Navigating London can be a bit of a puzzle, with its intricate Tube maps and seemingly random place names (Cockfosters, we’re looking at you). It’s easy to mix up destinations that sound similar but are miles apart.
For instance, boarding a train for Loughborough only to realise it’s actually Loughborough Junction, or ending up in Hayes, Bromley when you were aiming for Hayes, Hillingdon. This confusion is particularly true for two spots in the east – Rainham in Havering on the Essex border and Rainham in Kent.
These towns, although only 30 miles apart and both located east of central London, could cause quite the headache for unsuspecting travellers. The issue becomes even more complicated when purchasing train tickets, MyLondon reports.
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One way to distinguish between the two is by noting the train operator. Southeastern rail operates the 55-minute journey from London Victoria to Rainham, Kent, while Thameslink runs the hour-and-a-half service from London Bridge.
Meanwhile, the 23-minute trip from Fenchurch Street Station to Rainham, Havering is managed by c2c. But what happens if you reach your destination and still aren’t sure if you’re in the right place?
Riverside Country Park in Rainham, Kent
(Image: Nigel Chadwick/Wikimedia Commons)
The two Rainhams each have their unique characteristics that might help you distinguish between them. London’s Rainham is located near the River Thames waterfront and is renowned for its marshlands and historic Norman Church.
It boasts imposing redbrick buildings and charming London-style townhouses. On the other hand, Kent’s Rainham sits by the River Medway and is known for its more traditional village-style architecture and rural feel.