Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight its sports and attractions:
The matchless turn-out of smart Four-in-Hand Coaches at the public service to be found every morning on the open space near the Pier Gates and principal hotels is a feature of which Ryde is justly famed. The visitor in search of health and recreation is ill advised indeed who does not avail himself of the advantage of viewing the charming scenery of the ‘Garden of England’ and visiting its many places of historical and picturesque interest by means of the excursions run daily by these coaches.
