After the passing of a parliamentary act in 1812, plans were drawn up by John Kent of Southampton. Work commenced on 29th July 1813, and the 1740 foot pier opened on 26th July 1814. It was extended in 1824 to 2040 feet and the pier-head was enlarged in 1827. Further extensions in 1833 took it to 2250 feet while the pier-head was expanded again in 1842 and 1856-60. A tramway pier which opened on August 29th 1864 was added alongside. The railway pier, adjacent to this, opened on July 12 1880.

A concert pavilion was constructed at the pier-head in 1895, and from then until 1911, the wooden piles were gradually replaced with iron. The lifeboat station closed in 1922 and, in June 1924, the Southern Railway took over the pier. In the early 1930s the pier was rebuilt in concrete. After the Second World War, the pavilion concert hall was used as a ballroom.

In 1969, the tramway closed and the pier was partly dismantled, leaving gaps between the promenade and railway piers.

In December 1976, a five year re-planking operation was completed. In the early 1980s, a covered waiting area replacing the Victorian waiting rooms, was constructed on the pier-head. More parking spaces were also provided.

Trains still leave from the pier-head and ferries maintain a regular service from this 2305 foot pier to Portsmouth harbour.

In August 2010, the pier was closed to vehicles after the structure failed a routine maintenance check. Wightlink then announced that car drivers would have to pay towards repairs to Ryde pier with the re-introduction of a charge for vehicles using the pier. And the company said that the pier would remain shut to vehicles until March 2011.

In July 2012, a car collided with the railings of the pier causing £10,000 worth of damage.

In April 2013, Wightlink, the pier owners, organised a special Party on the Pier to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the laying of the pier’s foundation stone. A calm, sunny day saw hundreds attend the event which delved back into musical history.

The following month, a small section of the 3m long gangway at the pier’s main berth collapsed into the sea as it was being retracted following a ferry service. No-one was injured but the main berth had to be taken out of service for repairs.

December 2013 – Island commuters meet Wightlink managers
In December 2013, the first of a series of ‘Meet the Manager’ events was held by Wightlink in which senior managers discussed ferry services such as timetabling, fares and discounts offered to students and disabled people with commuters as they arrived home at Ryde Pier.

July 2014 – New NPS book launch to coincide with 200th anniversary of pier
The launch of the National Piers Society’s new book on British Seaside Piers coincided with the 200th anniversary of the opening of Ryde Pier. Commissioned by English Heritage the book was compiled by Anthony Wills and Tim Phillips of the National Piers Society’s executive committee. The Society’s 2014 AGM was held at Ryde.

July 2015 – £8 million needed to maintain Ryde Pier over next 4 years
In July 2015, it was reported that the Island Line railway connection between Ryde Pier and Shanklin needed £40 million to meet running costs and repairs in the next four years. This included £8 million of repairs to Ryde Pier. Concern was expressed that the line may need to be replaced with a bus service.

October 2015 – Long-term solution sought for Island Line
The Island Line railway connection between Shanklin and Ryde Pier, where it connects with the ferry service to Portsmouth, had been a concern when the franchise with the Stagecoach company ended in 2017. However, rail specialists were being enlisted by the local council to help secure the future of the line.

June 2016 – How To Ride A Tube Train Out To Sea
In June 2016, the LondonIst website published a fascinating illustrated article on Ryde Per’s Island Line trains, bought from London Underground in 1988, but dating back to 1938.

September 2016 – Spectacular finds at Ryde’s ‘Under the Pier’ event!
In September 2016, over 120 people took part in an event exploring the amazing sea life that lives under Ryde’s 200 year old pier, funded by Down to the Coast, a Heritage Lottery funded programme which focusses on celebrating and conserving East Wight.

September 2016 – Burning Wood Extinguished On Ryde Pier
Later in September, a section of burning wood on Ryde Pier had to be extinguished by crews from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

August 2017 – ‘Under the Pier’ event returns to Ryde Pier
In August 2017, it was reported that the ‘Under The Pier’ event, run by Arc and Artecology, would be coming to Ryde Pier again in September. This event reveals the undiscovered and curiously named world of marine life under what is one of the Island’s best-known landmarks.

November 2017 – Train fire on Ryde Pier
In November 2017, it was confirmed that a small fire – thought to be electrical – was extinguished by train staff prior to the arrival of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Ryde Pier remained open as normal.

