Fun Facts About the London Overground
London is a city with thousands of stories to tell. The rich history of the City of London is well-known, and the trauma that it suffered throughout the Blitz can be seen through the dramatic changes in architecture. However, the transportation system for London has its own stories to tell. The underground was pure innovation at its inception and the old stations provide charm and intrigue while you’re waiting for your tube to arrive. However, the overground system sometimes gets overlooked. We can’t have this. So, we have provided some fun facts about the London Overground for you to enjoy. Read on to find out more.
The Secret Victorian Waiting Room
London is filled with gorgeous architecture that covers hundreds of years of history – some of which even pre-dates the Great Fire of London! By staying at the M by Montcalm Shoreditch Rooms, you will be in the perfect location to spot some of these lovely nods to history. However, one that you won’t be able to see, is the secret Victorian Waiting Room which is located on the first floor of Peckham Rye Train Station. Currently blocked off from the public, this stunning feature of the Victorian Era is being carefully restored, so that the secret can be revealed and enjoyed by commuters.
Dunstan East Curve Garden
Dunstan East Curve Garden is a stunning natural refuge behind the bustling Dunstan Junction. Although many visit this lovely spot to enjoy a little walk away from the crowds, some fail to realise that it is in fact an original part of the London Overground. If you look at a picture of the area in aerial view, you will see a distinctive curved line where the railway was intended to run. It once linked the Dunstan Junction Station to the Jubilee Line, but it now boasts a gorgeous floral display in this East London area. By choosing to stay in one of the Hotels near Shoreditch Station, you can reach this charming park within minutes.
The Ancestor of the East London Line
After a fantastic morning exploring the Shoreditch High Street, you may find yourself catching the East London Line, to reach a new attraction to explore. The interesting thing about this particular line is its ancestry. Before the train line had been built, there was once the Croydon Canal. Yes, this railway line once had similar canal routes to those found in Paddington, where narrowboats filled with goods were pulled along, and a charming little canal path was available to walk along. This closed in 1836, and today holds a plethora of flats. You can, however, still spot a bit of the canal, which is now Dacres Wood Pond, if you wanted to catch a glimpse of the railways’ predecessor.
Only One Station has Escalators
If there’s one thing that comes to mind when you think of London transport services, it’s the long escalators that commuters use religiously. However, when it comes to overground stations, there is only one that has this typical feature – Rotherhithe. When visiting, you will also notice that this station has a beautiful exterior, so this is definitely a good photo opportunity!
