Thyra

My husband and I have been to the UK many times, and love it. However on this trip we have a really long layover at Heathrow Airport. I thought I had read that there were salon-type services available at Heathrow. Has anyone heard of this, or offer alternative suggestions on ways to pass the time?

Elsa

Hi, <BR> <BR>I don't know what time of day you'll get to Heathrow, but it takes about 45mins. to get into London and another 45mins. to get back to the airport. There's an express service to Paddington, but I don't know how long that takes, and then you will have to take the tube to downtown. You would have enough time (provided you will have checked in for your departure) to go into town for lunch/dinner. If you go for lunch, you could also do a little walking around. <BR> <BR>Elsa <BR> <BR>P.S. You could always take a taxi into/out of central London.

Beth Anderson

Hi, <BR> <BR>The express is only 15 minutes to Paddington. It is about 20 bucks one way. You can pretty much spend the day in London if you like. but of course you have to be back at LHR 2 hours ahead of time if it is int'l, so you figure you still have 5 hours to foof around in London.

Thyra

Thanks for the advice! I hadn't thought to leave Heathrow, but now that you mentioned it, a nice lunch and pint might be just the thing to get us ready for another long, tedious flight!

elaine

If you are feeling energetic and want to have an activity: <BR>From the New York Times, Feb 2000 <BR>The following are about 30-45 minutes from the airport and accessible by public transportation. Signs for the Underground at Heathrow are posted. If you travel after 9:30 am, the most economical option for getting to Richmond or Kew Gardens would be to buy a one-day unlimited London Travel Card. <BR> <BR>Royal Botanic Gardens, a few minutes walk from Kew Gardens tube station, on the District line. <BR>Greenhouses, a museum, galleries, follies, gardens. <BR>Open at 9:30 am, closing time varies from 3:30 to 6:30 depending on the season. <BR> <BR>Richmond-upon-Thames, also a tube stop on the District line, one stop past Kew Gardens. <BR>Pretty suburb to explore for architecture buffs, many 17th and 18th century buildings. <BR> <BR>Windsor Castle: Hours 9:45 am to 4pm. For more information on Windsor Castle, see below. For access from Heathrow, take the #191 or 192 bus from Heathrow. <BR>

elaine

of course ignore the <BR>"see below"