LONDON is undoubtedly home to numerous hidden gems, but I bet you didn’t know it has a secret island slap bang in the middle of the Thames.
Oh, and two times a year you can even visit it – including next weekend.
Eel Pie Island sits in the middle of the River Thames in Twickenham, around 20 minutes from Waterloo.
The rather exclusive island has a very famous past as well.
The destination used to host live music events with top acts including The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Who and Pink Floyd.
In the 19th century, it was even a popular resort with steamboats and the famous Eel Pie Island Hotel, which sadly closed in 1967 after its dancefloor collapsed.
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After the hotel’s closure, the island became a hippie commune – and this is where the island’s creative haven that you see today started to emerge.
On the island today, there are over 26 artists across cottages and studios which are littered around the island.
Twice a year, the island opens its bridge to visitors, where you can explore the intricate network of paths and venture through what feels like a jungle to discover the different artists’ huts.
The island spans no more than nine acres and you can easily walk around it within an hour.
With small jetties off the end of gardens and plants that look way too tropical to be surviving in the Big Smoke, the island does feel more like Little Venice in Los Angeles than an urban jungle.
Roughly 120 people live on the island across 50 houses and houseboats and as you meander the paths you’ll see quirky enamel signs and American-style post boxes.
These all just add to the Californian vibe, with different spots on the island named ‘Palm Beach’, ‘Copper Beach’ and ‘Love Shack’.
Several spots across the island also feel like treasure troves of antique junk, from headless mannequins to hanging bird cages.
You can explore the island and workshops for as long as you like on the day you have a ticket for – which are free.
There are even a couple of spots where you can stay on the island.
One is a flat in a converted boatyard – it has one bedroom, along with a sofa bed and a living area.
Alternatively, you could stay in a converted boat house.
The Open Studios weekends take place on July 4 to 5 and July 11 to 12 between 11am and 5pm.
Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite.