Heathrow Airport Hotels

Before you set out for the big smoke though, bear in mind that the area surrounding the airport is quite a hub of tourism in itself. For starters, there’s Windsor Castle – Queen Elizabeth’s favorite residence, then there’s Hampton Court Palace – Henry VIII’s favorite, and just a punt up the Thames there’s beautiful Richmond-upon-Thames just waiting to be discovered.

Heathrow Airport’s location, plus the fact there are some fabulous hotels in the vicinity, might make you consider it as a place to base yourself for a vacation.

Heathrow’s Top 10

Heathrow Airport History

• Windsor Castle – Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this castle is 10.7km from Heathrow Airport.
• Hampton Court Palace – Dating back to 1236, this Court Palace is located 10.8km from Heathrow Airport.
• Royal Drury Lane – One of the fine theatres of London, it was designed by Benjamin Wyatt in 1812.
• Admiralty Arch – Designed by Sir Aston Webb in 1910, it is a ceremonial gateway.
• Queen’s House – Originally a Royal Residence, it now displays National Maritime Museum’s art collection.

Heathrow Airport Art & Culture

• Heathrow Terminal 5 Art Gallery – Set to become a major art gallery with masterpieces from national collections and contemporary art works.
• Institute of Contemporary Arts – You can browse books, watch movies, engage in debate and participate in live events.
• MCC Cricket Museum – There are hundreds of cricket-related artefacts here.
• Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art – Works of top futurist artists from 20th-century Italy.
• Kenwood Lakeside Concerts – Classical music in a highly elegant setting.

Heathrow Airport Shopping

• World Duty Free – Duty-free liquor, tobacco, cosmetics, sunglasses, watches, confectionaries and sundry items at this shop located in Terminal 1.
• Harrods – Located in Terminal 1, offering an exciting array of luxury products.
• Accessorize – Many fashion accessories from bags and purses to flip-flops and more is available here at Terminal 5.
• Add+ – Located in Terminal 5, tech accessories for your iPhone, iPad, iPod or BlackBerry and whatever else you need.
• Glorious Britain – In Terminal 5, this outlet has quintessentially British gifts and souvenirs.

Gay & Lesbian Heathrow Airport

• Candy Bar – London’s only full-time women’s venue, now a part of Ku Bar groups.
• Friendly Society – Defined by futuristic décor, the bar attracts a healthy mix of men and women.
• Popstarz – The original gay indie night, still going strong and attracts a mix of gay and straight indie.
• Sweatbox Foam Party – Located in London’s busiest shopping district, this is Soho’s biggest gay sauna.
• Monster – Recommended as leading venue for lesbians and bisexual women.

Heathrow Airport Outdoor

• Chessington World of Adventures and Chessington Zoo – Theme park and zoo with over 100 different species and 260 individual animals.
• Lego Land – 13.4km from Heathrow, families enjoy hundreds of rides, live shows and attractions.
• Thorpe Park – One of the most famous theme parks with over 20 rides, 8.2km from Heathrow.
• AMT Coffee – Located in Terminals 1, 3 and 4, the leaders of gourmet takeaway coffee.

Heathrow Airport Sport

• Watch the horse race at Ascot Race Court dating back to 1711, located 17km from the airport.
• If you can get a ticket, watch Wimbledon 2012.
• Find a sports bar among many in London to watch a sport of your choice at your convenience.
• Find a local sports café of your choice to get the great stuff.
• National, international and local sporting events go on year round in London that you can select to watch according to your convenience and choice.

Heathrow Events

The Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place in Windsor Home Park, just a km or two from Heathrow Airport. It’s a May event which simply can’t be missed.

The Hampton Court Music Festival only invites the best performers from around the world, so book a place at this event which happens in June, if you’re around Heathrow Airport then.

The Windsor Festival is an October event where you can hear chamber music, choirs and orchestras all across the town, just a few km from Heathrow Airport too.

The Real Ale and Hog Roast Festival is an annual August event close to Heathrow Airport at Windsor Racecourse. A real crowd-pleaser.

The Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival is proper highbrow stuff. Go along and lower the tone, just a stone’s throw from Heathrow Airport.

One simply has to be at Smith’s Lawn, Windsor during the month of April for some top polo action. Get your chauffeur to take you from Heathrow Airport.

Heathrow Airport is also home to Bigfest, a more down to earth event where you will be impressed by street performers in October.

The Hayes Carnival takes place in Hillingdon – home to Heathrow Airport – where locals don their cultural costumes and parade in the streets.

Twickenham Carnival is a riot of color and fun all along the Riverside and must be enjoyed during a stay at Heathrow Airport.

When To Go

The UK weather can be relied upon to be unreliable but the fact that Heathrow Airport has a southern location helps with the sunshine factor.

Average summer temperatures are around 20°C or so, but things can get quite hot during the odd summer or too and reach the 30s. Winter sees temperatures drop to around 4°C, but nights can be cold with plenty of frosts.

There’s plenty of rain to be had whatever the season so pack accordingly.

How To Get There

Unsurprisingly Heathrow has excellent road connections and is close to main UK motorways which will get you around the UK in next to no time (depending on traffic).

National Express run coaches from Heathrow all around the country including Victoria Station London.

London Underground runs to central London from Heathrow via the Piccadilly line and the journey takes around 45 minutes.

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurants & Nightlife

Climate

Heathrow Airport Events

When To Go

Getting There

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