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-   -   10 hour Gatwick layover (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/10-hour-gatwick-layover-467264/)

mocat13 Aug 15th, 2004 02:14 PM

10 hour Gatwick layover
 
I've been to Gatwick many times, and had a long (11 hours) layover before, but just decided to explore the airport.(I haven't been outside the airport.) This time I want to do something else!!!I just need something to pass the time. I actually have 1 of these on both my dearting and returning flights. Somebody help me with what to do!! Thanks!

Flyboy Aug 15th, 2004 02:31 PM

Who's booking this stuff for you?! ;)

With that much time, I would suggest hopping on the Gatwick Express. I believe r/t is about 21 GBP, but that's a small price to pay to get out of spending that kind of time hanging around an airport. It's about a 35 minute ride each way. (There is actually a cheaper train you can take if you want, but it's not an express.) You will end up at Victoria Station, which will put you within walking distance of some of London's most famous places: the Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Thames. Enjoy!


janis Aug 15th, 2004 02:31 PM

It really depends on what time of day you arr/dep.

But on one leg you can take the train down to Brighton for a few hours. And on the other leg you van take the Gatwick Express into London Victoria. Vic. station is walking distance to Buckingham Palace and lots of other things. Or you can take the tube to just about anywhere -- Westminster/London Eye, British Museum, V&A, Hyde Park, etc.

Both trains take approx 30 minutes and leave right from the terminal at LGW.

WillTravel Aug 15th, 2004 03:34 PM

The Gatwick Express has relatively cheap day return fares. Be sure to get one of those rather than paying full fare each way.

Wayne Aug 15th, 2004 04:27 PM

I agree with janis -- there are really only two directions to go in the limited time you have. Just be sure not to cut your schedule too close. If it were my trip, regardless of whether it's to Brighton or London, I'd plan to leave either city and head back to the airport at least 3 hours before my flight departure. Looking at transit time both ways and following those guidelines, you will have about 6 to 7 hours to enjoy -- certainly not enough to get any in-depth visiting done, but enough to get a good taste.

A possible alternative, in case you don't want to go into a larger city, is to head toward the village of Windsor and enjoy a visit to Windsor castle, then just enjoy a meal and a walk around the village and along the river. If you do this, your available time will probably be reduced to 5-6 hours. Good luck.


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