The London Overground is a network of rail services forming a convenient perimeter around central London, thereby making all of Greater London more accessible and better connected. Still a fairly new means of transportation, the London Overground was launched in 2007. Its trains pass through 21 of the city’s 33 boroughs with approximately 30% of all Londoners living within a 15 minute walk of an Overground station.

The Overground’s East London extension opened in spring of 2010. This line runs from Highbury and Islington station in the north to Croydon to the south and is particularly useful – especially for culture vultures keen to check out London’s quirkier side. Eleven museums and galleries located along the line have come together as the “Culture Line” which offers passengers the opportunity to “discover hidden treasure on the line Dalston and Croydon.” From George Washington’s false teeth, to a chapel built by the founder of the Methodist church and plenty more historic and fascinating sights to see, the Culture Line has something for everyone.

Here’s a list of the 11 museums and galleries along the London Overground’s East London extension, from north to south.

The UK’s only gallery devoted to Italian modern art.

This great little museum highlights a borough that’s long been a starting off point for many of London’s immigrant communities. Free admission.

This museum focuses on “the living rooms of the urban middle classes in England, particularly London.” It also features a chronological sequence of period rooms from the 1600s to the present. Free admission.

This museum is both a place of worship and an attraction for anyone interested in John Wesley and the history of Methodism. Free admission.

Located in the former crypt of a 19th century church, this museum tells the story of the Royal London Hospital with sections about the so called “Elephant Man” Joseph Merrick. Free admission.

One of London’s leading centers for contemporary art with exhibitions ranging from Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Lucian Freud and Gilbert & George. General admission if free. Check about special and temporary exhibitions.

Europe’s largest collection of material relating to the lives of women including objects related to the suffrage movement. Free admission.

This museum is located inside the Brunel Engine House, which was designed by Sir Marc Isambard Brunel as part of the infrastructure of the Thames Tunnel. Entry to the Brunel Museum is £3 (about $5), £1.50 for concessions and free for children under 16 free. Entry to Great Eastern launch ramps is free.

A true London gem housed in a lovely Arts & Crafts era building and featuring an amazing Victorian natural history collection including a world famous stuffed walrus as well as a “super aquarium” and lush gardens. Free admission.

  

Explore the history of this leafy part of London named after one of this city’s most impressive structures which was destroyed in a fire in 1936. Free admission.

Situated in the southern fringe of London, Croydon was once a thriving city in its own right rivaling the mighty capital just to its north. Learn its story here. Free admission.

Any of you travelers a fan of any other attractions on London’s Culture Line? Let us know on Facebook today!