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A former hippy commune and counterculture hotspot, Eel Pie Island in Twickenham is restricted to the public most of the year. One of the rare opportunities to pay it a visit is this weekend, however, and as an added bonus, it's completely free.
Once upon a time, Eel Pie Island and its hotel used to be a music hub, with the likes of The Rolling Stones playing there every week. Later, it became one of the largest hippy communes in the country. Though its glory days are over, the biggest island in the London stretch of the Thames has retained a free-spirited, open-minded outlook. Today, this hidden London gem is an artistic hotspot, home to a mix of residences, artist studios, and nature reserves. To help preserve the island and its creative atmosphere, it's closed off to the public for nearly the entire year, with only its residents and their friends allowed to visit.
Twice a year, however, Eel Pie Island lets the general public visit, with the open days doubling as a chance for the on-island artists to show what they've been working on and for visitors to purchase some new art. One of the two such occasions has just gone by, but another is coming up this weekend. From 11am to 6pm on 22 and 23 July, you can walk across the footbridge leading to the island and have a wander around. Access is free, and that's it for this year, so best take advantage of the opportunity. Find more info here.