Eel Pie Island Eel Pie Island

The mysterious Eel Pie Island welcomes visitors this weekend

Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Daniel Sheppard

Once a legendary music venue and one of the UK's largest hippy communes, Eel Pie Island in Twickenham is usually off-limits to the public. But this weekend offers a rare chance to step onto the island – and even better, it's completely free.

Back in its heyday, the island's hotel hosted weekly gigs from bands like The Rolling Stones before becoming a haven for countercultural living. These days, Eel Pie Island has traded rock 'n' roll for artistic expression, with a tight-knit community of artists, residents, and wildlife enthusiasts calling it home.

Public access is limited to just two weekends a year, when the island's studios open their doors for visitors to browse and buy art directly from the artists. One of those weekends is coming up: on 5 and 6 July, from 11am to 6pm, you're invited to cross the footbridge and explore this offbeat, creative enclave. If you've ever been curious, now's the time, as this'll be your last chance to visit until next year. You can fin more info and book your spot here.

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