Dizzyingly busy, Heathrow Airport looks like a logistical nightmare but astonishingly manages to somehow run efficiently. Regarded by many as the veritable hub of the aviation world, Heathrow welcomes the highest number of international passengers through its four (soon to be five) terminals each year. Even without passengers, Heathrow employs a staggering 72,000 people who are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

From convenient fast food chains, perfect for the jet-lagged arrivals, to a Harrods and Hamleys Toy Store outlet to choice airport lounges which offer awe-inspiring views of the runways, Heathrow tries its best to cater to everyone. But its best selling point is that central London is a mere 20 minutes away, courtesy of the Gatwick Express. True, at Heathrow, you can end up spending quite some time waiting for your luggage - due to the sheer volume of passengers – but on the plus side, this does give you plenty of opportunity to people watch.

Visitors staying close to Heathrow Airport are within spitting distance of Her Majesty’s London pad, Windsor Castle, and the River Thames – which is just a punt upriver to glorious Hampton Court Palace and the Royal Borough of Richmond.

One simply cannot afford to miss a real equestrian highlight – the Royal Windsor Horse Show which takes place in Windsor Home Park – just a short distance from Heathrow. Even HRH herself has participated in the carriage driving at this May event.

If you are planning a stay close to Heathrow the Hampton Court Music Festival is well worth it. Legends only are invited to perform at this annual event in June.

Twickenham Carnival has a parade along the Riverside, plus live acts and food stalls at Orleans House Gallery during June. The borough of Twickenham is no distance from Heathrow.

More refined pursuits can be found at the Windsor Festival in September/October. Listen to chamber music, orchestral musicians and choirs at venues across Windsor – and Heathrow Airport is a mere stone’s throw away.

Show your strong sensitive side at Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival - mingle with film stars, political leaders, artists, authors and poets – all within easy reach of Heathrow Airport itself.

The London Borough of Hillingdon is home to Heathrow, and it hosts the Hayes Carnival – the locals show off their culture with parades, and local talent shows at this July event.

The Real Ale and Hog Roast Festival is held during August at the Royal Windsor Racecourse. No fake beers or pigs here.

The Windsor Festival is held annually in September, and easy to attend if you are staying at Heathrow airport.

Uxbridge High Street is also a local Heathrow Airport attraction – the borough which plays host to the Bigfest. If street performers are up your ‘street’, be sure to get down with the face painters, and no doubt mime artists. In October.

Watch a game of polo at Smith’s Lawn, Windsor Great Park during the months of April to September. Wear your best gear to this poshest of events.

• UK weather is known for its unpredictability – and Heathrow is no exception to the rule. However Heathrow’s southern location means it gets its fair share of sunny days.

• Temperatures during the summer months average out at 20 °C, although things can get far hotter – up to 32 °C or more. In winter temperatures are around 3-4 °C, but can drop to below freezing during a cold snap.

• Rainfall can be expected at any time of year, from spring showers, to summer downpours to the damp and drizzle of autumn and winter. Make sure you take your waterproofs and a brolly.

• Heathrow has excellent transport connections. The Heathrow Express runs a frequent service into London’s Paddington station – a journey which takes around 15 minutes.

• London Underground Piccadilly line runs from Heathrow into central London – a journey which generally takes around 45 minutes.

• National Express coaches travel to all major intercity destinations in the UK as well as to Victoria Coach Station in London.

London Heathrow is inimitable as far as global transportation hubs go: no airport on the planet handles more international passengers. A popular gateway to Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, the airport is a mere 22 km west of Central London. In all, Heathrow covers well over 12 square km near the Borough of Hillingdon.

The massive and vital hub is under international consortium control, with ownership interests from such diverse locations as Spain, Québec and Singapore. A popular and easy target of derision with frequent flyers, imminent runway and terminal upgrades aim to correct perpetual criticisms about a notorious lack of logistical ease. With close to 70 million passengers a year however, Heathrow will forever be one of the world’s most infamous hives of activity. Thankfully, travellers in between flights have a bevy of distractions at their disposal in the airport, from spas and duty-free shops, to pubs and restaurants.

Heathrow Airport and London both share a temperate marine climate, with mild weather throughout the year.

• Winter (December to February) 2-8°C
• Spring (March to April) 4-13°C
• Summer (May to September) 9-22°C
• Fall (October to November) 5-15°C