the Isle of Wight, with its traditional English seafront promenade adding to the seaside resort experience.
Here's more on why visitors say heading to the Isle of Wight is like 'going back in time'.
And where to find the best caravan spot on the island.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
28 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the ‘Wetherspoons of Spain' – jugs of beer cost £1.50, lunch is £1 and there's 350 of them across the country
Save big at this super-cheap Spanish pub chain, where vodka and cokes are among the cheapest in the world, says The Sun's travel writer Helen Wright HOLA-DAY I visited the 'Wetherspoons of Spain' – jugs of beer cost £1.50, lunch is £1 and there's 350 of them across the country Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SITTING outside in the sun with a cold beer in hand, I've nabbed a prime spot for lunch to watch the world go by. Nothing screams summer holiday in Spain like an al-fresco feast of tasty tapas, but this place is especially good because it's an absolute bargain that most Brits don't know about. 5 100 Montaditos started as a small cafe in Seville and now has more than 300 locations across Spain, but Brits would never know it was a cheap chain Credit: Alamy 5 Helen (pictured) cools off with a cheap pint in the 'Spanish Wetherspoons', 100 Montaditos Credit: HELEN WRIGHT 5 There are 100 Montaditos all over Spain with cheap pints and decent food for a bargain price Credit: Alamy If, like me, you love a bargain bite in the local Wetherspoons at home, then you need to head to this cheap chain in Spain where your Euros will go a lot further than in most places on the continent. It's by far the cheapest place for tapas and a beer that I have ever stumbled across and the best news is, there are 350 of these bars across Spain. Cheap as frites 100 Montaditos has been dubbed the 'Spanish Wetherspoons' for its affordable prices, decent food and community vibe. However, most Brits would walk right past without even knowing they are missing out on a cheap-as-patatas-fritas feed. A 'montadito' is a classic tapas dish in Spain, which is essentially a mini baguette sandwich. They are often served alongside beer or wine in tapas bars around Spain and make for a very tasty lunch or dinner. 100 Montaditos originated as a small cafe in Seville, famous for its small plates of sandwiches, but has now expanded across Spain and the Spanish islands because it is so popular. With a limited holiday budget, I headed to the 100 Montaditos in Majorca, which is on the Spanish Plaza in Palma. The location could not be more central, it's right opposite the Cathedral and has a patio with outdoor seating. The bar looks small from the outside, but stepping inside, there is a huge kitchen and dining room, so it's handy if you need an air-con break from the hot weather too. It's a hot day, so I order a pint, which in Spain comes in a frosted pitcher. I went to the UK's biggest Wetherspoons with rooftop bar overlooking the beach These are known as 'turbo-sized' and at 300ml, are slightly smaller than our UK pints, but plenty for me at lunchtime. Drinking local Spanish beer, Cruzcampo, meant the refreshment cost me only €1.50 (£1.30). Considering Palma in Majorca isn't known for being a cheap holiday destination, I couldn't believe my luck. A glass of wine here is the same price, and you can get a Vodka and Coke for £2.70. I couldn't believe my eyes when the bartender gave me a cone of crisps too. You get these free of charge when you order a drink. With prices in Spain on the rise, Brits have been complaining that cheap holidays on the continent are not as budget-friendly as they used to be. But this place is just like a British 'Spoons. Everyone inside was chatty and friendly - as much as they could be with the language barrier. It's very laid back and you can tell a lot of locals have been frequenting the place for years. Of course, being named after the famous sandwiches, 100 Montadidos has a good menu of food too, and it's just as affordable as the beer. 5 You get a cone of crisps for free with your beer in the Spanish 'spoons Credit: HELEN WRIGHT 5 There is also indoor seating, if you want to take advantage of the air conditioning Credit: HELEN WRIGHT There are 19 different 'classic' sandwiches, ranging from chorizo and cheese to bacon butties, and they are only €1 each. The slightly more 'fancy' options have Gran Reserva ham and smoked salmon, but even they only cost €1.50 (£1.30). Every day they have a 'EURO MANIA' deal, which is a large version of the sandwich of the day for only €1 (86p) - an absolute bargain! One of these is more than enough for me at lunch, but even if I was feeling peckish, ordering two would hardly break the bank. I can't believe you can eat for so cheap in the middle of Palma. If you don't fancy sandwiches, there are nachos, Spanish omelette and calamari, all for only €2 (£1.73) each. A bowl of chips is €1 (86p). Sarah from Cardiff in Wales, who was in 100 Montadidos with her friends before a night out, said she was stunned by the prices. 'It's cheaper than Wetherspoons in Cardiff!' she said. 'We'll probably come back for chips after our night out if it's still open.' Before they left, I joined them for a celebratory shot of tequila. At only €2 (£1.73) each, I better not stay too long or I'd be totally sloshed for the cost of one pint in London. The atmosphere is not as authentic as in some of the more traditional tavernas and bars in Mallorca, but it can't be beaten on price. Especially for a few shots ahead of a night out like Sarah and her mates. The only disappointment was that they don't have the classic Thursday curry club but the cheeky barman said maybe they might do Paella instead one day!
