Heathrow Airport area is known mainly as a lodging and restaurant area where commuters spend a night until their flight departs. If you’re in the Heathrow Airport area for a long layover need a few ideas of things to do, rest assured the options will entertain you. Central London is a 45-minute train ride from Heathrow Airport, but there is no reason to go out of your way for fun thanks to the assortment of attractions nearby the airport.
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Hounslow Urban Farm
Hounslow Urban Farm is a great spot for families and children. The farm is home to a variety of animals that children can learn more about as they view and pet them. Animals include ducks, ponies, sheep, cows, rabbits, goats, and many others. Special events take place each week at Urban Farm. The farm is open seven days per week, except for major holidays. Hounslow Urban Farm is located approximately five kilometers from the airport, so it’s a stone’s throw from fun.
Windsor Castle
Spend a couple of hours touring Windsor Castle, and you’ll feel like royalty for a day. Windsor Castle is the most famous of the royal residences in London. The iconic British landmark also holds rank as the oldest, largest inhabited castle in the world. Queen Elizabeth II resides at Windsor Castle. When she is in residence, you’ll see the Royal Standard flying. Windsor Castle is located about 7-miles from the airport.
Legoland Windsor
Every kid loves Lego blocks and Legoland! Several Legoland locations exist throughout the world, but many find the London location among the best. If there are kids in the crew, buy tickets to this attraction, and keep the little ones happy and sound throughout the trip. Built in 1996, the theme park is great for all ages. It’s open 7-days per week, built on the old Windsor Safari Park property. More than two million visitors enjoy Legoland every single year. With the plethora of Lego-themed rides and attractions, games, and other fun, every kid has a grand time during his awesome adventure.
Kew Gardens
If you love nature and beauty, a visit to the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, also known as Kew Gardens, should be on your itinerary. This beautiful garden has been a part of the Heathrow area since 1840. Today the gardens contain the world’s most extensive collection of living plants. In fact, over 30,000 plants are waiting to explore at the Botanical Gardens. Educational shows and special events take place regularly at the gardens if you are lucky enough to visit when something takes place. There is a library adjacent to the Botanic Gardens, where you can find more than 750000 volumes. Kew Gardens is located approximately 6 km from Heathrow Airport, nearby the Urban Farm.
Ham House
Located on the River Thames, the Ham House is a 17th century rare home that was built in 1610. Situated near Thames House, Ham House is a historic building that contains original artifacts, furniture, and plenty of historical information available for visitors. The accommodating land is quite impressive as well. Plan a visit to the Ham House for a half-day, so you’re sure to have time to enjoy all of the property. This is an activity best for adults and teens, although some younger children may enjoy the trip.
Visit Southall
No reason to travel to Mumbai for a sample of Indian culture when a visit to nearby Southall, aka Little India, is a great way to spend your day and night near Heathrow Airport. Southall has a variety of street vendors and restaurants offering authentic foods, as well as shops and boutiques, artwork and displays, music, and fun. Walk around Little India to explore the variety of items and the scenery, and be sure to take home a souvenir or two. You’ll never fall short of celebrating an adventure while discovering Little India in London.
Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures has several roller coasters and theme park rides as well as a zoo. Zufari: Ride into Africa; Bubbleworks; and Scorpion Express are some of the top attractions. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals. An on-site playground also entertains the kids when they need a change of scenery. Chessington World of Adventures is situated approximately 9 km from Heathrow Airport. It is a short drive for top-notch fun suitable for any animal lover of any age.
An Action-Packed Adventure in London
Although intended as merely an overnighter area filled with restaurants and hotels, Heathrow Airport area nonetheless offers a myriad of attractions, landmarks, and things to do while you wait for your flight to arrive or spend a night or two in the area. The list of attractions on the list is among the most popular Heathrow Airport activities. Plan your agenda with one (or more) of the above offerings, and you’ll leave London with a smile on your face.
