If you’ve got a few hours to kill and are able to leave the airport, there are many attractions near Heathrow worth a visit. It’s closer to the city centre than many other airports and has a fast rail link, so this is an important option.
But a word of warning – check with your airline to ensure it’s feasible and make sure you have plenty of time to undertake the exercise. There’s nothing worse than missing your connection, especially if your luggage IS on board. You also need to ensure you have the right paperwork in terms of passports and visas to make your return as trouble free as possible.
Assuming all is correct, here’s a top list
Windsor Castle: relatively close to Heathrow although needs a taxi there and back. Famous throughout the world as the country home of the British monarchy. Lots of exhibitions and historical elements as befits the world’s largest occupied castle.
Windsor Great Park: adjoining the Castle but stretching for thousands of acres in a mainly south westerly direction. The late Queen Elizabeth was a regular horse rider on the estate well into her 90s. Great for a breath of fresh air during a break in a long flight.
Runnymede: also a taxi ride but relatively close. Arguably the birthplace of democracy (the Greeks may disagree) where the Magna Carta was signed but also of huge international significance with an American air force war memorial. Very pretty spot on the banks of the Thames.
Eton: adjoining Windsor and home to the famous public school which educated prime ministers and royalty. Lovely historic buildings and well worth a gentle amble or a visit to one of the welcoming restaurants.
Paddington: Not everyone’s choice but hey, if you like a railway station, an easy visit. The Heathrow Express takes just 15 minutes from Terminal 5 or the Central Area. Have a wander around the platforms and watch trains depart for the west country as Brunel did in the 19th Century. Some lovely canal-side restaurants a few minutes walk away from the station concourse.
Bond Street: Get on the Elizabeth line and head to what is arguably London’s smartest shopping district of Mayfair. Some of those shops will give your bank account a bit of a bashing so be prepared.
Hyde Park: a brisk walk from Paddington takes you to central London’s largest park – a substantial 350 acres of greenery with the Serpentine lake at its heart. Some nice cafes overlooking the lake.
Soho: Take one more stop on the Elizabeth Line and get out at Tottenham Court Road station for an easy walk down to Soho the centre of London’s creative industries. Feel the buzz of the film industry in action and maybe even spot a celebrity or two in its narrow streets.
China Town: keep walking south from Soho and you won’t miss China Town. More restaurants than you can imagine and an aroma of delicious food that pervades the whole area which reflects Britain’s links with its former colony of Hong Kong.
Westminster: A tube, bus or taxi from Paddington and you reach Westminster, the seat of the UK government. Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and a multitude of government offices create an atmosphere of work in progress. It’s possible to get a tour of the Parliamentary building but this really needs to be arranged in advance.
