Eel Pie Island

Eel Pie Island is a roughly 9-acre strip of land in the Thames near Twickenham, reached by a narrow pedestrian footbridge. The island holds about fifty homes and several studios, scattered along wooded riverside paths.

Tools from the middle Stone Age found along the shore show that people were here thousands of years ago. A hotel appeared in the 19th century, later becoming a focal point of the British music scene.

The former hotel here became a gathering place for young musicians and bands like the Rolling Stones during the 1960s. That era shaped the reputation of this spot as a meeting point for a lively scene, and its legacy remains felt today.

Entry to the island is usually limited to residents, but artists open their studios to visitors twice a year. On those days you can cross the footbridge and see how life and work unfold on the island.

Two small nature reserves lie at either end of the island and offer shelter for birds and riverside plants. These quiet zones contrast with the inhabited areas in the middle.

Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

GPS coordinates: 51.44520,-0.32460

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:36