Eel Pie Island Museum

About Eel Pie Island Museum

Eel Pie Island Museum is a community-run museum on Richmond Road in Twickenham, dedicated to preserving and sharing the extraordinary cultural history of Eel Pie Island. Through a carefully curated collection of memorabilia and artefacts, it tells the story of the island’s celebrated role in London’s music scene. Staffed by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers, the museum offers an intimate, welcoming experience for anyone curious about this remarkable corner of the Thames. It opens Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 5:30 pm, and charges a modest admission fee, with membership available for regular supporters.

Local area

Twickenham has always had a layered, confident sense of its own identity, shaped by its long relationship with the River Thames and a history that stretches well beyond the rugby stadium. The Eel Pie Island Museum fits naturally into that character — a grassroots, community-minded institution that champions a genuinely extraordinary piece of local history. In a borough that values both its independent spirit and its cultural depth, this small museum on Richmond Road offers something no chain attraction can replicate: authentic, locally rooted storytelling just a short walk from the riverbank.

Why choose Eel Pie Island Museum

With a visitor rating of 4.8 from over 140 reviews, this is clearly a place that resonates deeply with those who discover it. The volunteer-led ethos means every visit feels personal rather than transactional, and the modest £3 admission makes it accessible to all. For residents aged 50 and over who remember the island’s legendary music history — or who simply want to understand Twickenham more fully — this museum offers rare insight, genuine warmth and a strong sense of community belonging, all within a short afternoon’s visit.

Services

• Permanent collection of Eel Pie Island memorabilia and artefacts
• Guided experience with knowledgeable volunteers
• Museum membership scheme
• Local music and cultural heritage exhibitions
• Community heritage preservation

Ideal for: Local residents with an interest in Twickenham history, Music history enthusiasts, Visitors to the Richmond upon Thames area, Community heritage supporters, Schools and educational groups, Tourists exploring the Thames corridor.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Eel Pie Island Museum open?

The museum is open Thursday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 5:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission is £3, which visitors consistently describe as outstanding value. A membership option is also available for those who wish to support the museum on an ongoing basis.

Where exactly is the museum located?

The museum is at 1–3 Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 3AB — a convenient address in the heart of Twickenham, close to local transport links.

Who runs the museum?

The museum is staffed by volunteers who are praised by visitors for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge about the island’s history.

What can I expect to see at the museum?

The collection focuses on memorabilia and artefacts documenting Eel Pie Island’s iconic role in London’s music history. Volunteers are on hand to bring the stories behind the exhibits to life.