On a narrow stretch of the River Thames at Twickenham, an unusual cluster of houses and studios sits on what was once famed for eel pies and rock ’n’ roll raves. Today, Eel Pie Island is known for its tight-knit creative community and the practical oddities of island life — no cars, deliveries by hand or boat, and the constant hum of rowing clubs and river traffic.
Artists, logistics and a long local story
Cartoonists Simon and Sheba Cassini are among roughly 50 dwellings on the island. The couple, who work together under the name Bitter and Twisted, have lived there for about 18 years. They describe the place as part home, part studio, and part stage for passing visitors and curious tourists.
"Sometimes we wake up and there's a party of Japanese tourists peering through the window,"
There are only two ways on to Eel Pie Island: by boat or via a footbridge. The absence of roads means no cars and anything needing to be brought on to the island — shopping, gardening materials, or building supplies — has to be carried by hand or wheeled across on trolleys. Larger items or major building work may need to be ferried by boat, with an extra cost attached.
Why people choose island life
Sheba, who previously lived on a boat in Battersea, says the island appealed because of the community she found when visiting the local boatyard. "I met a guy who told me to come and have it done at the boatyard here," she recalled. The introduction to fellow artists convinced her the place was right. Simon added that, despite travel, he looks forward to returning.
Residents describe a life shaped by proximity to the river and the boathouse culture of Twickenham, with landmarks such as a shark sculpture nicknamed "Steve" marking the island’s riverside edge. The island’s creative pedigree is long: past residents have included the first Doctor Who actor William Hartnell, inventor Trevor Baylis, and actor Nigel Planer.
Practicalities and pressures
Living on an island in London carries particular trade-offs. The lack of vehicular access means lower noise and a sense of separation from the urban sprawl, but also logistical headaches. Everything from DIY materials to household shopping must be transported by hand, trolley or boat. That can inflate costs and complicate routine maintenance. Those are tangible prices for what residents describe as exclusivity and a close community.
- Access: footbridge or boat only
- Number of dwellings: around 50
- Transport of goods: by hand, trolley or boat
- Noted past residents: William Hartnell, Trevor Baylis, Nigel Planer
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Twickenham, River Thames |
| Access | Footbridge or boat |
| Housing stock | Approximately 50 dwellings |
Community culture and visitors
While Eel Pie Island’s history includes musical heydays and inventive residents, current occupants are a mixed bag of artists, craftspeople and those drawn to the river. Visitors sometimes arrive unannounced, peering in windows or taking photos, a minor irritant that comes with living in a place with a famous name and easy riverside views.
Local businesses and boathouses nearby provide daily interaction, while the absence of cars fosters a calmer environment for families and creatives. Residents say the trade-offs — from carrying rubbish out to the added expense of boat-delivered renovations — are accepted in exchange for community and riverside living.
What this means for Twickenham
Eel Pie Island is a small but vivid thread in Twickenham’s wider fabric. It remains a destination for those interested in London’s offbeat corners: a living reminder of the Thames’s role in shaping neighbourhoods, livelihoods and culture. For anyone considering island life, the Cassinis’ story is a reminder that charm and convenience rarely coincide.
Visitors should be mindful that the island is private and that access is limited. For residents, the island’s quirks — from trolleys laden with groceries to boats arriving with building materials — are now ordinary rhythms of life that sustain a distinctive riverside community.
