London is full of hidden gems, but The Line might be one of its most unusual. A contemporary art trail stretching from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to Greenwich, The Line follows the waterways of East London, leading you through a mix of striking sculptures (some permanent, some temporary), industrial landscapes, and pockets of the city you never knew existed. Best of all? It’s completely free—unless you count the inevitable pit stop for coffee and cake.
But how do you actually find and follow The Line? Unlike a neatly paved museum gallery, this isn’t a single straight route; it involves rivers, bridges, footpaths, and even a cable car. So, lace up your walking shoes, charge your phone (you might need Google Maps), and let’s get started.
Starting Point: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford
The official start of The Line is in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is well connected via Stratford Station (Central Line, Jubilee Line, DLR, Overground, National Rail, and those giant Westfield escalators).
Where to Find the First Artwork
Start by heading towards the ArcelorMittal Orbit, that giant red loop-de-loop sculpture you can’t miss. If you’re feeling brave, you can ride the world’s longest tunnel slide down it, though this is strictly optional. From here, follow signs for the Riverside Walk along the River Lea.
Your first artwork is Antony Gormley’s “Quantum Cloud”, which stands in the water near the Greenwich Meridian. It looks like a tangled ball of steel, but if you squint, you can see a human figure inside—Gormley’s signature style.
Now, it’s time to follow the River Lea south.
Stratford to Cody Dock (2 miles / 45 mins walk)
The Route:
- Follow the River Lea south through the Olympic Park, passing the Hackney Wick area.
- Cross the White Post Lane Bridge—here, you’ll find street art, floating bars, and craft breweries if you need a quick detour.
- Continue past Three Mills Island, a historic tidal mill that’s now a film studio (it was used for The Great and Atonement).
- Arrive at Cody Dock, a surprising oasis of creativity tucked away in industrial East London.
Art Along This Section:
- “DNA DL90” by Abigail Fallis – A giant DNA helix made out of shopping trolleys, because nothing says “modern life” like abandoned supermarket carts.
- Street art & murals – Hackney Wick and the surrounding area are full of unofficial artworks too, from large-scale graffiti to quirky installations.
Pit Stop Option: Cody Dock has a café and often hosts community events, so it’s a good place for a breather before the next stretch.
Cody Dock to Royal Victoria Dock (1.5 miles / 30 mins walk)
The Route:
- Continue following the River Lea south until you reach Bow Creek.
- Cross the Lower Lea Crossing and join the Thames Path.
- Head towards Royal Victoria Dock, passing the eerie silence of former industrial zones.
Art Along This Section:
- “Sensation” by Damien Hirst (a more recent addition) – A large anatomical model of a head, which looks part science experiment, part sci-fi horror.
- “Liberty Grip” by Gary Hume – An abstract sculpture that resembles a twisted, fleshy limb. It’s odd, but in a good way.
Crossing the Thames: Emirates Air Line Cable Car
Once you reach Royal Victoria Dock, The Line takes an unexpected turn—into the sky.
The Emirates Air Line (aka the cable car) connects you to Greenwich Peninsula, offering incredible views over Canary Wharf, The O2, and the Thames Barrier. The ride takes about 5 minutes and costs around £6. If you’re scared of heights, now is a good time to look at your shoes and hum a reassuring tune.
Alternatively, if you’re really committed to walking, you can detour to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel (about a 40-minute extra walk), but the cable car is by far the more scenic option.
Greenwich Peninsula to The O2 (1 mile / 20 mins walk)
The Route:
- Exit the cable car station and follow the Thames Path east.
- Walk towards The O2, passing new developments, public art, and futuristic architecture.
Art Along This Section:
- “A Bullet from a Shooting Star” by Alex Chinneck – A massive electricity pylon that appears to have been stabbed into the ground.
- “Here” by Thomson & Craighead – A sign that simply says “Here” with the distance to the centre of the earth, a wonderfully existential addition.
End Point: Greenwich or Keep Exploring
At this stage, you’ve officially completed The Line—congratulations! But if you have any energy left:
- Walk into Greenwich proper to explore the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Market, and the Royal Observatory.
- Or grab a drink at one of Greenwich’s riverside pubs and reflect on your cultural journey.
Total Length: The Line is approximately 7 miles (11 km) from start to finish.
Final Tips for Walking The Line
✔ Plan for 3-4 hours – including art-viewing, snack breaks, and getting temporarily distracted by swans.
✔ Use Google Maps – The Line has signposts, but they’re not always obvious. The official website has a handy map too.
✔ Check for temporary artworks – Some installations change over time, so it’s worth looking up what’s currently on display.
✔ Embrace the weirdness – Part of the fun is the mix of locations: art, industry, canals, and futuristic developments all thrown together.
Walking The Line isn’t just an art tour—it’s a journey through East London’s past, present, and possible future. And best of all, there’s no wrong way to do it. So, go forth, explore, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind London experience.
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