I've searched and found a lot of suggestions for a layover in Heathrow but would appreciate some more help. We have a 13 hour layover (early morning to evening) and we've never been to London. Any suggestions for major sites we could see in that time? We will be there on a Sunday. Also, are there lockers at the airport? Can you check your bags all the way through with that long of a layover?<BR>Thanks!

Also, does anyone have any information on the showers at Heathrow? What are they like?

If you bought your ticket through one agent (airline, travel agent, online site), your transfer should be all set. When you check in at your departing airport, your bags should be tagged with your ending airport. Know the 3 letter mnemonic to make sure the bags are tagged correctly.<BR><BR>At Heathrow, you will have to go through customs/immigration if you want to leave the airport. The Heathrow Express train will take you to Paddington Station in 15 mins; the Underground will get you to central London in about an hour (Picadilly line).<BR> <BR>If you have to claim your bags, there are left luggage areas in the terminals.<BR><BR>Never have used the showers, so don't know what they're like.

I'm almost afraid to post this because someone thought I was nuts and jumped all over me once before but I'll say it again - why not get a day room at an airport hotel? Unless you are superwomen I cannot imagine a long flight and then a 13 hr layover and then on to someplace else. Does the word tired sound familiar ?? Jetlag is real and when it hits it's not pleasant.<BR><BR>Seriously, while they do have showers at Term 4 (and Term 1 I suppose) I'd opt for a day room and relax a little (short nap, shower, fresh/clean clothes) and then perhaps go into London for a couple of hours. You can take the Picadilly Line in but it's a long ride (over an hour to central London usually) or the Heathrow Express to Paddington Sta. (20 min). It's more expensive, but more efficient with limited time then the tube. From there the tube or taxi to whatever you want to see. If you take the tube get a day pass, that way you can get in and out as many times as you want. If you take it in from Heathrow also get day pass covering all the zones, it's cheaper then any other way of doing it.<BR><BR>There is a Hilton Hotel connected by covered walkway from Term 4, I'd check out their day rooms tho. There are also lots of other airport hotels, but Hilton is the most convenient of all and you can walk to it directly from Term 4. We've stayed there and while not cheap the convenience beats all the others. <BR><BR>With terrorist activities these days I am not sure about lockers at Heathrow. I know they have them, but it is possible they are not letting people use them these days. With your long layover I'd be inclined to check bags straight through if they allow it, but keep carryon's with change of clothing toiletries, etc. - again with a day room you can leave them at the hotel and do a little sightseeing without dragging bags around.<BR><BR>If you don't want to go into London, or find you don't have enough time, you can take a taxi to Windsor. It's practically adjacent to Heathrow. Nice place to spend a couple of hours.

Usually I recommend not going into London on a short layover - but you'll have about 9 hours free so it would be OK.<BR><BR>There are no lockers at almost any UK airport/RR station - but they have "left luggage" facilities where you leave your bags w/ an attendant. But remember you may have to wait in line to retrieve them. It would be much better if you can check your luggage all the way through.<BR><BR>You could take the Paddington Express into London and then take the tube to Westminster tube station. It is right on the river and you can walk along the north or south bank, see Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, etc.<BR><BR>OR - you could catch a taxi from the airport over to Windsor which is less than 8 miles. You would have plenty of time to visit the Castle, wander around the town and, walk across the river to Eton. Then abouy 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight catch a cab back to LHR

Lori, If this were my trip I would try for the day room thing. I know this will sound strange but do they have such a thing in Europe? I once tried to get a day room in Toronto,Canada and every hotel I called thought I was nuts.

Well, I don't know about Toronto, but many hotels at LAX have day rooms and also Miami. Most hotels adjacent to international airports know people come and go at odd hours and it's not a strange request at all to ask for a day room. Hotels at a huge international airpot like Heathrow would know what a day room was.

Thanks for all the help! The Hilton idea was great. I called and they do have a day room available (9 am to 6 pm) for 95 pounds so I reserved it.

I'm glad you got the day room, Marie! You'll find it worthwhile I'm sure!Enjoy your layover in London.