Killing some time in the Heathrow area

puffinmuffin

Hi,
We are flying to Auckland from Heathrow tomorrow, in order to get there in time we have to fly from manchester quite early leaving us with about three hours before we can check in for the NZ flight (am assuming there is a left luggage there). Does anyone have any suggestion for something to kill the time, a tourist attraction? even somewhere nice to go for a long lunch? Thanks, so excited about the holiday but a lot of waiting to do!

Voyager2002

When you check in at Manchester, ask if they check you luggage "through" to Auckland so that you don't have to lug it around with you at Heathrow. If that isn't possible, try to find your airline as soon as you reach Heathrow and ask them to let you check in your luggage early.

You would probably have time to get to Windsor: the nearest attractive place to Heathrow. Do check bus times carefully on the traveline website.

lily_the_pink

You could get the heathrow express into paddington

Osterley Park is not far away - not sure how far from Osterley Tube station it is. Worth doing if weather ok


Hammersmith is relatively close on the Picadilly Line - lots of eateries etc

South Kensington tube is right next to all the museums so you could go and spend an hour or so there. (check on the tfl site for tube times). If you only have 3 hours though this might be pushing it to do this though.

Have a look on http://www.visitlondon.com/tubeguru/ for more ideas

www.tfl.gov.uk for estimates on tube tiem (though it always seems slower if you are in a rush).

I think there is a decent pub in Harlington but cant remember the name. Otherwise, the Heathrow Visitors Centre is good fun (check it is open as it was closed for refurbishment a few months ago).

black-saturn

Heathrow airport is a huge place and theres a whole array or shops, bars and cafes there. I'm sure you will be able to find something to fill 3 hours up easily. Don't you have to be there 3 hours before the flight anyway?

Counting_Pennies_2

I am always nervous about leaving the airport midway through a journey.

I would perhaps take some of the ideas in case the flight is severely delayed. But if there is just 3 hours in between I would recommend staying in the airport and have a nice meal, or walk around the shops.

pin

I would say with current security concerns, by the time you have to deal with security (if you leave the airport), you will have quite a short time.

Probably best to spend the time in the airport. Take a good book with you.

Another option, buy airport lounge access (will cost about £18).

Or else, as already suggested have a nice meal.

Shopping in Heathrow, I think is over-rated. Prices are so expensive.

lily_the_pink

Heathrow Visitors centre is closed still - should be opening in the Autumn at some point.

hammy_the_hammer

as someone has said with just three hours to spare and the need to go back through security there's nothing to just 'pop out' and see.
if you are unfamiliar with heathrow and london...would you check in for your flight at manchester and with 3 hours to spare go into central manchester ?
it just wouldn't be worth it ...if something did happen ( transport problem ) your holiday insurance probably wouldn't cover you if you missed the flight ...also the airline would be extremely annoyed as your baggage would have to be unloaded ...and in this instance i doubt if they would help you either

puffinmuffin

Sorry, some of you have the wrong idea of what i would like to do, In my original post i said we have three hours before we can even check in for the Auckland flight!!!! Those are the ones i want to kill! We will arrive at Heathrow SIX hours before the flight. I am pretty well travelled and wouldn't dream of leaving an airport after checking in! Lily and voyager, thanks for the suggestions.

puffinmuffin

BTW I am grateful to those who took the time to reply!!! :j Thank you

Lorian

If you really want to kill the 3 hours in style then you could lunch in Windsor, but you'll really be pushing it for time.