Hi. We have a six hour layover in London at Gatwick airport. Do we have time to go anywhere? Arrive at 7:15 am, depart at 1:00. Thanks.

not really much time, but you could take (rent) a car or cab to chartwell (churchill's house) and visit....

The hassle of picking up and returning a car and driving while jet lagged hardly seems worth it.

It would actually be easier to go into London on the gatwick express train. It takes 30+ minutes from the terminal to Victoria station. Assuming your luggage is checked through to your final destination you cold be in London before 8:30AM. Then you could wander along the river, walk to Buckingham Palace, walk to Westminster Abbey, or take a cab just about anywhere - until about 10:30AM. Then back on the Gatwick Express and arrive at the terminal by 11AM for check in.

it would be hectic - but it would be possible. And since you do not need to book the train in advance you can decide after you land - if you feel up to it, go into London, and if you are exhausted you can just shop and eat in the airport.

Is Brighton close to the airport? Or is London closer?

I don't know the distances, but the travel time by train to London and Brighton are roughly the same, 30 to 35 minutes.