![\"Eel](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_303988340-09c3.jpg\")
\n\t\tYes, London does have private islands \u2013 and this weekend, you can visit one of them (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tYes, London does have private islands \u2013 and this weekend, you can visit one of them (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
When you think of the River Thames<\/a>, you might conjure up images of the South Bank, Uber<\/a> Boats whipping along the waves, and pebble beaches<\/a>.<\/p>\n But there\u2019s one little-known part of London<\/a>\u2019s river that\u2019s still relatively hidden, and that\u2019s Eel Pie Island.<\/p>\n Even the most hardcore of Londoners <\/a>might never have heard of it, and for good reason: it\u2019s completely private.<\/p>\n It first got its unique name as one particularly iconic dish<\/a>, the eel pie, was dished out here. It was served during the 18th and 19th centuries, and because it was fairly cheap, it became an accessible, low-cost food.<\/p>\n Before the humble eel pie came about, though, the 8.9-acre spot was simply known as the Twickenham Ait, which is an old word for island.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve ever been curious to see what lies beyond its waters, this weekend and next, this exclusive isle will be opening its doors to us regular folk. Here\u2019s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n How to visit Eel Pie Island this weekend<\/p>\n While the rest of the year sees the elusive Eel Pie Island shrouded in mystery, on July 4, July 5, July 11, and July 12, things will be different.<\/p>\n You won\u2019t need to be invited in by one of the island\u2019s 120-strong population. Instead, all you\u2019ll need to do is grab your free ticket<\/a> and head on across the River Thames, over the fittingly named Eel Pie Bridge.<\/p>\n \t\t You\u2019ll be allotted two hours as part of the Eel Pie Island Artists event, which is mostly intended for non-Eel Piers to connect with the local art scene, chatting to local creators and perusing work.<\/p>\n On each day, the slots run across the following times:<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLatest London news\t\t\t<\/p>\n To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro’s London news hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n 11am-1pm<\/p>\n 1pm-3pm<\/p>\n 3pm-5pm.<\/p>\n The history of Eel Pie Island<\/p>\n Still can\u2019t get this unique London spot off your mind? We\u2019ve got a few more fun facts for you. Back in the 1960s, the island was home to a major music hall in the form of the Eel Pie Island Hotel.<\/p>\n This wasn\u2019t any old venue, either: from 1956 onwards, the hotel hosted more than 900 gigs, including performances from the likes of the Rolling Stones, who enjoyed a five-month residency there.<\/p>\n With a huge dancefloor and a sizeable bar, it became the place to be for young people who not only wanted to have a boogie but also wanted to see change. <\/p>\n \t\t And so, from then onwards, Eel Pie Island became the centre of a hippie movement, as after it shut down in 1969, it became home to the UK\u2019s largest commune. Sadly, it burnt down in 1971, but to this day, many will attest to the influence this tiny gem had on London during the 1960s.<\/p>\n Eel Pie Island isn\u2019t the only private spot across London.<\/p>\n At the tail end of last year, Hallsmead Ait<\/a>, a charming triangular island nestled in one of the Thames\u2019 most serene spots by Shiplake Lock, went up for sale. Except, being up for auction, it only fetched \u00a399,470.<\/p>\n \t\t Spanning a modest 4.75 acres of woodland, Hallsmead Ait isn\u2019t just a pretty patch of green; it comes with its own landing pontoon.<\/p>\n Situated near Henley-on-Thames, the island has long been admired by passers-by and boaters alike for its unspoilt charm.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tThe best alternative things to do in London\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tPhoenix Garden<\/p>\n Desperate for a moment\u2019s peace from the hustle and bustle of city life?<\/p>\n Tranquillity is closer than you think. Hidden between the perpetually teeming Soho and Covent Garden, you\u2019ll find Phoenix Garden.<\/p>\n An oasis of calm amid chaos, this small community space is alive with brightly-coloured flowers, buzzy bees, and plenty of greenery.<\/p>\n Kenwood House<\/p>\n If you\u2019re into stately homes, Kenwood House should be on your weekend hit list.<\/p>\n Located in the fashionable Hampstead area, it\u2019s been described as one of London\u2019s \u2018hidden gems.\u2019<\/p>\n The property dates back to the early 17th century. However, the building we see today was remodelled by British architect and furniture designer, Robert Adam, between 1764 and 1779.<\/p>\n Wimbledon Common Windmill<\/p>\n Combine the outdoors with a bit of history at Wimbledon Common Windmill, a former working windmill which is now a museum.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a cute cafe next door to grab a coffee before walking around \u2018Womble\u2019 territory.<\/p>\n Discover more here<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_303988330-7217.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe island was a hub for culture during the 1960s (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Twickenham,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_303988335-9858.jpg\")
\n\t\tThese days, it\u2019s home to plenty of artists (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Twickenham,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SEI_303988325-b39d.jpg\")
\n\t\tOnly around 120 people live here (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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