The London Overground has evolved. No longer just “the orange line,” the network has been given distinct identities to make navigating the capital easier and more meaningful. Among these is the Mildmay line—a blue thread woven through the fabric of North and West London, connecting the energetic grit of the East End with the regal greenery of Richmond.
Running from Stratford to Richmond, this route offers one of the most diverse cross-sections of London life you can find on a single train journey. It is a line of stark, beautiful contrasts: from Olympic legacy and warehouse art studios to wild heathland and royal botanical gardens.
What makes this route special
The Mildmay line is named to honour the Mildmay Mission Hospital in Shoreditch, which played a pivotal and compassionate role during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s. It is a fitting name for a line that cuts through communities known for their resilience, diversity, and creativity.
For the traveller, this route is the ultimate “orbital” hack. It sweeps around the northern edge of the city, completely bypassing the congestion and stress of Zone 1. It allows you to hop between London’s coolest neighbourhoods—Hackney, Camden, and West Hampstead—without ever touching the Underground. It is less of a commute and more of a tour through the living, breathing neighbourhoods where Londoners actually eat, drink, and relax.
A route breakdown: East End energy to riverside calm
The journey begins at Stratford, a powerhouse of modern London. Dominated by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the colossal Westfield shopping centre, it’s a hub of activity. As the train pulls out, you leave the glass towers behind for the graffiti-clad brickwork of Hackney Wick. This is the capital’s artistic engine room, where old warehouses flank the canal, filled with breweries, pizzerias, and studios.
Moving west, the line cuts through the heart of Hackney. Stops at Homerton and Hackney Central place you minutes away from the fashion outlets of Morning Lane and the historic Hackney Empire. At Dalston Kingsland, the vibe is electric; this is a district famous for its nightlife, Turkish cuisine, and bustling Ridley Road Market.
As the train curves northward, the scenery shifts to the grand terraces of Islington. After passing Canonbury and the major interchange at Highbury & Islington, you reach Caledonian Road & Barnsbury, a quiet stop serving a lovely pocket of residential squares.
Next comes Camden Road. You don’t need to fight the tube crowds to visit the famous markets here; this station drops you right in the middle of the action.
The line then begins its climb into the leafier, affluent suburbs. Kentish Town West and Gospel Oak act as gateways to Parliament Hill, but the crown jewel here is Hampstead Heath. A short walk from the platform lands you on the Heath itself, offering one of the wildest green spaces in the city and iconic skyline views.
Passing through the Victorian tunnels of Finchley Road & Frognal and the village-feel of West Hampstead, the train traverses Brondesbury and Kensal Rise—areas beloved for their independent cinemas and delis.
Willesden Junction marks a shift in the landscape as the line turns south-west. You rumble through the quieter, suburban stops of Acton Central and South Acton, before reaching Gunnersbury.
The finale of the line is spectacular. Kew Gardens station is a Grade II listed beauty that feels like a country halt, located just moments from the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens. Finally, the train terminates at Richmond. Here, the Thames is wide and bordered by weeping willows, and the deer-filled Richmond Park is just a bus ride or a steep walk away.
Service frequency and connections
The Mildmay line is a workhorse of the London network. On the core section between Stratford and Willesden Junction, trains are very frequent (often every 8–10 minutes), as this section is shared with the Clapham Junction branch.
For the full journey to Richmond, trains typically run every 15 minutes (4 trains per hour) throughout the day. It is a reliable turn-up-and-go service, though it pays to check the destination blind on the front of the train to ensure you aren’t boarding a Clapham-bound service if you want to go to Kew or Richmond.
When does the route run?
Services generally operate from approximately 05:30 to 23:30 Monday to Saturday, with slightly reduced hours on Sundays.
Value for money and tickets
Because the Mildmay line avoids Zone 1, it is often cheaper than taking the Tube across the centre of London. The route traverses Zones 2, 3, and 4.
- Payment: You can use your Oyster card, Contactless bank card, or mobile device (Apple Pay/Google Pay) at all stations.
- Fare Capping: Your journey contributes to the daily TFL price cap, ensuring you never pay more than the price of a Day Travelcard.
- Pink Readers: If you change trains at places like Stratford or Highbury & Islington, look out for the pink card readers. Tapping these proves you avoided Zone 1, ensuring you are charged the cheaper orbital fare.
Top tips for the journey
- Window seats matter: Between Stratford and Camden, the railway runs on a viaduct offering fascinating views into people’s gardens, schoolyards, and the urban mosaic of London.
- Avoid the school rush: This line is very popular with school children around 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. If you want a peaceful sightseeing trip, aim for mid-morning (10:00 am – 2:00 pm).
- The “Lido” connection: If it’s a hot day, get off at Gospel Oak. The glorious Parliament Hill Lido (an unheated open-air swimming pool) is just a short walk away.
- Market hopping: You can do a “market crawl” on this line. Start at Dalston Kingsland for Ridley Road, hop off at Camden Road for Camden Lock, and finish at Richmond for the upscale artisan duck pond market (weekends).
Planning a day out on this route
The Mildmay line is perfect for a “tale of two cities” day trip.
Start your morning in the East. Grab a flat white at a canalside roastery in Hackney Wick. Walk along the towpath to the Olympic Park to see the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
Hop on the train westbound. Skip the chaos of Central London and get off at Hampstead Heath for a picnic lunch on the grassy slopes of Parliament Hill, enjoying the view of the Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral from a distance.
In the afternoon, continue the journey to Kew Gardens. Spend a few hours wandering through the Temperate House or the Treetop Walkway.
Finish your day in Richmond. Walk down to the riverside, grab a pint or a Pimm’s at a pub overlooking the water, and watch the rowers go by as the sun sets. It’s a seamless day out, stitched together perfectly by the blue line on the map.