August 2018 – Ryde goes ‘under the pier’ for the fifth year running!
In August, it was announced that Under the Pier 2018 would take place on Sunday 9th September. Visitors were advised to bring a net and a bucket and definitely wear waterproofs and wellies!
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September 2018 – Trains and Piers – a winning combination at Ryde Pier!
The fascinating history of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway inspired a new installation at Ryde Pier Head.
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A ticket to Ryde! Island Line secures funding.
The government committed Network Rail to invest in the Ryde Pier railway, thus ensuring its future. This was good news for Island Line users, specifically those who used the ferry from Ryde Pier Head.
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August 2019 – Ryde goes ‘Under The Pier’ again on the 30th August!
Under the Pier is the Isle of Wight’s end of summer celebration of the curious world and incredible marine life under Ryde Pier. Each year, on a low, low tide, hundreds of people and dozens of marine species come together, with the help of a raft of experts, for this mad, magic, narrowest and often wettest of outdoor adventures.
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September 2019 – Ryde’s ‘Under The Pier’ event the biggest yet!
The Under the Pier event, run by Arc, Artecology and The Common Space, was more popular this year than it had ever been.
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September 2019 – Toll increase at Ryde Pier
The pier toll increased by 100% from Sunday 15th September with the new cash price set at £2. The installation of a new, faster entry system did mean that contactless payment through bank cards and smartphones would now be accepted at the reduced rate of £1.30.
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September 2019 – £26 million to renew Island Line and Ryde Pier
The uncertain future of Island Line was secured by a new rolling stock deal as well as a Network Rail commitment to renew the pier at Ryde, which carried the line into the town.
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November 2020 – New webcam watches the comings and goings at Ryde Pier
Railcam UK, which puts cameras in strategic locations all around the UK, launched two new ones at the Ryde Esplanade Hotel, showing the hovercraft, trains, ferries and buses at the busy hub..and beyond. The first camera gave a static view to focus on Ryde Pier and the South Western Railway-operated Island Line.
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December 2020 – Ryde Pier vintage underground rolling stock to be transferred to heritage line
A preservation group was hoping to return a vintage tube train to the Epping Ongar Railway. Since 1967 a number of second hand London Underground tube trains had been used on the ‘Island Line’ on the Isle of Wight, from Ryde Pier Head, to Shanklin. These trains were now due to be retired in January 2021, and the London Transport Traction group said it had secured a 2-Car Class 483 train for preservation.
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March 2021 – Work begins on Ryde Pier railway upgrade
Work to upgrade the railway line on Ryde Pier began as part of the £26 million upgrade project, which would see the overhaul of Island Line tracks. New trains had already started arriving on the Island as the scheme progressed. Subcontractors were installing train protection and warning system grids to improve the performance of the line. The rail sleepers were also being treated with a formula to preserve the timbers and keep them safe.
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April 2021 – No ticket to Ryde as Island Line reopening delayed
A major scheme to improve the Island Line network between Ryde and Shanklin was delayed once again, with trains not expected to run until later in Summer with no fixed date given.
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June 2021 – Ryde Pier tramway to become pedestrian walkway
Plans to totally renovate the redundant tramway pier in Ryde were unveiled as part of the £96.5 million Ryde Gateway Project. Wightlink had submitted plans to the Isle of Wight Council to develop the tramway pier into a dedicated cycle and pedestrian walkway.
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July 2021 – Parsley, sage, rosemary and…Ryde Pier!
Thanks to volunteers from Aspire Ryde, a herb garden was flourishing at the end of Ryde Pier. Disused planters had been brought back into life by the charity to brighten up the Pier and support biodiversity. Once the herb garden was established, commuters wwould be welcome to pick a few herbs on their way home to use when preparing meals.
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July 2021 – Ryde Pier scraps car toll
In July, ferry operator Wightlink announced that a toll to drive on to the country’s oldest seaside pier was to be abolished. Drivers had had to pay £1.30 to access Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight before taking the FastCat passenger service to Portsmouth. The 207-year-old listed structure cost around £250,000 a year to maintain.
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August 2021 – All change at Ryde Pier?
Historic England said more could be done to improve the proposed £10 million transport interchange scheme. It suggested Wightlink’s plans to regenerate the tramway pier into a pedestrian and cyclist pathway should be swapped with the main Ryde Pier. It said cars should go up the currently run-down pier with pedestrians able to ‘promenade’ on the main walkway.
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November 2021 – A ticket to Ryde on new rolling stock!
The Isle of Wight’s first passenger train arrived at Ryde Pier Head station, after ten months of work on Island Line’s tracks. The much-awaited newly refurbished rolling stock replaced the old-style tube trains that used to run between Ryde and Shanklin. Improvement and accessibility works and a new passing loop had also been added, to the tune of £26 million.
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January 2022 – Ryde Pier Tram to star in anniversary event
It was reported that a special event on Sunday 23 January would mark the anniversary of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s move from Newport to Havenstreet. The anniversary event would also see the public launch of the newly rebuilt Ryde Pier Tram. The pier tramway ceased operation in January 1969 and No.2 was purchased by the Island Vintage Transport Group and stripped down to the chassis to facilitate its removal from the pier.
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February 2022 – Plans for Ryde Pier tramway to become a pedestrian walkway get a step closer
Plans for a new pedestrian walkway on Ryde Pier were submitted to the Isle of Wight council’s planning department. The application for Listed Building Consent set out details of how the old Ryde Tramway Pier – which was taken out of use in 1969 – would be transformed to provide pedestrian access to and from the pierhead.
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May 2022 – No ticket to Ryde this autumn!
In May it was reported that trains would be unable to serve Ryde Pier Head for at least three months from September. Works to finish ‘safety-critical maintenance’ on Ryde Pier were scheduled. Those using the Island Line would have to disembark at Ryde Esplanade station. SWR were providing a minibus and taxi service to transport passengers up and down the pier during the ongoing works.
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June 2022 – Planned renewal of Ryde Pier railway track
The proposed work was split into five different zones along the stretch of track. Track approaching and stopping on the left side of the Ryde Pier Head platform, zone four, was the worst part. It was said to be a ‘critical area for renewal’ and had to be fixed by December. If work wasn’t carried out, experts said the ‘railway would need to be closed for safety reasons’.
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September 2022 – Ryde Pier maintenance work set to begin
In September, it was announced that Network Rail teams would undertake essential maintenance and improvement work including strengthening the pier which would extend its life by as much as 60 years. South Western Railway would also take advantage of the line closure by carrying out work at the same time.
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December 2022 – Ryde Pier work progressing well
Local reports received in December 2022 confirmed work was progressing very well on both the railway pier and the former tramway pier (soon to be a new walkway). Ryde Pier is a cherished and respected part of the local community and these works should enable its survival and enjoyment for the next 60 years.

