Eel Pie Artists Summer Open Studios

Some 50 houses and boatyards occupy the private Eel Pie island, marooned in the middle of the Thames. A footbridge links the mound to the mainland, but surprisingly few Londoners ever get around to visiting, so you should jump at the chance to explore during this free bi-annual Artists Open Studios weekend, when around 25 locals offer a sneak-peak into their isolated island world. The artists and craftspeople also offer the chance to buy or commission work.