Top Things To Do Near Heathrow Airport During Your Layover

Are you getting puzzled about what things to do at Heathrow Airport to fill your layover time? Keep calm, as the London airport will indulge you in an assortment of activities so that you won't get bored. With a myriad of options, the Heathrow Airport area can be your best layover experience ever.

 

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Why is exploring nearby attractions a good idea?

The layover at Heathrow Airport doesn't have to be boring or tiresome. You don’t have to sit in the airport and wait for the flight while keep on looking at your watch. You can utilize the time and explore the nearby areas. Heathrow Airport has many attractions that can be explored in time and let the time flow by itself. Do check our blog on why Heathrow is more than just an Airport.
Still, let me jot down some points to encourage you even further:

• Utilization of layover time 
• Unique local experiences  
• Relaxation and stress relief 
• Unforgettable travel moments
• Cultural Enrichment
• Shopping!

        
Things to do at Heathrow Airport for 5-6 hours

We have prepared a list of places where you can explore and relax if you have limited hours of layover. This list will help you in your time management and let you enjoy it at the same time.

Relax in Plaza Premium Lounge

Want to refresh before the next take-off? The Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Airport is the perfect place for a 5-6 hrs layover. Make the most of your time in this luxurious environment. Enjoy facilities like private resting suites, complimentary food and drinks, shower facilities, comfortable seating, and unlimited Wi-Fi at all times. 

• Opening hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 5 am - 9 pm

• How to get there: 

  • The lounge is located in terminals 2, 3, 4, & 5. So, you have to head towards the departure area after the security checkpoint. Then follow the signs to “Airport Lounges". 

• Estimated time: 

  • Reliant to the terminal, it takes 10 - 20 minutes to walk to the lounge from the security checkpoints. Spend as much as time you like. 

• Transportation options: 

  • Since every lounge is cited within the secured spaces of said terminals, walking is the primary mode of transport. 
  • To get transferred between terminals, use the Heathrow Express shuttle train for free. 

• Prices: 

  • The Price starts from £40 onwards (per person).

• Recommendation: 

  • Pre-book your access for confirmed availability.

Explore Premium Duty-Free Shopping, Luxury Boutiques, and Dining Options

In search of last-minute souvenirs for your near ones? With an extensive selection of duty-free shops, luxury boutiques, and dining options you can enhance your airport experience. 
Find a wide variety of products like cosmetics, perfumes, electronics, alcohol, chocolates, and gifts at unbelievably discounted prices. Save time and enjoy exclusive shopping from your favourite brands including Bose, Gucci, Rolex, Tom Ford, and Cartier with exclusive offers. 
Grab a quick bite at local cafes or opt for fine dining at renowned chains like Wagarmama, Pret A Manger, and many more.

• Opening hours:  

  • Daily: 5 am - 10 pm 
  • Few operating 24-hours 

• How to get there: 

  • In every terminal (2,3,4, & 5) the shopping and dining options are situated in the main departure lounge after security. 
  • Follow signs for specific preferences. 

• Estimated time: 

  • Walking time ranges between 5-10 minutes from the security post. 
  • You can spend 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your needs. 

• Transportation options: 

  • Walking is the only mode of transport since all Heathrow Airport shops and restaurants lie within secured areas of the respective terminals. 

• Prices: 

  • There are no entry fees for checking in the shopping and dining options, however, you have to pay for the purchase you made. 

• Recommendation: 

  • Check for special offers and ongoing promotions for saving.

Things to do near Heathrow Airport

If you have an ample amount of time, then explore the nearby tourist attractions which are at the top must-be-visited places. They are worth the hype and your time.

Pop in Windsor Castle

If you want to save the top things to do in Heathrow, the 13th-century Windsor Castle must be on your itinerary. This nearby idyllic landmark is the world's largest as well as the oldest lived-in castle. Considering the layover timing, you can have a quick tour of this fantastic royal residence and feel royalty at its best.  

• Opening hours:  

  • March to October: 10 am - 5:15 pm
  • November to February: 10 am - 4:15 pm

• How to get there: 

  • Take the 702 or 703 bus service (Green line) from Central bus station.
  • Book a cab to directly reach the castle (30 minutes approx). 
  • The quickest option is taking the Heathrow Express and changing trains at Paddington and Slough to get off near the site. 

