BRITS may not be realise that are 180 tiny islands dotting the River Thames.
Not all of them are open to the public – but here are six of the ‘Thames Riviera’ islands with an interesting history, from the homes of beloved authors to rock star venues, wildlife sanctuaries, and even a floating spa.
Eel Pie Island
Eel Pie Island in Twickenham is the largest island in the Thames.
The island got its name from the pies baked using locally caught eels and served to passing river traders – something which no longer happens.
Eel Pie Island also has a rock star history. In the 1950s and 1960s, the island’s hotel was a popular venue for musicians.
Over a five-month period in 1963, the Rolling Stones played there every Wednesday.
The likes of The Who, Pink Floyd and Screaming Lord Sutch also played gigs at the Eel Pie Island Hotel.
While Eel Pie Island is not as wild as it once was, it’s still home to artists from potters to painters.
You can visit by venturing through Twickenham and crossing the faded-green footbridge over the Thames – it’s the only way to get on and off the island.
But be warned, you can’t visit very easily as the island is private and only open on specific dates.
The opening dates are usually in July, and December. In the summer, Eel Pie Island holds their open studios where local artists show off their work over two weekends – anyone wanting to attend will have to book tickets.
If you don’t manage to get access, you can visit the Eel Pie Island Museum on the mainland instead.
Tagg’s Island
You can find Tagg’s Island in the London Borough of Richmond – and it’s only 400 metres long.
The island is home to 62 houseboats, which is one of the biggest houseboat communities in the UK.
It’s only half a mile upstream from Hampton Court Palace and you can get fantastic views from the island.
To visit the island, take a train to Hampton Court station, then you can walk straight onto the island via the bridge.
In the 1880s, the famous author Sir James Matthew Barrie, who wrote the beloved children’s book Peter Pan, lived on a houseboat on Tagg’s Island.
Ham Island
Ham Island near Windsor has 37 houses and is also home to fifty rescue horses.
As well as the locals, Ham Island also has the Blue Acre Sanctuary for mistreated horses, and they are always looking for volunteers.
Ham Island is a great place for walking, birdwatching, enjoying the riverside scenery and enjoying a picnic.
Monkey Island
For anyone wanting to spend a night on one of the Thames islands, visit Monkey Island, home to the luxurious Monkey Island Estate.
The original two buildings were built in the 1700s and were used as a fishing retreat.
In the 1950s, the estate was transformed into an inn, and a footbridge was added to connect the island to the mainland.
The inn has since been transformed into a beautiful hotel across seven acres with 40 rooms. It also has a spa, restaurant, bar, and gardens.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “The Floating Spa is an astounding experience. I can’t say enough about how staying at Monkey Island is a great way to enjoy a relaxing weekend away.”
Prices for an overnight stay start from £160 per night.
Runnymede
Runnymede is a water-meadow alongside the River Thames that is a 20-minute walk away from Egham station.
The island is the apparent location where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215.
A memorial for the Magna Carta was built on the island in 1957. That’s not the only notable significance of the island, it’s also where King Henry VIII is said to have courted Anne Boleyn.
During spring and summer, you can take a boat trip around Runnymede and Ankerwycke on a replica Victorian paddle-steamer.
Called Lucy Fisher, the boat ride takes around 45-minutes and costs £10 for an adult ticket.
Raven’s Ait
The small island of Raven’s Ait is found between Surbiton and Kingston on the Thames.
The Ait can only be accessed by the ferry from Queen’s Promenade on the south bank.
In history, it was the location where the Treaty of Kingston was signed in the 13th century.
The island was once a boating training centre first opening in 1858. Now, Raven’s Ait is privately run and a very popular wedding venue with views of the River Thames and Hampton Court Park.
Along with weddings, the island also holds parties and fairs throughout the year.
For anyone wanting to take a look at Raven’s Ait without booking an event, The Harts Boatyard pub in Surbiton has great views.
One happy customer wrote: “It is lovely inside, you almost feel like you are in a boat. There is a great veranda and a lovely area to sit outside right by the river. You get a really beautiful view of the boats and Raven’s Ait island.”
There's even a hidden beach on the Thames
We discovered a hidden beach on the River Thames...
On the south side of the River Thames, a 30-minute walk from London Bridge and a 5-minute walk from Bermondsey tube station, is the quiet Bermondsey beach.
On the left side of the beach there’s a pebbly stretch, peacefully concealed behind the river wall and cryptically named ‘Hidden Beach’ One visitor described the spot as a ‘little piece of heaven’ .
The unassuming location has a history, with Cherry Garden Pier on the right side of the beach built in the late 19th century as part of London’s old docks. The pier was used to communicate with Tower Bridge, as workers would phone to staff there to warn them of incoming ships.
