The tiny UK island you can only visit twice a year

Britain is home to an island so hidden you can only visit it twice a year.

Eel Pie Island is on the River Thames in Twickenham.

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It is believed that the name came from the eel pies that were served on the island in the 19th century.

It became popular with tourists after the opening of the Eel Pie Island Hotel, which hosted ballroom dancing in the 1920s.

Famous people who have performed at the hotel include the Rolling Stones, The Who and Pink Floyd.

However, it closed as early as 1967 due to rising costs, although it briefly opened as a club before closing again.

It then became a hippie commune before finally burning down in 1971.

Now around 120 people live on the British Isles, with 50 houses on the island.

It is mainly used by artists residing on the island, including painters, potters and sculptors.

But don’t think you can just visit it – the studios are only open to the public twice a year.

If you are lucky, you can access the island via a pedestrian bridge.

Tickets for 2023 have yet to be announced, although they usually take place in July and December.

Admission is usually free on a weekend – last year it opened on July 2nd and 3rd and December 4th and 5th.

Those who are denied entry can visit the Eel Pie Island Museum on the mainland instead.

Another tiny island in the UK could be turned into a holiday resort.

The owner of Drake’s Island off the coast of Plymouth has confirmed plans to build two hotels, a museum and a spa on the island.

And a small Scottish island just 1.5 miles wide has been voted Britain’s best tourist ‘hidden gem’.

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