Britain is home to dozens of famous piers, from Brighton’s bustling attraction-packed landmark to Southend’s record-breaking structure stretching into the Thames Estuary. But one seaside town can claim something no other can, being the oldest pier in the country.
The Isle of Wight town of Ryde is home to Ryde Pier, a remarkable structure that first opened in 1814 and remains in use more than two centuries later. Stretching out into the Solent, the pier was built to solve a problem that still exists today. The waters around Ryde are extremely shallow, meaning ferry passengers and vessels could not easily reach the shore at low tide.
The solution was to construct a long pier extending into deeper water, allowing passengers to disembark safely before walking into the town.
When Ryde Pier opened in July 1814, it quickly became a vital transport link between the Isle of Wight and mainland England.
At the time, it was considered a major engineering feat and helped transform Ryde from a small coastal settlement into one of the island’s most important towns.
Today, the structure stretches around half a mile into the sea and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Isle of Wight.
Unlike many British piers, which were primarily built as entertainment attractions during the Victorian era, Ryde Pier was designed first and foremost as a transport hub.
That role continues to this day. The pier carries pedestrians, trains and vehicles, making it one of the few piers in the world to support regular railway services.
Passengers arriving on the island by ferry can still board the Island Line train directly from Ryde Pier Head station before travelling inland.
The railway was added to the pier in the 1880s and remains one of its most unusual features. It has helped the structure adapt to changing times and maintain its importance long after many traditional seaside piers fell into decline.
Away from the pier itself, Ryde has developed into one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular destinations.
The town is known for its long sandy beaches, independent shops, Victorian architecture and sweeping views across the Solent towards Portsmouth.
During the summer months, visitors flock to the seafront, where traditional attractions sit alongside cafes, restaurants and watersports facilities.
Having survived storms, changing travel habits and more than 210 years of history, Ryde Pier continues to welcome visitors arriving on the Isle of Wight while serving as a reminder of the town’s important maritime past.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
