Monkey Island, Private river island in Bray, England.
Monkey Island is a seven-acre island in the River Thames featuring two Georgian structures: a Fishing Temple and an octagonal Fishing Pavilion with elaborate plasterwork. Today the estate operates as a hotel with 44 rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a spa housed in a converted barge.
The island served as a retreat for monks from Merton Priory from 1197 onward, which gave it the original name 'Monks Eyot'. The Duke of Marlborough acquired the property in 1723 and initiated a period of significant redevelopment.
The Fishing Pavilion displays plasterwork by French artist Andie de Clermont featuring monkeys engaged in various pursuits, a decorative technique known as 'singerie' in the fine and applied arts.
The island is most easily reached by regular boat services from the mainland, which provide a scenic crossing over the Thames. Visitors should note that the grounds are private and are best explored during the hotel's operating hours.
Debris from London's Great Fire of 1666 was transported to the island to protect it from flooding, creating an unexpected architectural foundation. This recycling of urban remains helped establish a stable base for later construction projects.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
