I am taking a 3 week trip to South Africa but am planning a 3 day layover in London as my wife has never been there. I would like to store the majority of my luggage at the airport instead of hauling it around. are there lockers that can be sued for a 3 day time period at either the airport or the train station? and will they hold large luggage?

No lockers and the storage rates are so steep that i think the total for three weeks would be more than the contents are worth - that is if they store it that long. Someone will give you the appropriate web site of the storage firm at Gatwick. Better try to have a hotel store them for you. Even at train stations in London you'll pay about $7/day per bag and maybe not even possible for three weeks.

Left Luggage South Terminal Arrivals - Open 24 hours
£6.00 per item per 24 hours or part thereof.
Telephone: 01293 502 014

Left Luggage North Terminal Departures - open 05:00 - 21:00
£6.00 per item per 24 hours or part thereof.
Telephone: 01293 502 013

If you need to leave luggage for 3 days, you can find left luggage facilities as Dukey mentioned.

If you need something for longer-term, Excess Baggage (http://www.excess-baggage.com/storage_services.php) seems to have a weekly rate with limited access. Earls Court and Wembley, from GBP7.50 +VAT /wk according to the website. I think it's the same company that operates facilities at the airports and the stations.

Thanks for the info. I will have to decide if I want to pay for 3 days or haul it all around! I had heard tha tthe train station at Gatwick might be cheaper with larger lockers? anyone know?

No the Gatwick rail station has no left luggage facilities. I'm sorry i read your OP as to thinking you were leaving bags for three weeks and not three days. check your heaviest bags at the airport and put all the heavy stuff in one or two bags.

I am probably the person who loves to "travel heavy" wherever I go BUT if you can last in London for three days without most of your luggage I am wondering how much of it you really need in SA.

Thanks Dukey you are preaching to the choir, unfortunately my wife hasn't begun to sing yet and her requirements for London and South Africa are remarkable!

Where are you staying during that 3-day London part? Why don't you keep your luggage where you'll be staying?

Gatwick storage is at the airport, not at the train station (though this makes little difference as South Terminal is just out of the train station.) There are storage at Victoria. All are manned desk, NOT lockers.

I am probably going to stay at a bed and breakfast. I plan on traveling by Subway, train, bus etc, and I really don't want to haul the extra SA stuuf around town. Any recommendations on where to stay would be aprecciated also. Looks like lots of choices, but I don't know areas to avoid.

If you stay in the legions of inexpensive places behind Victoria Station you'll be a short walk from your accommodation and there are direct trains from Gatwick to Victoria.

Ditto for Kings Cross, but the quality of B&Bs here varies GREATLY.

I understand your luggage predicament but i also have an answer for it unless you like being an enabler..make HER carry it..once will do it (I know, unlikely..but enjoy your trip anyway).

Dukey an excellent suggestion were I willing to find myself doing things for mayself that I would prefer her ivolvement! LOL