February 2023 – The end is in sight for renovation work at Ryde Pier
In February, it was reported that engineers working to improve Ryde Pier were overcoming the delays caused by winter storms and were making good progress on giving the Victorian pier a new lease of life.
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March 2023 – Ryde Pier reopening delayed again
Network Rail had previously said that it intended for the line to be reopened in late Spring, but wouldn’t commit to a specific date. The long-standing local BBC South transport reporter, Paul Clifton said: “Realistically I think that is at least June.”
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April 2023 – A ticket to Ryde from June!
Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) confirmed that Ryde Pier Head station and the line between there and Ryde Esplanade station would open no later than 10 June, in time for the start of the summer holidays and the Isle of Wight Festival.
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May 2023 – Latest updates on Ryde Pier refurbishment work
In May, Wightlink revealed the project was approaching its last phase, with handrails and shelters being installed along the tramway. Decking had been laid about a third of the way up the pier, the ferry firm said.
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June 2023 – Still no ticket to Ryde as Island Line hit by further delays
In June, it was announced that Island Line trains would not run up Ryde Pier until at least July, marking yet another delay to Network Rail’s improvement project and a big blow for the tourism season – plus it had been announced the line would close again towards the end of 2023.
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June 2023 – Date confirmed for the reopening of Ryde Pier
Later in June, Network Rail and South Western Railway revealed that Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight would resume train services on Monday 10 July, one month later than previously hoped.
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July 2023 – Sailing boat crashes into Ryde Pier
The large boat became trapped among the supports of Ryde Pier on Saturday evening after its anchor failed to hold. The 200-year-old pier was closed to traffic after the boat stayed wedged under the pier overnight.
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July 2023 – You can now get a ticket to Ryde!
Also in July, trains began running again on the Victorian-era pier after stopping for nearly nine months. The Isle of Wight’s Island Line was closed between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head while the 143-year-old pier it runs along was repaired.
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August 2023 – PS Waverley to return to Ryde Pier
In August, Wightlink announced that they would be welcoming back the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer when the PS Waverley visits the historic Ryde Pier in September. The Waverley would make 3 calls at the Pier to embark and disembark passengers for excursions to the Solent forts, The Needles and around the Isle of Wight.
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October 2023 – Ryde Pier becomes part of biodiversity project
Marine scientists from the University of Portsmouth swam beneath Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight to attach large metal cages to the structure. Also known as BioHuts, the cages contained oyster shells and hessian rope and would be monitored for signs of marine life inside. It was hoped the scheme would encourage juvenile fish to set up home inside them, so populations could increase.
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November 2023 – Still no ticket to Ryde!
Although Ryde Tunnel was now clear of flooding, Storm Ciaran caused damage to Ryde Pier which meant trains were still unable to serve Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head.
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November 2023 – Storm damage repairs continue at Ryde Pier
Ryde’s pier trains were still out of action in November following damage from Storm Ciarán. South Western railway said engineers were working to get the stretch of line open again “however the damage has been extensive”.
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November 2023 – Trains resume at Ryde Pier
In November, trains resumed service on Ryde Pier following damage caused by heavy rain and Storm Ciarán. Thanking travellers for their “patience over recent weeks”, South Western Railway said the full service was back up and running.
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November 2023 – Ryde Pier walkway closes for the second time in six months
Also in November, ferry operator Wightlink said the closure of the pier walkway was necessary while work was carried out to the new Ryde travel interchange. The work would see the route connected to the new transport hub on Ryde Esplanade and it was expected to remain shut until 10 December.
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February 2024 – Praise for Ryde
An article in the Express in February highlighted the historical links between Ryde Pier and the London Underground network. It also spoke positively as to the quality of the beach, the entertainment brought by the Hovercraft, and a minor association with The Beatles.
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March 2024 – Archive news coverage
In March, the Island Echo unearthed news of a catastrophe at Ryde Pier in 1973, involving a taxi collision and much damage to the pier structure. The front page carried a very fine photograph from this moment, incidentally with a surprising resemblance to the collapsing decking at Brighton Palace Pier following storm damage in the same year.
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April 2024 – Ryde Pier Renovation
The old tramway part of Ryde Pier was recently totally renovated and rebuilt to provide a pedestrian walkway between Ryde Esplanade and the pierhead.
The lower parts of the original metal piles were kept, and new sections of metal added to raise the height, and then hardwood beams, metal railings, and traditional-style shelters installed along the length.
Some excellent pictures of the renovation are provided via the link below.
Ryde Pier Renovation Images

