This post was originally published on this siteLondon is full of things to see and do but some of my favourite places to visit in the city are the more unusual ones such as Eel Pie Island.  Not many Londoners, let alone visitors, know about this private island in the middle of the River Thames but it’s undeniably one of the city’s best hidden gems.  Perched on a mudflat between Richmond and Twickenham, this small island is today home to dozens of artists’ studios and is only open to visitors twice a year. Despite its modern day reclusive nature, however, this island has an incredibly colourful history.  Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details. The bridge linking Eel Pie Island to the mainland Eel Pie Island’s History Originally called Paryshe Alte, Eel Pie Island has been around for centuries. Some historians believe that it was once the site of a monastery, others argue that it was used by Henry VIII as a courting