Museum of Ryde: Ticket to 250 Years of Ryde's History
Isle of Wight
Explore the Museum of Ryde and learn about the town and its people, and have a laugh in the Donald McGill "Saucy Seaside" Postcard Museum, with its hundreds of cards with their Benny Hill-type humour.
Explore Ryde History and Donald McGill Postcards at the Museum of Ryde
The Museum of Ryde, located in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, suits visitors interested in local history, World War II artefacts, and the largest collection of Donald McGill postcards.
Highlights
- Explore 250 years of Ryde’s history
- View the world’s largest collection of Donald McGill postcards, including banned editions
- Learn about Ryde Pier, the country’s first public pier
- See remains of two WWII USAF P41-D Mustang planes crashed in The Solent
- Discover the unique Ice Well and the story of “Turtle Soup for 15/- a quart”
Description
The Museum of Ryde offers a comprehensive look at Ryde’s history and community. Browse thousands of photographs in the searchable archive dating from the 1860s to today. The Commercial Room displays local brewery, chemist, and dairy items along with historic shop signage and posters.
Experience education history in the School Room with old school photos and a holiday cine film video. Discover the history of Ryde Pier and early local photographers, including one who photographed Queen Victoria’s family.
The Flight Path area covers the now-closed Ryde Airport and the development of the locally built Hovercraft, shown in a short film. The Military Rooms exhibit Isle of Wight Rifles memorabilia, WWII artefacts, and the P41-D Mustang remains.
The Household Room features everyday objects, police and fire brigade items, and a video on the Great Fires of Ryde. The Tony Packer Room contains the Ice Well built for imported ice, an old bread oven, St Thomas’s Church artefacts, and local maps and archives.
The Transport and Sport Room highlights the island’s first buses, local sports figures, and items from former hospitals. The adjoining Donald McGill Postcard Museum displays original artwork and thousands of postcards by the famous artist, known for his cheeky humour. Some cards were banned in the 1950s; reprints are available to buy and send.
Your ticket includes free return admission within two weeks to continue your visit.
Includes
- Searchable slideshow of over 10,000 Ryde photographs
- Old school photographs and artefacts
- Local brewery, chemist, and dairy bottle and flagon collections
- Film on Hovercraft development
- Military Rooms with Isle of Wight Rifles display
- Household Room with everyday objects and fire brigade items
- Unique Ice Well and historic bread oven
- Ordnance Survey 1866 wall map of Ryde
- Ryde-themed crested china souvenirs
- Films of Ryde Carnival, the oldest carnival in the UK
- History of the Isle of Wight Festival’s early days, including Bob Dylan
- Victorian can opener invented in the museum building
- Details of the first buses and local transport
- Exhibit on Ryde Pier, the oldest in the UK
- Donald McGill ‘Saucy Seaside’ Postcard Museum with original artwork
- Banned postcards reprinted and for sale
- Museum and postcard souvenirs available to buy
- Books by local authors for sale
- Stairlift access for visitors with mobility issues
Important Information
- Keep your ticket for free return visits within two weeks
- Volunteers are available to help with light historical research queries
- Some Donald McGill postcards were banned in the 1950s due to perceived obscenity
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance receive a full refund.
For a smooth visit, bring your ticket for free re-entry, wear comfortable shoes for extensive exploration, and allow several hours to fully discover the exhibits. The museum is best visited during regular opening hours and operates with volunteer staff.
