Sachin Walls
Gatwick Airport is conveniently located to the south of London, providing access to a host of attractions across the south-east of England. The airport itself offers plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as art installations and museums. For those looking to explore beyond the airport, the historic town of Horley is a stone's throw away, boasting timber-fronted houses and a variety of restaurants and shops. Crawley, Brighton, and Surrey are also within easy reach, offering a range of attractions, including manor houses, castles, vineyards, and villages. With so much to see and do, Gatwick Airport serves as an excellent base camp for adventures across south-east England.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | About a one-hour drive directly south of London |
| Transport | Linked to London by train, car, coach, and bus |
| Transport | National cycle route running through the airport |
| Transport | Gatwick Express train to London departs every 15 minutes from the South Terminal's railway station |
| Transport | Official taxi partner, Airport Cars Gatwick, operates out of both the North and South Terminals |
| Transport | Coach and bus network connects to over 100 cities and towns |
| Transport | Plans for runway realignment and terminal expansion |
| Transport | Expansion projected to create 14,000 new jobs |
| Food and Drink | Wide range of cafes and restaurants, including Wagamama, Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining, Weatherspoon pubs, Jamie Oliver outlets, Costa, Nando's, Caffe Nero, Yo! Sushi, and Starbucks |
| Shopping | Reserve and Collect with World Duty Free offers 10% off leading brands such as Chanel, Tom Ford, and Jo Malone |
| Accommodation | Several on-site and off-site hotels ranging from executive to economy |
| Attractions | Gatwick Aviation Museum, Leith Hill Tower, British Wildlife Centre, Leonardslee Wine Estate, Bluebell Railway, Parham House and Gardens |
| Police | Policed by the Gatwick District of Sussex Police, including armed and unarmed officers, and community support officers |
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Places to eat and drink
London Gatwick Airport has a variety of options for eating and drinking, ranging from sit-down restaurants to cafes and to-go kiosks. Some well-known chains with a presence at the airport include Wagamama, Costa, Nando's, Caffe Nero, Yo! Sushi, and Starbucks. There are also casual drinking spots like the Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining and two Weatherspoon pubs. For those looking for a quick bite, there are several options by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, as well as cafes and kiosks, some of which are open 24 hours a day.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience beyond the airport, the nearby village of Charlwood is home to the Gatwick Aviation Museum, which includes a variety of military aircraft and original items and photographs from Gatwick's history. It is open Friday to Sunday all year round and is just a short distance from the airport.
For those willing to venture a bit further, the Leonardslee Wine Estate offers a unique dining experience with breathtaking views and stunning landscapes. The estate is home to a 37-acre vineyard that follows sustainable practices and offers tours and tastings. Set in the heart of an ancient deer park, Parham House and Gardens is another option for a day trip, situated below the South Downs. The house and gardens have been lovingly restored and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport.
Finally, for those who want to explore the local area, the town of Horley is just a short distance from the airport and offers a variety of dining options. With its close proximity to London, just a one-hour drive or a 35-minute train ride away, Gatwick Airport is also a great starting point for exploring the endless dining options that the city has to offer.
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Nearby attractions
Gatwick Airport is conveniently located near several attractions. If you're looking for things to do during a layover, you have a variety of options, both within the airport and in the surrounding area.
Start by exploring the airport's offerings, which include a range of dining options, such as sit-down restaurants like Wagamama and pubs like Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining. You can also find well-known chains such as Costa, Nando's, and Starbucks. The airport also features a conference and business centre, on-site and off-site hotels, and multi-faith prayer and counselling rooms.
For those seeking fresh air, a national bike path follows the airport, leading to a wooded suburban area perfect for a quick nature break. If you're willing to venture a bit further, the nearby town of Horley offers attractions like Clubrooms - Gatwick North and My Lounge, Gatwick North.
Additionally, within a one-hour drive, you can visit top family attractions, shopping districts, parks, and gardens. The Gatwick Aviation Museum, Leith Hill Tower in Surrey, and the British Wildlife Centre are all nearby and worth exploring.
For wine enthusiasts, Leonardslee Wine Estate offers a unique experience with its 37-acre vineyard and sustainable practices. Ridgeview, another renowned winery, provides tours and tastings with views of the South Downs National Park.
If you're interested in historical sites, Parham House and Gardens, located below the South Downs, is a beautifully restored 17th-century estate. For a step back in time, the Bluebell Railway showcases preserved trains from the Steam Age.
With its convenient location and easy access to London and surrounding towns, Gatwick Airport serves as a great starting point for exploring the diverse attractions of South East England.