• Estimated time: 

  • Situated at a 7-mile distance from the airport, it will take a 45-minute bus journey or a 16-minute taxi ride from Terminal 5 to reach the British castle. Spend some hours touring the airport sightseeing.
  • Transportation options: 
  • All the options are available like Tain, bus, taxi and car to reach the destination.

• Prices: 

  • Prices for Adults: £28 and kids under 5: free.

• Recommendation: 

  • Pre-booking is required for guaranteed entry

Explore Thorpe Park 

“One of the greatest theme parks I have ever been to. The roller coasters are fantastic and this park is such a good place to visit,” commented Alfie (source: Google Reviews). It must have given you at least some idea of how exciting it is to check out for yourself. 
Filled with multiple sky-high rides, themed areas, cabins, and live events - the park is a favourite destination for adults as well as children. Watch the time to avoid losing track.

• Opening hours:  
  • Weekdays: 10 am - 5 pm
  • Weekends: 10 am - 6 pm or later 
  • Check the website for a specific date.
• How to get there: 
  • If you are coming by taxi from Heathrow Airport, sneak onto the M25 motorway to reach the park. 
• Estimated time: 
  • Cited 7 miles from Heathrow airport, it will take 30 minutes by car or taxi. 
  • If you opt for a public bus or train, the journey will take about one hour.
• Transportation options: 
  • Train, taxi and bus are the available options for transportation mode to reach the destination. 
• Prices: 
  • Prices vary accordingly. 
  • Price for Adults: £29 (advance), £66 (on the spot). 
  • Price for Kid: £19, Child(under 3): Free .
• Recommendation: 
  • Pre-book tickets to save money and time. 
  • Check the official website to avail special offers 

Things to do near Heathrow Airport at night

If the layover happens at night and you think that there will be nothing to do except sleep, then let me correct you. Heathrow being a happening place, it has many things to do near Heathrow airport at night. Let's explore the list.

Overnight Airport Hotel

After some leisure hours in the Heathrow Airport shops and restaurants, if you want to feel comfy overnight at the airport, Aerotel is your best option! Take advantage of the hotel’s essentials and amenities before jetting off. 

• Opening hours:  

  • Check-in and checkout is done 24/7.

• How to get there: 

  • Since the hotel is located in the arrival hall of terminal 3, follow the signage for “Aerotel" after crossing customs.

• Estimated time: 

  • From the terminal 3 arrival space, the hotel is a 5-10 minute walking distance.

• Transportation options: 

  • From terminal 3, walking is the mode. 
  • For other terminals, use shuttle buses or Heathrow Express.

• Prices: 

  • Price ranges from £50 - £150 ( or even higher).

• Recommendation: 

  • Book in advance for availability.

Nighttime Views and Relaxation- Observation Deck

If you are a true enthusiast of watching aircraft on runways, Terminal 4 of London Heathrow Airport is the best option for you! The 270-degree observation deck (near gates 15 and 16) allows spectacular night viewing of the southern runway, British Airways Concorde, and control tower. 

Visitors can also use binoculars for a better view and fixed iPads to identify live tracking of aircraft. All the connecting and departing passengers can enjoy plane spotting from the platform. How cool! 

• Opening hours: 
  • The business operates 24/7.
• How to get there: 
  • Once you cross the security, follow the signage for “observation deck". 
  • The viewing platform is nestled at the main departure area of terminal 4. 
• Estimated time: 
  • Considering your gate location, it takes at most 10 minutes from the security checkpost to the observation deck.
• Transportation options: 
  • The platform is easily accessible by walking within terminal 4. 
  • Visitors with mobility issues can use available airport carts.
• Prices: 
  • Free of charge 
• Recommendation: 
  • Visitors are welcome to share their extensive experience through Twitter comments and hashtagged photos with #ViewHeathrow.
  • Do not forget to capture the moments on your smartphone.

Things to Do with Kids

Accompanied by kids can make the travel and layover experience a little difficult. Kids tend to get bored easily which can create a hassle for the parents. But do not worry because there are tonnes of things to do for kids at Heathrow airport.

Play Areas- Children’s Play Zones

The dedicated play areas of Heathrow Airport are located in Terminal 2 (near gate 16), terminal 3 (near gate 7), terminal 4 (near gate 20), and terminal 5 (near gate A7). Children up to nine years old are allowed in these free play areas. 

Since the areas are unsupervised, adults must accompany them. With separate zones and play areas, there's unlimited scope to keep your little ones entertained. 

