Eel Pie Island, an exclusive private island on the River Thames in London, is opening its doors to the public for the first time on select dates in July 2026. The 8.9-acre island, home to around 120 residents, will welcome visitors on July 4, July 5, July 11, and July 12, from 11am to 5pm, with free tickets required for two-hour slots. The event, known as the Eel Pie Island Artists event, allows non-residents to explore the local art scene, chat with creators, and view their work.
History of Eel Pie Island
The island earned its name from the eel pies served there during the 18th and 19th centuries, a cheap and accessible food. Originally called Twickenham Ait, it became a hub for music in the 1960s when the Eel Pie Island Hotel hosted over 900 gigs, including a five-month residency by the Rolling Stones. After the hotel closed in 1969, the island became the UK's largest commune before a fire destroyed the hotel in 1971. Despite this, the island remains a symbol of London's counterculture movement.
How to visit
Visitors can access the island via Eel Pie Bridge and must reserve free tickets for the artists' event. Slots are available from 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, and 3pm-5pm each day. The event is designed to connect the public with the island's artistic community, which includes studios and galleries.
Other private Thames islands
Eel Pie Island is not the only private island on the Thames. In late 2025, Hallsmead Ait, a 4.75-acre triangular island near Henley-on-Thames, sold at auction for £99,470. It features woodland and a landing pontoon, and has long been admired by boaters for its unspoilt charm.
Alternative London attractions
For those seeking other hidden gems in London, the Phoenix Garden in Soho offers a tranquil community garden, while Kenwood House in Hampstead is a historic stately home dating back to the 17th century. Wimbledon Common Windmill, a former working windmill turned museum, provides a mix of outdoor activity and history.
