What to do for 4 hours at LHR?
 

We are flying British Airways from LAX to London Heathrow, and then 4 hours later, flying to Madrid. We had a similiar layover flying BA through LHR and we were bored out of our minds. I don't mind shopping in the int'l terminal for a few minutes, but am looking for alternatives for the 4 hr wait. Is there anything interesting to do/see/eat yet close enough to LHR so that we can be back safely in time for our flight out. Or, once we get to LHR, is there any chance of changing to an earlier flight fr: LHR to Barcelona? We will have minimal luggage, so we can probably carry-on if we choose. Thanks for any suggestions!

Shop. LHR is better than a lot of malls. <BR>

Do not attempt to go anyplace - 4 hours may be too long to hang out at the a/p but it is not long enough to leave the premises either. You would run the risk of missing your flight and it is not worth it. You can walk over to the Hilton Hotel through the covered walkway they have from Term 4 (very convenient I might add as we just stayed there coming back from London to LA last month). It's a nice hotel and you could eat something there, altho it is fairly expensive, but at least you would be out of the terminal for a bit. Other then that no way would I attempt leaving. Incidentally, you can use a trolly for luggage all the way to the Hilton door and return too. Even if you have carryon stuff that can get heavy after awhile.

Oh, do I feel stupid. I started typing, and really hadn't read what you wrote, and then somebody started talking to me here, and before I knew it, I hit send. <BR> <BR>I had no intention of giving you the advice that is not at all what you are seeking. <BR> <BR>Sorry. <BR>

Take a shower for 1 pound (they also take US equivilant, I think $1.50) at one of the WONDERFUL shower facilities. You get a nice clean private cubicle with mirrors and sink, soap, and a fluffy towel. the Perfect thing after a long flight.

I read "Tuesdays with Morrie" front to back on a LHR layover...it really isn't practical to try to take in any sites w/ just 4 hours. You can never be sure how long customs will take on your way out. I usually end up in the bar or behind a book. <BR>Have a great trip, <BR>j.

If you find yourself re-checked in, bags and customs disposed of, etc., and still have a couple of hours (hey, it can happen!) you can get a cab to Windsor (takes 15 minutes or so depending, ask the cabbie) and poke around, see if Mrs. Q is flying her flag, have a morning coffee or an early pint, and still make it back in time for the onward flight. But it IS Heathrow and it IS hellish, so don't take chances.

thanks for the responses! i was hoping that there might be some local, everyday spots (grocery store, fast food, coffee shop, etc.) that we could walk to. but when i think about it, big airports usually don't have that kind of pedestrian stuff. i like the shower and hilton ideas. at least we'll be moving around a little. the book idea's a good back-up too. btw, tuesdays w/ morrie was a great book. thanks again everyone!!

john--thanks for the windsor idea too! you and i must've posted simultaneously, as i didn't read your reply until i had already sent mine. thanks thanks thanks! = )

<BR>Even closer to LHR than Windsor, and therefore less risky, is Hampton Court Palace - around 25 minutes by cab. <BR> <BR>The gardens are free entry, and well worth seeing, as is the free video on how they restored the Georgian privy garden. <BR> <BR>A walk through the grounds would make in idyllic interlude between flights, and there is a nice place to eat there, too: the Tiltyard Tea Room. <BR> <BR>But with only a few hours, I wouldn't leave LHR myself - especially if it's near rush hour which, with people picking up their kids from school etc, is 3:00pm-6:00pm here.

Lisa - follow their advise. I left LHR for a quick trip over to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Did not make it back in time. Thank God good old British Air was behind schedule - my friend and I ran through the airport and caught our flight but it wasn't worth the anxiety.

I just returned from London on Monday-the traffic out of LHR is terrible, total gridlock for 40 minutes. I feel you would be taking a huge risk in leaving the airport by car-at best, hop on the train, pick a stop close by and explore! Have a great time.

I would stay in the airport. When you go through to deparures, walking to the gates can take some time, it can feel like miles... the airport is huge. Do not underestimate how long this will take you.

Lisa: <BR>You're assuming your flight from LAX will depart on time and arrive at LHR on time as well. Wouldn't think of leaving the airport grounds. <BR>John

If your bags are checked through, you won't be able to change your flight. Apparently, they figure if you're going to put a bomb in your luggage, you wouldn't be dumb enough to go on the same plane. <BR> <BR>If you have your bags in hand, give it a try.

Hi Lisa, <BR> <BR>Take their advise DO NOT leave LHR. I have family in London and on past trips I had a 6 hour layover and refused to leave the airport, go and check out the duty free shops that's always good for a few hours. For the best information go to (www.baa.co.uk)a list of London airports will come up and click onto Heathrow it will give you all the information, restaurants, shops etc., you will need to kill time. <BR> <BR>Good Luck and believe me you only really have 2hours -1hr to get to the terminal (sometimes you have to use a shuttle or monorail to get to the main terminal after getting off the planes) and 1hour at the gate before boarding for your next flight. Heathrow gates are a nice long walk between each. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Not sure if a 4 hour layover would justify it, but I've read that you can get a room at the Hilton for a few hours at a reduced price, if you wanted to take a nap, shower, etc.

we have a 6 hour stopover at Gatwick ( arriving 5am) and wondered if anyone had any suggestions for what we could do ? Is there any chance of seeing much of London-I haven't ever seen London! PLEASE HELP!!!!

here we go!

Gatwick is even further away from central London than Heathrow is. I would not risk travelling into central London from Gatwick with "only" a 6 hour window. <BR>Arriving in at 5.00am, also, not many local places will be open then! Why not investigate the airport hotels, for a shower / sleep option? <BR>