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Transport links
London Gatwick Airport is a major transport hub, conveniently located for travel to and from south London. The airport is about an hour's drive south of London, and is accessible by train, car, coach, or bike.
The Gatwick Express train is the most convenient and affordable way to reach London, departing every 15 minutes from the South Terminal's railway station and arriving at London Victoria Station in about 35 minutes. There are also buses and taxis available, although these options may be more costly and time-consuming.
The airport is policed by the Gatwick District of Sussex Police, with 150 officers including armed and unarmed officers, community support officers, and a separate sub-unit for vehicle checks.
Gatwick Airport has two terminals, South and North, with 65 total gates. The airport is a base for scheduled airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, and charter operators like TUI Airways. Many full-service airlines have established operations at the airport, including Air China, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
The airport offers short-term and long-term parking options, with the closest car parks having the shortest transfer times.
The coach and bus network from Gatwick connects travellers to over 100 cities and towns. A national cycle route also runs through the airport, providing better cycle accessibility than other London airports.
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Shopping
Gatwick Airport has a great selection of shops at both the North and South Terminals. Most shops are located in the departures area of the terminal, after security control, but there are shops available landside in arrivals and before security control. The main shopping area in the North Terminal is called The Avenue and it's on the second floor. The Village on the fourth floor contains most shops in the South terminal.
The airport has retail shops, bookstores, electrical outlets, souvenir shops, and more. You can shop at WHSmith for books, food, drinks, confectionery, travel essentials, and more. Well, located within WHSmith, is your airport destination for all your travel-related health needs. You can also shop at InMotion for electronics, Jo Malone London for fragrances, and Havaianas for the original iconic flip-flop from Brazil. There is also a world-renowned Parisian patisserie offering an array of delicate, colourful macarons.
For those looking to explore the local area, there are many outstanding shopping destinations near Gatwick Airport. Places such as Lewes, Arundel, Dorking, and The Lanes in Brighton are full of fascinating independent boutiques. There are also the well-heeled streets of Guildford, Chichester, Royal Tunbridge Wells, and Windsor. Gleaming shopping centres at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, Bluewater in Kent, and the Bicester Shopping Village are easily accessible from the airport by car or train.
Gatwick's Shop Fly Collect service allows you to shop without having to carry your purchases. You can make purchases at any shop after security and let the salesperson know you would like to use the Shop Fly Collect service. You will get a confirmation receipt that you will need to present when you collect the items on your return.
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Hotels
Gatwick Airport has a wide range of on-site and off-site hotels to choose from. On-site hotels are located on the airport campus, just a short walk from security. The BLOC hotel is located directly opposite the entrance to the South Terminal security, making it the closest hotel in the world to an airport security gate. The Courtyard by Marriott, also located on the South Terminal, features an on-site restaurant and a well-equipped fitness centre.
The Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel is praised for its proximity to the airport, with one reviewer noting that it is a "10-15 minute walk to a store". The Radisson RED London Gatwick Airport is another option, with one reviewer commenting on the "personalised and convenient" service.
For those seeking a hotel near Gatwick Airport with easy access to the North Terminal, the Hotel Hilton London Gatwick Airport is a good choice. It is located at Gatwick Airport Station and is about a 5-10 minute walk to the North Terminal. The Crowne Plaza London - Gatwick Airport, an IHG hotel, is also a popular choice, with reviewers praising its cleanliness and friendly staff.
If you are looking for a hotel with a more central location, the South Lodge Hotel & Spa is a good option. It is located in Redhill, offering easy access to Gatwick Airport and other local attractions.
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Frequently asked questions
Gatwick Airport has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops to keep you entertained during your layover. You can also find a conference and business centre, Anglican, Catholic and Free Church chaplains, and multi-faith prayer and counselling rooms in each terminal.
If you don't want to venture into London, you can visit the nearby Gatwick Aviation Museum, tour the Leith Hill Tower in Surrey, or take the family to the British Wildlife Centre.
Gatwick Airport is located about a one-hour drive directly south of London. The most convenient and affordable way to reach London is via the London Gatwick Express train, which departs every 15 minutes from the South Terminal’s railway station.
Ridgeview, a winery overlooking the South Downs National Park, offers tours and tastings. You can also visit the historic Parham House and Gardens, set in the heart of an ancient deer park, or step back in time on the Bluebell Railway.
There is a national bike path that follows the airport, leading towards a wooded suburban area. Cranleigh Arts, located in the beautiful village of Cranleigh, is a community hub providing year-round entertainment.
