Ruth Haines
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second-largest airport in London and the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passenger traffic. Located about an hour's drive directly south of London, LGW is conveniently connected to the city by train, coach, or taxi. If you're looking for things to do during a layover at LGW, you're in luck! The airport offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. For those who want to venture outside the airport, nearby attractions include the Gatwick Aviation Museum, Leith Hill Tower, and the British Wildlife Centre. If you're up for a longer excursion, you can take a short train ride to popular destinations like Brighton or explore historical monuments, parks, and landmarks in South London.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 30 miles south of central London, near Crawley in West Sussex |
| Transport to London | 30 minutes by train, car or coach |
| Taxi service | Gatwick Cars |
| Oyster cards | Accepted on trains to London |
| Taxi drop-off charges | Minimum of £7 |
| Hotels | Bloc Gatwick, YOTELair, Hilton London Gatwick Airport |
| Restaurants and cafes | Wagamama, Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining, Weatherspoon pubs, Jamie Oliver outlets, Costa, Nando's, Caffe Nero, Yo! Sushi, Starbucks, etc. |
| Shops | Harrods, Hamleys, Superdry, Fatface, Snow + Rock |
| Attractions nearby | Dorking Halls, Brighton, Royal Pavilion, Brighton Pier, Sea Life Centre, Bekonscot Model Village & Railway, Hever Castle, Gatwick Aviation Museum, Leith Hill Tower, British Wildlife Centre |
| Luggage storage | Available at both terminals |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Eat at a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars
If you're looking for a bite to eat at LGW Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from restaurants and cafes to bars.
At the South Terminal, you can find a variety of cafes and restaurants, including Apostrophe, a cafe with 24 reviews, and The Beehive (Wetherspoon), a pub-style establishment with 25 reviews. Bridge Bar & Eating House offers a more traditional bar experience, while Café Rouge brings a touch of France to the airport with its French cuisine. For coffee lovers, there's the familiar option of Caffè Nero, or you can try something different at Costa Coffee. If you're a fan of seafood, Caviar House & Prunier is an option.
For those departing from the North Terminal, there are also several dining choices available. La Brasserie at the Sofitel London Gatwick, located in the North Terminal, offers European and British cuisine and has received positive reviews for its service. The Red Lion, a Wetherspoons pub, is another option, described as a "great traditional English pub."
Additionally, the airport has lounges that provide a relaxing environment and an extensive food and beverage menu. The No1 Lounge at Gatwick North Terminal allows guests to eat, drink, and relax before their flight. My Lounge at Gatwick North Terminal offers a similar experience, and Clubrooms provides a premium departure experience with an extensive food and beverage menu.
Starbucks' Strong Presence at Vancouver Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shop at the airport's many stores
London Gatwick Airport has a wide range of shops to keep you entertained during your layover. With two dozen shops to choose from, you can browse a mix of airport staples and international boutiques. Well-known London brands like Harrods and Hamleys have outposts here, as well as other UK brands such as Superdry, Fatface, and Snow + Rock. You can pick up a book to read on your flight, browse for souvenirs, or sample makeup, sweets, and whiskeys in the Duty-Free area.
The airport also has a Reserve and Collect service with World Duty Free, offering exclusive discounts on leading brands including Chanel, Tom Ford, and Jo Malone. If you're looking for a last-minute gift or a special treat for yourself, this could be a great option.
In addition to the shops, Gatwick Airport also has a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can enjoy traditional British food or exotic Asian delicacies, with all dishes designed to be served within 15 minutes or less. For those on the go, the coffee shops provide freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and light bites.
Whether you're looking for a meal, a snack, or just some retail therapy, London Gatwick Airport has plenty of options to keep you busy during your layover. And with some shops and restaurants open 24 hours, you can always find something to suit your schedule.
Uber's Airport Reliability: Is It Worth the Risk?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Explore London's famous historical monuments, parks and landmarks
London Gatwick Airport is a major transport hub located about an hour's drive directly south of London. If you have a long layover, you can explore the city's famous historical monuments, parks, and landmarks.
London is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, which houses the largest collection of Crown Jewels, the White Tower, Traitor's Gate, and the Bloody Tower. You can also meet the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) and spot the legendary ravens. Nearby, you'll find the Tower Bridge, a famous bridge with a stunning 42-metre-high glass walkway offering views of the River Thames.
