Are you looking for things to do near Heathrow London during a layover? Then, you have come to the right place!
As someone who has had many flights via London, I am easily the best person to guide you on cool things to do in London on a layover.
If it is your first time in London, I know it can be a little overwhelming to plan the activities here as there is so much to do!
Thankfully, Heathrow Airport in London is one of the best places to enjoy a layover in London.
There is no shortage of fun things to do at the airport and plenty of fun attractions nearby if you have a slightly longer layover.
Are you confused about what you can do in London on a layover?
Then, read my list of the 15 Things to Do Near Heathrow During a Layover!
15 Things To Do Near Heathrow During a Layover
Under 4 Hours: Explore Heathrow Without Leaving the Airport
If you have less than four hours between flights, I recommend you stay at the Heathrow airport. There are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you occupied during this short layover here.
Take Advantage of the Plaza Premium Lounge
I love using the Airport Lounges, especially since they are complimentary with my credit cards.
So, if you find yourself for a couple of hours at Heathrow Airport, then use the Plaza Premium Lounge facilities.
You will get the standard luxury amenities here such as comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower rooms, quiet zones, and complimentary gourmet food and beverages.
But the main highlight of the Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow is that it houses art exhibitions, featuring rotating displays from local and international artists.
This is perfect to get a glimpse into British art and dive into London’s rich culture and landscapes while staying in the airport.
So, if you have a short layover, then one of the best things to do near Heathrow Airport is to relax and explore the Plaza Premium Lounge.
Book: London Heathrow Airport: Plaza Premium Lounge Access
Book: Luggage Storage
Things To Do In Heathrow Airport: Explore the Shopping and Spa Facilities
Don’t miss out on the world-class shopping and spa experience on your layover at London Heathrow Airport.
Here, you can find several luxury brands like Burberry, Gucci, Harrods, and so on.
Moreover, since all of these are duty-free, you can save a lot on high-end perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and more.
If you have only 3-4 hours at Heathrow Airport, then you can also use one of the spas here to rejuvenate yourself.
From quick massages and facials to full-body treatments, these spas help you unwind before your next flight.
Book: Heathrow Airport to/from Central London Bus Transfer
Book: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Enjoy Heathrow’s Observation Deck
If you love watching planes take off, then one of the best attractions to visit on a layover in London Heathrow is the Observation Deck at Terminal 4.
The deck provides fantastic views of the runways, allowing you to watch the planes come and go.
You can use the binoculars and interactive screens to learn more about the aircraft and flight operations at Heathrow.
Perfect for families, plane spotters, or anyone with time to spare, Heathrow’s Observation Deck is one of the best ways to pass the time while learning something new on a short layover in London.
Book: Heathrow Airport: Private Transfer to/from Central London
Book: Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & Free 24 Hours
4-8 Hours Layover: Check Out London!
If you have a 4-8 hours layover, then you can easily visit some of the attractions near Heathrow.
The following destinations are within 30 minutes by car from Heathrow, making them perfect for a short layover visit.
Things To Do Near Heathrow London: Windsor Castle
If you can visit only one attraction in London during your layover, then don’t miss out on the stunning Windsor Castle.
One of the best attractions near Heathrow Airport, this is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and a great way to learn about British history and culture.
It has been a royal residence for over 1,000 years and remains a favorite home of the British monarchy.
You can easily take a taxi and reach here in 30 minutes to explore the beautiful State Apartments, filled with artwork by Rembrandt and Rubens.
And don’t forget to visit the historical St. George’s Chapel where royal weddings and ceremonies are held.
So, if you are looking for amazing things to do in Windsor near Heathrow Airport, then do visit Windsor Castle.
Book: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets
Book: Royal Guided Tour of Windsor Castle
Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens)
Another one of the best things to do near Heathrow Airport is to visit the Kew Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is one of the most beautiful green spaces near London featuring over 50,000 living plants, impressive Victorian glasshouses, and themed gardens.
If you are bored of the buildings at the airport, then this could be the perfect break on the short layover.
Make sure to visit the Palm House, a tropical glasshouse that houses rare plants, and the Temperate House, which is the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world.
If you are visiting London on a layover of less than 8 hours, then do visit Kew Gardens which is close to Heathrow Airport.
Book: Westminster Walking Tour and Visit to Kew Gardens
Book: London Pass® Save up to 50% – Includes London Eye
Things To Do Near Heathrow: Hampton Court Palace
If you’re interested in England’s Tudor history, Hampton Court Palace is one of the top attractions near Heathrow Airport to visit.
Did you know this palace was once home to King Henry VIII?
Yes, that’s correct!
So, you can easily wander through opulent rooms, Tudor kitchens, and manicured gardens.
Don’t miss the Great Hall, adorned with tapestries from Henry VIII’s time, or the Chapel Royal, which is still in use today.
The Hampton Court’s maze is one of the oldest hedge mazes in the world and perfect for all ages!
Book: Royal Hampton Court Guided Tour with Afternoon Tea
Book: Hampton Court Palace and Gardens Entrance Ticket
Cool Places To Go In London: Richmond Park
If you have some more time to explore during your layover at London Heathrow Airport, then don’t forget Richmond Park.
It is London’s largest royal park and is famous for its free-roaming deer herds, scenic views, and diverse wildlife.
I also love the range of walking trails and spots like King Henry’s Mound, which offers a distant view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
So, if you want a short escape from the airport, then one of the cool things to do in London near Heathrow Airport is Richmond Park.
Book: Royal Deer Park Bike Tour
Book: Private London Tour: 8 Hrs – Hampton, Bushy, Richmond
10-12 Hours Layover: Things To Do Near Heathrow
With 10-12 hours on your hands, you have enough time to make your way into central London and explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Buckingham Palace and The Mall
Of course, a trip to London is incomplete without a visit to the famous Buckingham Palace.
