Twickenham's Eel Pie Island is an enclave of west London enveloped in musical legend, artistic curios galore — and a good deal of secrecy.
Though you can cross the footbridge onto the piscatorially-monikered island anytime you like, you'll only get a tantalising whiff of the creative minds buzzing inside (think shrubbery-ensconced huts festooned with headless mannequins, skeletons in cages and other forms of screwball sculpture).
But for two weekends this summer, you can gain access to Eel Pie Island's inner sanctum, thanks to its Open Studios series.
On Saturday 28/Sunday 29 June, and again on Saturday 5/Sunday 6 July 2025, you're invited into the creative hubs of the artists who live and work on the island. While enjoying a rare opportunity to hobnob with the locals, you can peruse handmade ceramics, oil paintings, jewellery and ceramic sculptures — there's even a resident cartoonist.
And of course, if any particular treasure ruffles your truffles, you can take it back to the mainland with you. Refreshments are available (we once had a Pimm's here surrounded by some VERY interesting sculptures).
It's free to access to Eel Pie Island for the open days, but you need to book tickets (keep an eye on this page, where details will appear in May). These get you a two-hour time slot on the island.
While you're in Twickenham, we recommend a trip to Eel Pie Island Museum, which details the island's rock n' roll roots — including The Who, the Stones and Pink Floyd — as well as famous residents, including the late Trevor Baylis, inventor of the wind-up radio. The museum's on the Twickenham mainland, and you can visit any time of year, Thursday-Sunday.
There's also Twickenham Museum, open Friday-Sunday. What a thoroughly cultured place Twickenham is.
Eel Pie Island Artists Summer Open Studios, Twickenham, free entry, 28-29 June, and 5-6 July 2025, 11am-6pm.