Another famous landmark is Big Ben, the world's most famous clock, located next to the Houses of Parliament. Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, is also a must-see. The Wellington Arch, originally built as the entrance to Buckingham Palace, now stands at the entrance to Hyde Park.
London also boasts several beautiful parks, including Hyde Park and St. James's Park. You can explore these green spaces and enjoy the fresh air while being just a short distance from the airport.
If you're interested in museums, London has a wealth of options. The Imperial War Museum explores worldwide conflicts, including the First and Second World Wars, military history, and the Holocaust. The Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon features exhibitions on the history of aviation and a collection of over 100 aircraft.
Additionally, Hampton Court Palace, a medieval palace once favoured by Henry VIII, offers insight into royal history. Kensington Palace, originally built for the Earl of Nottingham and later acquired by King William III, is another fascinating royal residence.
With London's efficient transport system, including the Oyster Card for trains and the London Underground, you can easily navigate your way to these landmarks and make the most of your time during your layover at Gatwick Airport.
Exploring Abu Dhabi Airport: Things to Do and See
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visit the nearby Gatwick Aviation Museum
If you're looking for something to do near LGW Airport, why not visit the nearby Gatwick Aviation Museum? This fantastic museum is a great option if you're looking to stay close to the airport but still want to get out and about.
The museum is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers, who are excited to share their passion for aviation with you. It's a relatively small museum, but don't be fooled—there's plenty to see and learn! The collection includes a range of aircraft, from military to civil aviation, with highlights including a Harrier, a Lightning, an Avro Shackleton MR3, a Blackburn Buccaneer S1, an English Electric Lightning F.53, and a Percival Sea Prince. You can also try out the flight simulator, browse the shop, and relax in the refreshment area.
The museum also has displays and artefacts related specifically to local aviation history and Gatwick Airport. There's even a viewing area where you can watch planes taking off—a unique perspective on the airport's operations.
The Gatwick Aviation Museum is usually open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and entry is free. It's a great option for a day out, especially if you're an aviation enthusiast. The museum relies on donations to keep running, so be sure to contribute what you can to support this wonderful local attraction.
Tijuana's Dual Airport Setup: Efficient or Excessive?
You may want to see also
Connect to the airport's free WiFi
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) offers free WiFi to all its visitors. This free WiFi is available at speeds of up to 50 Mbps. If you require a faster connection, you can download the airport app and enjoy speeds of up to 100 Mbps, again, for free.
To connect to the airport's free WiFi, simply open the WiFi settings on your device, select the network, and launch your web browser. You will then be redirected to the airport's WiFi landing page, where you can log in or sign up to use the WiFi. It is recommended that you use a VPN when connecting to any public WiFi to ensure your data is secure.
With your connection to the airport's WiFi, you can stay connected to friends and family, update your social media, or surf the internet. If you have some work projects to finish, the free WiFi will enable you to be productive during your time at the airport.
In addition to the free WiFi, London Gatwick Airport also offers a range of facilities and amenities to keep you occupied during your layover. The airport is known for its diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering everything from traditional British pub grub to exotic Asian delicacies. You can also browse the many shops, including well-known London brands like Harrods and Hamleys, as well as UK brands such as Superdry and Fatface.
If you're looking to get some rest, you can find comfortable seating areas in both the North and South Terminals. The South Terminal has soft armchairs and benches, while the North Terminal offers cosy seats near the coffee shop on the lower level.
Frontier's Cleveland Airport Kiosks: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
London Gatwick Airport offers a range of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as an art gallery and a cinema. The airport also has free WiFi, and there are hotels and luggage storage available on-site.
London Gatwick Airport has a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of cuisines, including traditional British pub grub and exotic Asian delicacies. Some popular options include Wagamama, Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining, and several restaurants by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
Yes, London Gatwick Airport has around two dozen shops, including well-known London brands like Harrods and Hamleys, as well as UK brands such as Superdry, Fatface, and Snow + Rock. Duty-Free shopping is also available.
Yes, London Gatwick Airport has hotels located in both the North and South Terminals. Bloc Gatwick in the South Terminal and YOTELair in the North Terminal offer budget-friendly options, with rooms available on a daily rate or in minimum 4-hour blocks.
London Gatwick Airport is located about an hour's drive south of London, and there are several ways to travel between the two. You can take a train, which takes approximately 30 minutes, a coach, or a taxi. Oyster cards and contactless payment cards are accepted on trains to London, and there is also a national cycle route running through the airport.
