Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for London
Eel Pie and Musical Highs
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Eel Pie Island Museum, Twickenham, London - Interior Jazz © Dave Palmer
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Eel Pie Island Museum, Twickenham, London - Interior Drumsticks © Dave Palmer
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Eel Pie Island Museum, Twickenham, London - Eel Pie Pub exterior
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Eel Pie Island Pub, Twickenham, London - Eel Pie Pub interior
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Eel Pie Island Museum, Twickenham, London - Music Legends Sign Embankment © Rose Downes
Includes a visit to Eel Pie Island Museum, lunch and a music tour of Richmond
Eel Pie Island is the largest island in the London section of the Thames and until 1957 it could be reached only by boat. In the 17th century it was used by day trippers and became well known for the eel pies made from locally caught eels.
From the early 20th century ramshackle huts and yards were built on the island and many of these structures exist today, as do two of the boatyards built to construct and repair working boats on the Thames. The boatyards are also home to workshops for artists and craftspeople and moorings for houseboats.
From the 1920s the Eel Pie Island Hotel hosted ballroom dances and from the 1950s and 60s a bohemian crowd began to move to the island and it became a venue for jazz and rock musicians including the Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd – some say that the island is where the 1960s began in the UK. The Eel Pie Island Hotel that hosted many gigs became a hippy commune after concerts stopped in 1967 and it then burned down in 1971.
The Eel Pie Island Museum brings musical history to life, and tells the story of this private island in the Thames.
Dates
Sunday - Thursdays throughout 2024 & 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
London
Make your way to your hotel on the outskirts of London, in the Heathrow area. Depending on your route you may wish to stop at maybe Hampton Court, Windsor or an alternative location – please contact us for suggestions.
Check into your hotel, and take dinner in the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Eel Pie and Musical Highs
Breakfast in your hotel.
Drive to Twickenham, and arrive at this fantastic museum dedicated to the history of Eel Pie Island. The Island became a haven for musicians during the 1950’s jazz scene. Groups will split into two here and half will join an introductory tour and visit to the museum, while the other half will enjoy a slide presentation at the nearby Twickenham Club. Your visit will give insight into Eel Pie Island, a tiny private island in the Thames with an important role in music history.
Access to the Island itself is strictly for residents only.
You will take lunch at the Eel Pie Island Pub which takes its name from Eel Pie Island, so named due to the popularity of the pies served to day-tripping Londoners who would come down by paddle steamer to the Eel Pie Hotel. Enjoy a two-course lunch with tea and coffee before moving on.
Rejoin your coach and meet with your expert music and history guide who will escort you to to Richmond Green. This attractive drive goes over Richmond Bridge which has lovely views over the River Thames and the Georgian style embankment. Head to the site of the Crawdaddy Club and hear about what this area of West London would have been like in the ‘Swinging Sixties’. This will include some fun details on what Mick Jagger said to Paul McCartney when they met for the very first time right here in Richmond.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3
Return home
Take breakfast in the hotel, and maybe a visit to the Musical Museum in Kew? Or perhaps some free time in Windsor – let us know your route and we will be pleased to make some suggestions.
Suggested Hotels
We offer a selection of 3* and 4* hotels in and around Heathrow, including the Holiday Inn Heathrow Bath Road, Sheraton Heathrow, Holiday Inn Shepperton, Hyatt Place Hotel Heathrow.
All hotels offer on site coach parking (though space and size limitations may apply).
Please note
The tour departs Sundays to Thursdays throughout the year.
| Dates | 3 days / 2 nights |
| 2024 dates | Price on request |
| 2025 dates | Dates available on request |
A single room supplement will apply – details on request.
