Heathrow Hotels - things to do and attractions
Things to Do in Heathrow: Heathrow Hotels travel guide on the best things to do in Heathrow. We’ve got all the best attractions listed with reviews. Have a look below for more details on Heathrow Attractions, restaurants, nightlife, bars, clubs, events and shopping.
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Top things to do and Attractions in Heathrow:
Like many people in the UK today James has had a nightmare attempting to travel – in his case to Seattle – due to the flooding and crazy weather in England. I’m very glad that I flew out a day early for an extra day’s training prior to our internal Technical Conference.
Whilst accessing the news coverage via the Internet I stumbled across an interesting article titled Things to do if you are stuck at London Heathrow airport. It’s well worth a read as it provides an “insiders guide” to the airport much of which is useful even if you don’t get stuck there including the best place to eat in each terminal.
Here’s an extract:
Heathrow Hotels - things to do and attractions
“Killing time at Heathrow is unlikely to be fun, and it certainly isn’t cheap, but it can be much more pleasant if you think outside the box they put you into, and use whichever terminal gives you the facilities you want at the time.
The key thing, as has already been noted, is to know that you are in the lap of the gods, that there is nothing you can do, and that shouting will only make it worse.”
I feel for everyone who are suffering the effects of flooding including those who are spending the night in their cars on the M5. Roll on Summer!
BTW: It’s rained all day here in Seattle though no where near like is has back home.
But onto serious stuff, here’s what you can do at the airport itself:
Heathrow Hotels - things to do and attractions
London’s Heathrow Airport is enormous. If you have landed there and do not have a large enough time window to pop into the city before your connecting flight, check out some of the things you can do at the airport to pass the time.
1. Pop into Cafe Nero for some of the tastiest gourmet coffee in London. They also have delicious soups they can heat up for you and wonderful pastries. The chain is arguably one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Starbucks fans are likely overlook it, which is a shame.
2. Enjoy some of the most delicious food on the go at Pret a Manger. This popular chain, with locations all over London, boasts fresh sandwiches of many varieties, salads, hummus plates, fresh fruit and fantastic soups, including miso and various bisques. Its cappuccinos rival that of the cafe chains.
3. People-watch! Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. People from all over the world travel to London or make connections there. You are likely to see travelers from at least a dozen different cultures in less than an hour.
4. Buy last-minute souvenirs only found in London—various knick-knacks with token British landmarks and symbols on them, such as the Big Ben clock tower, red double-decker buses, the lovable Paddington Bear plush toy and Buckingham Palace. Get a pair of boxer shorts with the Union Jack on them for your husband or boyfriend. British souvenirs are fun, and the motto seems to be: The cheesier, the better!
5. Read a book, listen to music or just relax while lounging in one of Heathrow’s newest novelties: easy chairs! But note, it is not that easy to find them. They are located sporadically around the airport’s many terminals. If you do manage to score one, try to stay in it as long as you can—they get swiped fast! Take a nap and set your cellphone to go off when you want to make your way to your gate.
Further afield, there are a few others things to do if you want:
Heathrow Hotels - Legoland Windsor a short trip away with the kids!
Legoland Windsor:
Legoland is listed as one of the UK’s top tourist attractions with over 50 rides and activities for all the family.
Opened in 1996 following the success of the original Denmark Legoland in Billund it continues to entertain children and adults from all over the UK.
Approximate distance from Heathrow Airport: 12.7 miles, approximate journey time: 20 minutes
London Theatre Breaks:
You are near London why not treat yourself to a London theatre break? With so many on offer you will be spoilt for choice, the list in vast so click above and discover the show right for you.
Beckonscot Model Village:
The worlds oldest model village is just a short drive from Heathrow and is located at junction 2 of the M40. Housed within a 1.5 acre site there are six small villages depicting life in rural England in the 1930′s. The village was the product of one mans imagination – Roland Callingham in 1929 and continues to this day to donate large amounts of money to charity. The village benefits from a ride-on train for youngsters as well as a gauge 1 railway for adults and children. The village is open from the 12th February to the 30th October daily 10am to 5pm.
Approximate distance from Heathrow Airport: 56.2 miles, approximate journey time: 1-hour 2 minutes
The London Eye:
If you only have time for one attraction in London then this surely must be it! The London Eye’s giant ferris wheel will ascend you to a height of 450 feet and offers a 360 degree panoramic view of London, and it is the worlds tallest observation wheel. The total time for this ‘flight’ will be 30 minutes and will give an experience that is hard to match. The London Eye is closed on the 25th December and from early to late January, it is advisable to check the website for opening dates as these can be changeable.
Approximate distance from Heathrow Airport: 18.1 miles, approximate journey time: 38 minutes
Windsor Castle:
The official residence of Queen Elizabeth II and the largest occupied castle in the world Windsor Castle retains a working environment to this very day. Visitors are permitted to walk around many areas of the residence and view this royal fortress and palace with its rich history spanning back 900 years.
Approximate distance from Heathrow Airport: 12.1 miles, approximate journey time: 19 minutes
Eton College:
Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI Eton College is a secondary school for around 1,300 boys from the ages of 13-18. The entry examination for this school is intense and this has made it one of the most exclusive schools in the world. Visitors are permitted to experience the historical significance of this famous academic institution and guided tours are available.
Approximate distance from Heathrow Airport: 8.9 miles, approximate journey time: 16 minutes
Ascot Racecourse:
Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne Ascot Racecourse is one of the most famous courses in the UK and currently hosts 9 of the UK’s Group 1 races having recently undergone a £195m development programme.
Approximate distance from Heathrow Airport: 15.4 miles, approximate journey time: 28 minutes
The Guards Polo Club:
Founded in 1955 by HRH Prince Phillip the club was originally named the Household Brigade Polo Club and changed its name to The Guards Polo Club in 1969. Currently it has around 1000 non-playing members and about 160 playing members some of whom are amongst the highest ranking in the world. Situated in 130 acres of beautiful grounds the clubs playing season runs from April to mid-September.
Approximate distance from Heathrow Airport: 15.4 miles, approximate journey time: 34 minutes
London Zoo:
Founded in 1824 and opened to the public in 1828, London Zoo was the first scientific zoo in the modern world. A vast array of animals await you including such favourites as Penguins, lions, giraffes, monkeys, fish and spiders. It is a fun-packed day out for all the family.
Approximate distance from Heathrow Airport: 19.5 miles, approximate journey time: 39 minutes
Please note all distances and times quoted are approximate and are traffic and weather permitting. All distances have been calculated from Heathrow Airport and adjustments will need to be made if staying or visiting outside the airport perimeter.
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