One of the best tours in London is a guided tour of Buckingham Palace. You can also stroll along The Mall, a grand avenue lined with Union Jacks, that leads to the palace.
Make sure to time your visit so that you may catch the Changing of the Guard, one of the cool things to do in London.
If you’re visiting between July and October, you might even have the chance to tour the palace’s opulent State Rooms.
Overall, Buckingham Palace and the Mall are the best things to do near Heathrow London on a layover.
Book: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour
Book: 30 London Sights Guided Walking Tour
Interesting Things To Do In London: Tower of London and Tower Bridge
If you are looking to learn more about the royal past of England, then do visit the famous Tower of London.
You can join a Beefeater tour for an insider’s look at the tower’s storied past, including tales of famous prisoners and executions.
That’s not all, it also houses the Crown Jewels! So, it is a great way to learn about England’s history.
I love the Tower Bridge nearby which offers fantastic views of the Thames. Plus, you can even walk across the glass floor for a bird’s-eye view of the river below.
Trust me, for a wholesome and historically rich experience, one of the top things to do near Heathrow is explore the Tower of London and Tower Bridge!
Book: Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater
Book: Tower of London and Tower Bridge Early-Access Tour
Fun Places In London: Natural History Museum
For history buffs, I would recommend The Natural History Museum which has, best of all, free entry!
This museum is located in a beautiful Victorian building and features stunning exhibits. From towering dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gemstones, you can find it all here.
Trust me, if you have a layover in London with kids, then this is a great place to visit.
Also, don’t miss the iconic entrance hall where a giant blue whale skeleton is hung from the ceiling. It is a sight to behold!
So, if you have a few hours to explore in London, then one of the best things to do near Heathrow Airport is the Natural History Museum.
Book: Natural History Museum Tour
Book: British Museum Guided Tour
Attractions Near Heathrow Airport: Covent Garden
Are you interested in some shopping and sampling of the local food?
If yes, then one of the best markets to visit in London is the Covent Garden.
This area is filled with lively markets, beautiful architecture, and plenty of shops, cafés, and street performances. So, there are quite a few things to do in Covent Garden.
I love wandering through the covered market for unique souvenirs and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere here.
This place is also home to several historic theaters, making it a hub for London’s arts and culture scene. So, you can easily catch a play here for an amazing London experience.
Book: 5-Hour Private Tour with Pickup
Book: Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
Overnight Layover London Heathrow Airport
If you have an overnight layover and a chance to spend a day in London, then you are in for a treat! You have plenty of famous attractions and night activities to enjoy in London.
Unusual Things To Do In London: The Shard
When I am staying in London for the night, my go-to place is The Shard because it offers the most breathtaking nighttime views of London.
This modern skyscraper towers above the city and you should head to the the observation deck on the 72nd floor.
From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Thames, the Tower of London, and beyond.
Apart from the stunning views, there are plenty of restaurants and bars within the building as well. So, it is also a great spot for a late dinner or cocktail with a view.
Trust me, if you have an overnight layover in London Heathrow, then one of the best things to do near Heathrow Airport is the Shard!
Book: Top 30 Sights Walking Tour and The Shard Entry
Book: Skip-the-line View from The Shard & Private Tour of London
Stay At: Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 and 3
Stay At: Aerotel London Heathrow, Terminal 2 & Terminal 3
Unique Things To Do In London: St. Paul’s Cathedral and Millennium Bridge
Another great attraction in London that you must take advantage of if you have an overnight layover is the St. Paul’s Cathedral.
You can visit it during the day to marvel at its interiors but don’t forget to visit it at night too when it’s illuminated against the London skyline.
You can walk across the nearby Millennium Bridge over the River Thames which offers beautiful views of St. Paul’s dome reflected in the river.
If you want to enjoy a quiet evening stroll in London, then this is undoubtedly one of the top things to do near Heathrow!
Book: St Paul’s Cathedral Entry Ticket
Book: London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour
Stay At: Radisson RED London Heathrow
Stay At: Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre London Heathrow
Layover In London: Shoreditch Street Art Tour
If you are an art lover like me, then you have to visit the Shoreditch area.
There are plenty of things to do in Shoreditch including clubbing, partying, shopping, and more. But I love the street art that you can find here.
You can easily find murals and graffiti covering buildings throughout the area.
A self-guided street art tour lets you explore the neighborhood’s creative side and the art changes frequently, so there’s always something new to see.
After the art exploration, you can hang out at one of the local pubs and bars here and enjoy the nightlife in London.
Book: Urban Canvas: Exploring Shoreditch’s Vibrant Street Art
Book: Discover Shoreditch: London’s Coolest Neighborhood
Stay At: Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5
Stay At: Leonardo London Heathrow Airport
London On A Layover: Westminster And The Houses of Parliament
Of course, if you have some time in London on an overnight layover, you cannot miss out on seeing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament lit up at night.
It is a quintessential London experience that you must have.
You can enjoy a nighttime walk around Westminster and take in this iconic landmark with fewer crowds.
Walk along the Thames to see the London Eye, another attraction that’s beautifully illuminated in the evening.
And for a history lesson, you can visit Westminster during the day.
Trust me, if you want to make the most of your short stay in London, then don’t forget to visit the Westminster and the Houses of Parliament both during the day and night!
Book: Thames River Cruise and 3-Hour Westminster Tour
Book: Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour
Stay At: Radisson Blu Hotel, London Heathrow
Stay At: Holiday Inn Express – London Heathrow T4, an IHG Hotel
Things To Do Near Heathrow Packing List
No matter how you will be traveling, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. It would not take up much space at all.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
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