AN ICONIC Isle of Wight seaside attraction is open to the public again following the completion of extensive restoration work.

Appley Tower is welcoming the public through its door once again.

The essential repairs, which got underway in November last year, have been completed — safeguarding the future of the famous landmark on Ryde seafront.

Appley Tower is a Victorian mock castle tower on the Esplanade.

The new spiral staircase at Appley TowerThe new spiral staircase at Appley Tower (Image: Contributed)

For the first time since 2015, the public will have regular, free access into the tower.

Its new internal staircase leads to the rooftop, which offers excellent, unrivalled views of Appley Beach and The Solent.

The tower's tenants, Monkton Arts, is offering artists the chance to show their work in the first floor gallery space. The first exhibition, which will tell the fascinating story of Appley Tower, runs until Sunday, August 18.

The project was managed and part funded by Natural Enterprise, with additional cash support from the National Heritage Fund, Ryde Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council.

Those who have been involved in the Appley Tower Heritage Project, gathered to celebrate its reopening, with Brian Friend, the chair of Natural Enterprise, and Island councillor for Appley, Michael Lilley, cutting the ribbon. 

Appley Tower, a symbol of Ryde, was originally part of the Appley House estate. The house is now gone, but the castellated tower remains — built as a garden folly in 1875 from coursed rubble, dressed with ashlar — which is circular, with a turret and decorative oriel window, and bearing the Appley coat of arms.

Brian Friend, the chair of Natural Enterprise, said: "We have been working with partners since 2018 to arrive at this point. We are delighted Appley Tower is now fully restored and will be returned to community use.

"I’m pleased Natural Enterprise has led this work and that we have accomplished what we set out to achieve.

"Our thanks are extended to all the people who have supported us and have helped to make it a real success story." 

For more information about the project, visit Natural Enterprise: Appley Tower Heritage Project, or to discover what is happening in the tower, visit Monkton Arts.