Eel Pie Island Museum
A volunteer-run museum in Twickenham celebrating the legendary music heritage of Eel Pie Island — where British rock was born
A volunteer-run museum in Twickenham celebrating the legendary music heritage of Eel Pie Island — where British rock was born
Tucked away on Richmond Road in Twickenham, the Eel Pie Island Museum tells the extraordinary story of a tiny Thames island that helped launch British rock and roll. In the 1960s, the Eel Pie Island Hotel's ramshackle ballroom hosted early gigs by The Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd and David Bowie before any of them were famous.
Founded by curator Michele Whitby and opened in 2018, this small but richly packed museum is run entirely by volunteers. Displays cover the island's musical golden age, its time as the UK's largest hippie commune, the mysterious fire that destroyed the hotel in 1971, and the thriving artist community that calls the island home today. Memorabilia, photographs, oral histories and vintage posters bring each era vividly to life.
Eel Pie Island is a small, privately owned island in the River Thames at Twickenham, connected to the north bank by a narrow footbridge. Its name dates back centuries — Henry VIII is said to have enjoyed eel pies served at the island's riverside tavern — but its place in music history was forged in the late 1950s and 1960s.
The Eel Pie Island Hotel, a crumbling Victorian building with a ballroom above a boatyard, became one of the most important venues in the birth of British rhythm and blues. Promoter Arthur Chisnall began booking jazz and blues acts in 1956, and by the early 1960s the island was drawing hundreds of young music fans across the footbridge every weekend. The Rolling Stones played a legendary five-month residency in 1963, honing their sound before their first chart hit. The Who, Rod Stewart, Long John Baldry, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and a young David Bowie all performed in that same sweaty, low-ceilinged ballroom.
By the late 1960s the hotel had fallen into disrepair. Squatters moved in, and by 1970 the building had become the largest hippie commune in Britain, housing around 100 people. Richmond Council placed a demolition order on the structure, but before it could be carried out a mysterious fire broke out in 1971, destroying the hotel completely. The cause was never officially determined.
The museum devotes considerable space to this turbulent period, with photographs of the commune, newspaper cuttings from the fire, and testimonies from people who lived through it. It is a compelling story of counterculture, neglect and a building that burned at a suspiciously convenient moment.
The Eel Pie Island Museum opened in 2018 in a small shopfront on Richmond Road, opposite Twickenham Civic Centre. It was founded by Michele Whitby, whose fascination with the island's history led her to spend years collecting memorabilia, tracking down former musicians and recording oral histories.
Inside, the displays are packed with original gig posters, vintage photographs, press cuttings and personal items donated by musicians and islanders. A timeline traces the island's story from its eel pie days through the jazz era, the blues explosion, the commune period and on to the present-day artist community. Listening stations let you hear recordings and interviews with people who were there.
The museum also runs regular walking tours along the Twickenham riverside to the island footbridge, led by volunteers who know the stories inside out. These tours are a highlight — they bring the history to life far beyond what any display case can achieve.
Eel Pie Island remains a private residential community of around 120 people. The old boatyards have been converted into 26 artist studios, and twice a year the island opens its doors for a popular open studios weekend. The museum acts as a bridge between the island's past and present, celebrating both its musical heritage and its continuing creative spirit.
The annual passport provides unlimited visits for a year plus a 15% discount on food at the Eel Pie Pub. Group tours include a presentation or walking tour
The museum is run entirely by volunteers, so it occasionally closes for volunteer holidays or on big rugby days at nearby Twickenham Stadium. Check the website first.
The riverside walking tours bring the island's history to life far better than the displays alone. Tours run regularly and can be booked via the museum website or on the day.
The Thames towpath between Richmond and Twickenham is a lovely walk. Start at Richmond, follow the river south and stop at the museum before heading into Twickenham town centre.
Twice a year the island's artists open their studios to the public. Dates are posted on the museum website — it is the only time most people can set foot on the island.
The Eel Pie pub on Church Street is a short walk from the museum and overlooks the island. Annual passport holders get a 15% discount on food there, making it a natural post-visit stop.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 10, 2026