• Opening hours: 
  • Everyday: 6 am - 9 pm
• How to get there: 
  • All the play zones are situated inside departure lounges after security posts. 
  • Follow the “Play Area" signages or ask ground staff. 
• Estimated time: 
  • Irrespective of your gate location, walk from the departure area to the play area for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Transportation options: 
  • Within the terminal, walking is the primary mode of transport. 
  • Families with children can opt for luggage carts or strollers. 
• Prices: 
  • Free of charge.
• Recommendation: 
  • Check the amenities in each play zone to help your kid burn off their energy before boarding.  

Family-Friendly Dining- Yo! Sushi in Terminal 2

Before your next long-haul flight, fuel up at this vibrant Japanese restaurant. With its classic kitchen belt and bespoke environment, the quirky chain eatery offers an innovative dining experience that can make your family layover completely fun! 

Find out some expertly prepared fusion dishes including katsu curry, ramen, maki, and California roll at this ultra-cool restaurant.

• Opening hours:  
  • Monday to Sunday: 7 am - 8 pm
• How to get there: 
  • Ideally positioned in the departures area of terminal 2, you can get here by following airport signage after clearing security. 
• Estimated time: 
  • Depending on your gate position, it will take hardly 5 to 10 minutes to walk from the security checkpost to the restaurant.
• Transportation options: 
  • Families with children or mobility issues can avail cart with airport assistance services. 
  • Otherwise, it is accessible by walking under terminal 2. 
• Prices: 
  • Price ranges from £8 - £30 (depending on order quantity).
• Recommendation: 
  • Skip the long queue with table reservations.
  • check the menu in advance to make your layover time efficient.

Things to do for free

If you are travelling on a tight budget and want to spend time efficiently then we can a personally curated list of the things to do for free.

Art exhibits around the terminal

If you are looking for things to do at Heathrow Airport for free, you can take in the art exhibits hosted within terminals. Turn your boring layover into an energetic one by visiting some enticing art installations and shows inside Heathrow Airport. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing abstracts and make your London journey a bit more memorable. 

• Opening hours: 
  • These exhibitions are open 24/7 for public visits.
• How to get there: 
  • Within the specified terminals, follow the signage for art displays or check with airport staff to get there.
• Estimated time: 
  • From any point of the terminal, it takes 10 minutes at most to walk. There's no time limit to spend the exhibits as it's displayed for leisure viewing.
• Transportation options: 
  • Since exhibitions take place in the terminals only, easily accessible by walking. 
  • Travelers with mobility issues can opt for airport carts.
• Recommendation: 
  • To dig into the exhibits, allot extra hours before boarding. 
  • For current details, check the airport website. 

Walking Tours

You can go for self-guided tours in Heathrow to find out plenty of amenities within the terminals. Include some key interests in your plans like spa areas, unique dining spots, retail shops, and play areas. Ask for maps or suggestions at the information desks to plan wisely.

• Opening hours: 
  • Since the airport is open 24/7, you can explore at your convenience. 
  • Some amenities might have specific hours, so check in advance. 
• How to get there: 
  • Kick off your tour from any point of the terminals. 
  • You need to follow the signage and maps for the right directions. 
• Estimated time: 
  • These are self-guided tours so the utilization times depend on the individual.
  • Spend time on your area of interest as much as you like.
• Transportation options: 
  • The primary mode of transportation is walking.
  • You can use shuttle buses or Heathrow Express trains to navigate through the terminals.
• Recommendation: 
  • Here are some more things to do for free Including Quiet Zones, Free Unlimited Wi-Fi, TV Lounges, and Free Apps and Services (Heathrow app).
  • Make plans ahead of time to not waste any time at the airport.

Tips for enjoying the layover

Few tips to enhance and utilize your time in full efficiency: 

• Double-check your next flight’s check-in time to plan your layover wisely 
• Obtain a transit visa to leave the airport hassle-free
• Go through the airport guide for safe handling of your luggage 
• Research security wait times to consider them in your plan 

Final Thoughts

A layover at Heathrow Airport provides the perfect opportunity to discover the rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty of its surrounding areas. When you are at Heathrow, you can rest assured of fuss-free transit. Hence, plan well in advance to make the most of your layover. 
For those with longer layovers or seeking more comfort, consider booking a stay at one of the nearby serviced apartments in Heathrow. These accommodations offer the perfect blend of convenience and luxury, allowing you to relax and recharge in a home-like setting.
 
Did you find the content helpful and will be using it for your layover? Do let us know in the comments.