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Planning your trip to the Isle of Wight Chess Tournament? This guide provides all the essential details for getting to Ryde, where the event is hosted at the prestigious Ryde School. With travel discounts, accommodation tips, and route suggestions, we've got you covered.
Travel & Accommodation
Exclusive Travel Discounts with Wightlink
Our official sponsor, Wightlink, is offering generous discounts to attendees:
20% off foot and car ferry travel for all players (this is on your entry confirmation)
Group Travel Tip: A single car ferry booking can include up to seven passengers, making it an economical option for groups or families. Mini-buses are also covered under this discount.
Accommodation in Ryde
Ryde, a charming seaside destination, has plenty of accommodation options. Here are some suggestions:
Hotels: Many local hotels offer off-season discounts and deals for tournament attendees. Use the discount code provided with your ticket confirmation email. Rooms still available from £55PN with breakfast.
Booking.com has lots of fantastic rates avail too.
Airbnb and B&Bs: Traditional bed-and-breakfast options abound, along with modern Airbnb listings for varied budgets.
Away Resorts: Perfect for families or groups, Away Resorts offers upscale caravans and chalets (some with hot tubs). Whitecliff Bay and St Helens, both a 20-minute drive from the venue, are highly recommended. Use the 5% discount code on your ticket confirmation email.
If you prefer to explore the island, Ryde's excellent bus and train connections ensure you're never more than an hour from the venue.
Getting to Ryde
By Train
The fastest and most convenient route is via Portsmouth Harbour Train Station:
The station is connected directly to the Wightlink FastCat terminal.
FastCat ferry: A 22-minute journey from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier.
With the 20% discount, return tickets are just £31.50 for Adults.
Ferries depart shortly after the hour, usually at 15 or 20 past. Arrive at the station around the hour to minimise wait times.
Once in Ryde, you can:
Take the train from the pier into town (a 2-minute ride).
This train is often replaced with free mini buses, so be sure to use them if they are there. You do not need a ticket.
Walk down the pier (a scenic 10-minute stroll, depending on weather and luggage).
By Coach or Rail Replacement Bus
As it's winter, Rail replacement buses may be operating on some train routes, so check your journey in advance. If the train journey is slower or comparable in duration to a coach service, we recommend using a coach operator instead. Coaches from major UK cities to Portsmouth Harbour are a reliable and often cost-effective alternative.
By Car
For those driving, the car ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne takes about 45 minutes:
Fishbourne is just a 10-minute drive from Ryde.
Many hotels offer discounted car crossings, so compare these deals with the Wightlink discount to find the best option.
You can also travel Lymington to Yarmouth, then drive around 45 mins across the island.
By Air
The nearest airports to Portsmouth are:
Gatwick Airport: Approximately 90 minutes by train to Portsmouth Harbour.
Southampton Airport: Trains from Southampton to Portsmouth take about 40 minutes. Flights to Southampton tend to be pricier.
Heathrow Airport and other London Airports: Around 2 hours to Portsmouth by train.
Get the Ferry as above from Portsmouth Harbour Train station.
For Sailors
Ryde Marina offers mooring facilities for those arriving by private or sailboat. Contact them directly at 01983 613879 for rates and availability.
From Major UK Cities
London to Ryde
Train and FastCat Ferry:
Take a train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes).
Portsmouth Harbour Station connects directly to the Wightlink FastCat terminal.
Take the FastCat Ferry to Ryde Pier (22 minutes). The ferry runs frequently, departing shortly after the hour.
Arrive at Ryde Pier, from where you can either:
Take the train from the pier to Ryde Esplanade (5 minutes), or
Walk along the pier (10 minutes).
Coach and FastCat Ferry:
National Express or Megabus coaches run from London Victoria Coach Station to Portsmouth Harbour. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours.
Follow the same ferry connection as above.
Southampton to Ryde
Train and FastCat Ferry:
Take a train from Southampton Central to Portsmouth Harbour (40 minutes).
Transfer to the FastCat Ferry at Portsmouth Harbour to reach Ryde.
Birmingham and the Midlands
Train and FastCat Ferry:
Take a train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston.
Transfer to the Underground (Northern Line) to London Waterloo.
From London Waterloo, take a train to Portsmouth Harbour and connect to the FastCat Ferry.
Coach and FastCat Ferry:
National Express or Megabus runs coaches from Birmingham to Portsmouth Harbour.
Connect with the FastCat Ferry.
Manchester and the North
Train and FastCat Ferry:
Take a train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston.
Transfer to London Waterloo and proceed with the route to Portsmouth Harbour as described above.
Coach and FastCat Ferry:
Long-distance coaches operate from Manchester to Portsmouth.
Switch to the ferry upon arrival.
From Airports
Gatwick Airport
Take a direct train from Gatwick Airport to Portsmouth Harbour (approx. 90 minutes).
Connect to the FastCat Ferry to Ryde Pier.
Heathrow Airport
From Heathrow, take the RailAir coach service to Woking Station.
Board a train to Portsmouth Harbour (approx. 2 hours total).
Connect to the FastCat Ferry.
Southampton Airport
Take a train from Southampton Airport Parkway to Portsmouth Harbour (40 minutes).
Use the FastCat Ferry to Ryde Pier.
For Drivers
Car Ferry:
Drive to the Wightlink Car Ferry terminal in Portsmouth.
Board the ferry to Fishbourne (45 minutes).
From Fishbourne, Ryde is just a 10-minute drive.
Tips:
Group bookings can save costs, as up to seven passengers can travel on a single car ferry ticket.
Check your hotel’s deals for discounted car ferry rates; sometimes these may be more competitive than the general discount.
If you have any specific questions please do reach out on hello@iowchess.com
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