Exploring Heathrow: Things To Do And See Near The Airport

Heathrow Airport is a great place for a layover, with plenty of attractions nearby. Central London is a short train journey away, but there is also plenty to do in the area surrounding the airport.

If you're looking to stay close to the airport, you could spot planes at the official viewing stand, visit Hounslow Urban Farm, or stroll in the gardens at Osterley House. If you have a little more time, you could take a taxi to Windsor Castle, which is just 16 minutes away, or head into London and tick off some major sites.

Spot planes at the official viewing stand

Heathrow Airport has some great spots for plane enthusiasts to watch and record aircraft on the runways. One of the best places to do this is the official viewing stand at Heathrow Academy on Newall Road, which offers panoramic views of the northern runway. This spot is ideal for those who are not travelling, as only passengers can access the airport's departure lounges and observation decks.

The Heathrow Academy viewing stand is covered, so you can keep an eye on the sky regardless of the weather. It is also free to use, although there is a charge for parking.

If you are a passenger, you can enjoy incredible views of the runway from the Wondertree restaurant in the departure lounge. For a charge, you can also enjoy panoramic views from the No.1 Traveller Lounge. For a more intimate view, head to one of the departure gates, such as Gordon Ramsay Plane Food or Wagamama.

If you are travelling through Terminal 4, you can visit the secret observation deck near Gates 15 and 16, which offers a 270-degree panoramic view of the southern runway, as well as binoculars and flight-tracking touchscreens. This area can be accessed by any Terminal 4 passenger, with no restrictions on entry.

Outside of the airport perimeter, plane spotters often gather at Myrtle Avenue, to the south of the airport, just off the Great South West Road.

Visit Hounslow Urban Farm

If you're looking for something to do around Heathrow Airport, especially if you're travelling with kids, Hounslow Urban Farm is a great option. Located just 5 kilometres from the airport, the farm is home to a variety of animals, including ducks, ponies, sheep, cows, rabbits, and goats. Children can learn about the animals and even pet some of them. The farm also hosts special events each week and is open seven days a week, except for major holidays.

At Hounslow Urban Farm, you'll be able to get up close and personal with the animals, making it an educational and interactive experience for both kids and adults. You can learn more about the animals' habits and behaviour from the staff, who are usually happy to answer any questions. Don't forget to check out the weekly special events, which can include anything from animal feeding demonstrations to seasonal celebrations.

In addition to the animals, Hounslow Urban Farm also offers a glimpse into the world of agriculture and sustainable practices. You can learn about the farm's commitment to environmental conservation and how they incorporate eco-friendly methods into their daily operations. This can be a great opportunity to teach children about the importance of sustainability and our connection to the natural world.

Before or after your visit to the farm, you can explore the surrounding area, which offers a variety of dining and shopping options. You might want to grab a bite at one of the nearby restaurants or browse the shops for souvenirs or local products. If you're travelling with a large group or have varying interests, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the vicinity of Hounslow Urban Farm.

Whether you're an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and educational experience, a visit to Hounslow Urban Farm is definitely worth considering during your time around Heathrow Airport. With its convenient location and engaging activities, it's a great choice for families, groups, and individuals seeking a unique and memorable experience.

Explore the historic Ham House

Ham House is a rare 17th-century home located on the River Thames. Built in 1610, it is situated near Thames House and contains original artefacts, furniture, and historical information. The accommodating land is quite impressive, so be sure to plan a visit for 2-3 hours to enjoy all that the property has to offer. This activity is best suited for adults and teens, but some younger children may also find it enjoyable.

To get to Ham House from Heathrow Airport, you can take the train from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to London Paddington and then take the subway to East Ham station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or drive, as Ham House is located about 25 miles from Heathrow Airport.

Ham House is a great option if you're looking for something to do during a 2-3 hour layover at Heathrow Airport. It is one of the many attractions located near the airport, so there's no need to go all the way into Central London to find something fun to do!

Take a stroll in the gardens at Osterley House

Osterley Park and House is a Georgian country estate and one of the last surviving country estates in London. It is a short hop from central London by tube but feels like a world apart. Surrounded by gardens, park and farmland, it is a peaceful retreat with acres of parkland to explore.

The house was designed and built in the late 18th century by architect and designer Robert Adam for the Child family, who used it to entertain and impress their friends and clients. The interior of the house is one of the finest and most complete by Robert Adam still in existence.

The gardens have been restored to their 18th-century grandeur, with herbaceous borders, roses and ornamental vegetable beds. Look out for the original Robert Adam summer house, full of lemon trees and highly scented shrubs.

The Stable Cafe serves hot and cold food, drinks and sweet treats, with indoor and outdoor seating available. There is also a second-hand bookshop and a National Trust shop.

Osterley Park is located on Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4RB. The nearest step-free access station is Hounslow, which is 2 3/4 miles away. Trains are run by SWR. The nearest tube station is Osterley, which is a 15-minute walk from the house.

See the animals at Kew Gardens

Heathrow Airport is known mainly as a lodging and restaurant area. However, if you have a long layover, there are plenty of attractions nearby the airport to keep you entertained. One such attraction is the Royal Botanic Gardens, also known as Kew Gardens, which is located approximately 6 km from Heathrow Airport.

Kew Gardens is home to 50,000 living plants and is a haven for wildlife, playing an important part in a thriving ecosystem. The gardens are thriving with creatures great and small, from badgers to woodpeckers.

If you explore the secret underground world of badgers in the life-sized badger sett at the start of the Woodland Walk, you will be able to see the burrow entrances across the gardens. Badgers live in large family groups in these burrow systems, known as a sett, and use dry grass and dead leaves as comfortable bedding to keep warm.

Look up at the tree branches above you and listen for a 'tap, tap, tap'. You might just spot a great spotted woodpecker clinging to the side of a tree. These birds are covered in black and white feathers, and male birds have distinctive red patches on their heads.

These cute spiny animals get their name from the pig-like snorts they make when foraging in the undergrowth for their favourite snacks. Hedgehogs eat small slugs, beetles, worms and spiders. In the winter months, they settle down to hibernate in nests made from fallen leaves. Sadly, hedgehog numbers are in decline due to habitat loss and urbanisation.

Hazel dormice are native rodents that live in the woodland canopy, where they feast on nuts, seeds and berries. They have a body length of 6-9cm with long fluffy tails, and they hibernate in nests on the ground during winter.

Kew Gardens is also home to three species of owl: the tawny owl, the barn owl, and the little owl. The tawny owl inhabits the woodlands and is distinct due to its round head, brown-grey feathers, and large dark eyes. The barn owl prefers the meadows as they hunt for small mammals living in open grasslands, and the little owl can be found in the historic parkland.

So, if you have a long layover at Heathrow Airport and want to see some animals, Kew Gardens is a great option, with its diverse range of wildlife and proximity to the airport.

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