Scottish Sun
28 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her ‘hand luggage was too big'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the shocking moment a female Ryanair passenger is left sobbing on her knees after being banned from boarding her flight. The tearful woman was left hitting a door in an emotional outburst as airport staff reportedly told her that her hand luggage was too big. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A female Ryanair passenger was filmed crying and begging on her knees to be allowed to board a plane after staff banned her over her luggage Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 She was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in after being told she had to pay extra Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 Onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov Chaos unfolded at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria when the woman was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy. A packed flight was due to board a bus to their plane when the female passenger was stopped in the queue. Nikolay Stefanov, a witness to the shocking ordeal, said the woman was told she had to pay for extra baggage because her luggage didn't fit in the holdall. The woman refused to pay as she explained her bag could in fact fit. Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in. The bag does eventually fit but the staff still refuse to let her board. She then breaks down in tears as she pleads with a member of the border police and takes a video of the bag which is now wedged inside the rack. Dozens of the passengers were seen watching on from behind a glass door which was all that separated them from the weeping woman. Determined to board, she then starts to bang on the door and ask for help as Nikolay films the sad ordeal. More staff quickly surround the woman as her begging grows louder. Moment Brit woman is dragged off Ryanair flight & thrown to floor after 'assaulting passengers and making bomb threat' At one point she even drops to her knees before placing her hand on the door as tears roll down her face. Nikolay said the whole situation "escalated quickly". He added: "She was pleading with us not to leave, but we were threatened that the entire flight would be cancelled if we didn't get on the bus, so passengers became frightened and left." Nikolay said many onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion. It has also been claimed that another passenger stood behind the woman in line was removed from the flight. A Ryanair staff member allegedly said that they couldn't let him on because "reopening the gate risked the woman trying to get on the bus". The viral footage soon caught the eye of Bulgaria's parliament. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov has reportedly ordered an inspection of the airport's security cameras. Mr Karadjov is even said to have described the behaviour of employees in the video as "outrageous", reports. He has assured people that the main ground operator will be found and given the "highest fine" and a verbal warning. In response, Goldair Handling Bulgaria insisted their employees acted "professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger". The handling company released a statement to BNT News that read: "All rules regarding passengers' baggage, its permissible size and the fees payable for baggage are determined solely, entirely and unilaterally by the airlines. "Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is solely obliged to monitor compliance with these rules by the airlines. "This also applies to hand luggage, as Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is obliged to monitor the dimensions of this baggage and collect excess baggage fees. "[Staff] acted professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger." It comes as Ryanair's CEO is considering increasing bonuses paid to staff for spotting oversized luggage. The budget airline currently pays staff approximately €1.50 (£1.30) for stopping passengers with oversized bags from boarding the aircraft. Currently, staff bonuses for doing this are capped at €80 (£70) a month. Passengers who are unlucky enough to get caught out by the airline's staff are charged a fee of up to €75 (£65) for bringing luggage that is larger than they paid for while booking their journey. 6 The passenger was left hitting the door where the other passengers were waiting to board Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
The Mediterranean island that Brits don't know about with spectacular beaches and it's loved by Italians
Plus, how to get there for under £10 IN THE MED The Mediterranean island that Brits don't know about with spectacular beaches and it's loved by Italians Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANY holidaymakers will jet off to Italy over the summer - but few know an underrated island so special even locals gush about it. Places like Sicily will always be popular with British holidaymakers, though if you speak to Italians its the Aegadian Islands they will be heading for. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The island of Favignana is the largest in the Aegadian Islands Credit: Alamy 5 You'll find amazing beaches with bright blue seas Credit: Alamy In total there are five Aegadian Islands, but only three are inhabited - Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Favignana is the largest of three main islands and from above is shaped like a butterfly. It's known for its blue and white fishing harbour and narrow streets. It's small, too, so there's no need to hire a car - you can cycle or walk around to see the towns or go to the beach. Another option is to take one of the many boat day trips to take a tour of the island. You'll see loads of coves and even go to the neighbouring island of Levanzo. Some of the most popular beaches on the island are Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino and Lido Burrone. One visitor said about Lido Burrone: "The crystal-clear water and white sand make it one of Favignana's most interesting beaches. It feels like being in the Caribbean." Another described Cala Rossa as a "blue dream" with spectacular sea and white sand. The beach is a recommended place for seeing marine life, as it's full of fish and a popular snorkelling spot. For any history buffs, Favignana was once the tuna capital of the world because of its tuna fisheries. 'Otherworldly' Italian island just three hours from the UK that featured in two huge Hollywood franchises 5 There are lots of restaurants, cafes and food stops around the island Credit: Alamy 5 You can easily explore the island by bike or foot In the 15th century, the island was ruled by Giovanni de Karissima who was also known as the 'Baron of Tuna". When it comes to where to eat on the island, you're most definitely spoilt for choice. There's plenty of seafood dishes thanks to its island location, as well as pasta, arancini and panelle. You don't have to eat at a restaurant either, there are plenty of markets and little takeaway shacks if you fancy something more causal. There are bars dotted around the island so whether you seek shade in the towns or full sun on the beach, you can always find somewhere to have a refreshing drink. When it comes to venturing there, Favignana is 10 miles from Sicily and is easily accessible by ferry. You can travel from Trapani to Favignana all year round and in the high season there are 25 crossings a day. The trip can take up to 1 hour and 10 minutes, with tickets starting at €10 (£8.68). Or you can hop from Marsala to Favignana which has five daily crossings and is generally quicker taking 30 minutes per trip. The ticket prices start at €13 (£11.29). Here's another Italian island that's loved by celebs and the royal family - it has hidden beaches and holiday villages. And you can visit this largely untouched Italian island with red sand beaches.
