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♟️Things to Do, Restaurant Deals and Social Chess Events
- IOW Chess
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
 The Island is a vibrant year-round destination with plenty to see and do alongside chess. While there will be many opportunities to play and watch games, there is also a wide range of activities for families, adults and children to enjoy.
We have arranged a few local restaurant offers and later openings, which players and visitors are welcome to use by showing a player/ spectator lanyard or event entry ticket.
Local Restaurant Deals
Baan Thai Restaurant 10% discount off your total bill 📍 4 Union Street, Ryde, PO33 2DU🕓 Open Monday to Sunday, 4.30pm to 9.30pm Last orders at 9.30pm unless advance notice is given  ADA Mediterranean Kitchen 10% discount off your total bill 📍 55 Union St, Ryde PO33 2LG🕓 Open Monday to Ssaturday, 5pm to 9.45pm  Hong Kong Express £10 Mains, including veg, chicken, beef, pork - all served with rice. 🕓 Open daily, 12.30pm to 11pm 
This year at the playing venue we have a food truck instead of a shop. It will be located near the main entrance and outside the parents’ waiting area. This will serve hot drinks and a range of reasonably priced hot food, including breakfasts, burgers, jacket potatoes and similar options. Please find the menu here. Social Chess
Chess boards and clocks will be available in the function room. Feel free to drop in whenever the hotel is open and enjoy casual chess from Sunday 15th to Saturday 21st.
At 4pm Friday 20th, a free Master’s Group Simul will take place here. You do not need to register, just take any available seat.
Also you can play chess at:
📍 40 High Street, Ryde, PO33 2HTA great pub close to the venue with chess boards available daily. Casual play is free and food is served until 8.30pm.
Fun Things to Do in Ryde
📍 12 Esplanade, Ryde, PO33 2DXA charming, traditional cinema offering very affordable tickets, often £5 or less. A great option for families, with a good range of children’s films.
📍 16 St Thomas Street, Ryde, PO33 2DLA large pool hall and sports bar, ideal for relaxing after games. Live sport is usually shown, and it is worth looking up to spot the chess pieces in the ceiling.
📍 Esplanade Pavilion, Superbowl, 25 Esplanade, Ryde PO33 2EL Ten-pin bowling, laser quest and a small arcade make this a popular choice for families and groups.
Peter Pan’s Funfair and Amusements 📍 Ryde Harbour, Esplanade, PO33 2HFA large seaside amusements arcade by the harbour. Bring plenty of 2p coins.
Local Music and Comedy
📍 Appley Rise, Ryde, PO33 1PHOne of the oldest pubs on the Island, with a popular Open Mic night every Thursday evening.
📍 Simeon Street, Ryde, PO33 2BALive music on Friday and Saturday nights, with bands playing in the bar.
📍 Royal Esplanade Hotel, RydeTaking place on Thursday 19 February, a fun evening option during tournament week. Walks and Coastal Routes
Ryde is home to one of the Island’s finest beaches. A short walk East (to the right if looking at the sea) from the harbour leads to a wide beach and coastal path stretching all the way to Seaview. This is highly recommended for a morning walk or run if the weather is kind. Along the way you will pass The Dell Café, which is excellent for breakfast, and eventually reach The Boathouse Pub in Seaview, with more pubs if you continue.
Exploring Beyond Ryde (keep the road diversion in mind)
Queen Victoria’s former residence is open throughout winter. The house and grounds are quieter in February, making it an ideal time to visit without crowds. It is however quite expensive to go inside if you don’t already have a National Trust pass.
A must-see historic site in winter. The castle walls, museum, and Charles I history make it perfect for a cold but clear day. National Trust badge needed to go inside.
A peaceful and atmospheric spot year-round. The woodland walks are beautiful in winter and the café is open, making it a popular February visit.
While some attractions close seasonally, the cliffs and viewpoints are always accessible and especially dramatic in winter weather.
One of the UK’s mildest microclimates. Even in February there is plenty to see, especially for those interested in unusual plants.
Often runs selected winter and half-term services. A great option for families visiting during February half term.
If you take the coastal road to or from Freshwater (around 40 min drive from Ryde) it's an amazing view and well worth stopping at Compton Beach car park to take in the view of the Needles and cliffs. Not as much fun in the rain however.
We hope you enjoy both the chess and everything the Island has to offer during your stay.
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