Eel Pie Island is a private island in the River Thames only accessible by footbridge or boat, which hosts a nature preserve, rowing club and 50 houses. The Boat Yard is a host to artists studios, who open the island twice a year for visitors.

In the 1960s the Eel Pie Hotel hosted gigs by top performers of the day such as David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Yardbirds & Black Sabbath, before turning into the UK’s largest hippy commune in the 70s.

Our Saturday was spent touring the truly individual galleries of the island. Some were propped up sheds, old boats or just boards nailed together. The artwork was gorgeous and affordable, while all the artists were down-to-earth and friendly willing to talk about inspiration and techniques.

While technically apart of London, this artist colony (if you can call an island of 50 houses that) feels like it is in the wilderness, as most of the island is debris reclaimed by vines and flowers. I’ve been to quite a few US artist retreats (Rockport, Matlacha, Greenwich, New Hope, Provincetown, Silvermine, & Brandywine to name a few) this is my first experience with a UK one. Their next open weekend is near Christmas and we already plan on going to it.

Does anyone know of some other artist colonies worth visiting in the UK?