Seagrove to Ryde

 Get ready for an amazing coastal adventure from Seagrove to Ryde! This delightful two-hour stroll (if you don't get sidetracked by all the fun!) is a family favourite, with a visit to Ryde's amusement arcades being the ‘grand finale’. 

Just a heads-up: this isn't a circular route, so plan your return trip by foot or hop on the bus from Ryde bus station. You can also shorten this route by starting at Seaview or Puckpool Park, where there is plenty of parking.

The walk is primarily along the beach, where the shoreline dances between pebbly stretches, seashell havens, and the glorious golden sands of Ryde. 

Seagrove, with its wide, flat beach and gentle waters, is the perfect spot to soak up some beach vibes. During the summer months, a charming pop-up coffee stall appears near the public toilets – a perfect pit stop!

Start your walk from Seagrove Beach toward Seaview. Keep an eye out for sea glass, sometimes called "mermaid's tears."

Seaview boasts some fantastic food options if you are feeling peckish:

• Lily's cafe: Delicious sandwiches and packed lunches for the little ones – grab them to go and enjoy a beach picnic!

• The Old Fort: A lovely sit-down lunch spot. I love their up-cycled sail chair coverings!

• The Seaview deli: Your go-to for refreshing ice cream.

Continue your coastal trek, passing the sailing dinghies (where kids can take summer courses!) and heading towards the hidden gem that is Puckpool Park. Look out for scallop shells which can often be found on Seaview beach.

As you come to the end of Seaview beach you will notice The Boathouse pub on your left and just up from there a series of colourful beach huts. Head towards these, and keeping them on your left will lead you into Puckpool park.

Puckpool Park is steeped in history, dating back to the 16th century! It was once a private estate and later a War Department fort (never used in battle!). Decommissioned and transformed into a public park in the 1920s, it still retains many of its original features.

Inside Puckpool Park, you'll find The Old Barracks Cafe, crazy golf, tennis courts, a brilliant playground, and of course, an ice cream shop! And, get this – they host free open-air movies on summer weekends! Check out their website for the schedule: http://theoldbarracks.co.uk/.

Leaving Puckpool Park, you'll arrive at the breathtaking Appley beach, arguably one of the island's finest. Enjoy stunning views across the Solent towards Portsmouth and admire the beautiful park, not surprisingly called Appley Park, complete with its very own "Rapunzel tower" (officially Appley Tower, which you can actually visit!).

Before hitting the beach, make a beeline for the Dell Cafe on the corner – it has some of the Island’s most spectacular views! Their food is fresh and inspiring, and the breakfast pancakes are heavenly! What's even better? The kids' menu isn't your standard pub fare, and you can relax and enjoy your meal while keeping an eye on your little ones playing on the beach. Total win!

Here's a quirky discovery for strong swimmers: when the tide recedes, a sand/shingle spit emerges near the Dell Cafe on Appley beach's south end. Swim off this spit into deep waters teeming with shells!

Pit stop over, let’s continue….

Now, you should be able to spot Ryde Pier in the distance, along with the frequent hovercraft crossings. Keep walking along the beach towards Ryde.

As Appley Beach transitions into Ryde Beach, tucked away in the trees to your left, you'll find https://goodleaf.co.uk/, where you can book an exhilarating tree climbing experience! There's a minimum age requirement, so check it out!

The stroll to Ryde is a delight, with golden sand galore. You'll pass ice cream shops, huge inflatable slides, trampolines, crazy golf, water zorbing, and, of course, the legendary arcades!

Arcades are an Isle of Wight institution! Ryde's arcade is top-notch – you win tickets for your prizes, which you can exchange for goodies. The fact that you could have bought the prize ten times over with the money you spent is beside the point – the kids will love it!

The adventure doesn't end there! Continuing into Ryde, you'll pass Ryde's Super Bowl and Laser Quest centre (perfect for a rainy day!). Also don't miss the Commodore Cinema, a local gem that's been around for 85 years! This family-run, three-screen cinema and bingo hall offers a nostalgic experience with affordable tickets, classic snacks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Crossing the railway bridge into the town, you'll get a prime view of the hovercraft launchpad. Take a moment to watch those belts inflate (and catch your breath!). Consider a hovercraft trip to Southsea as a day trip in itself!

Ryde town centre is definitely worth exploring! From traditional fish and chips shops to charming boutiques with beautiful gifts, it has a lot to offer and often gets overlooked by those heading straight to the beach and arcades. Go find yourself a beer, you’ve earned it!

Should you have missed it, the bus station is at the town end of the pier!

Sunset over Appley Beach