June 2024 – Ryde Pier Marine Wildlife Expedition
In an article which would be most at home amongst the glossy pages of a national wildlife trust’s magazine, The Guardian reported the attraction of Ryde Pier to a diverse range of marine wildlife and, in turn, an equally diverse range of wildlife enthusiasts who seek such things. The attraction of seaside piers to molluscs, crustaceans and all other beasts of the sea is fairly well-understood, but the shallow shore of Ryde makes it even more richly populated than usual.
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June 2024 – Ryde Pier – Railway Closure for Maintenance
Ryde Pier benefitted considerably from refurbishment investment and the completion of a segregated pedestrian walkway, in between the roadway and the railway, which considerably improved the public amenity of the pier. Network Rail were also proposing a substantial schedule of rail refurbishments along much of the Island Line network, and the Ryde Pier railway would therefore be closed from the 6th September until May 2025. No mention of the closure of the pedestrian/vehicular pier access was evident which, these being independent structures, would be beneficial in minimising disruption during repair works.
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August 2024 – Improvements to Passenger Facilities Completed
Improvements to the Isle of Wight’s transportation infrastructure and railway network was still ongoing, as has been previously reported. The Pier railway itself was closed until May 2025 in these works, but the recent improvements to passenger and visitor facilities were recently completed. The entrance building appeared to have been rebuilt to good effect, and most dramatically, a segregated pedestrian walkway was opened on the former route of the pier tramway.
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September 2024 – A Beer Festival on the Pier
November 2024 – Christmas Market Planned
December 2024 – Pier Railway to reopen in May
December 2024 – A History of the Attraction
March 2025 – Ryde Pier – Island Line Works Ahead of Schedule
May 2025 – Ryde Pier – Isle Line Reopened

April 2026 – Proposals for Pier Railway Station Repairs

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Ryde

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