8 Essential Things to Do On a Layover in London
Excitement Awaits Beyond the Airport
If you have a layover in London that’s not long enough to do major sightseeing but too long to spend your time wandering airport terminals, count it as a blessing rather than a curse. If you have the opportunity to visit London you’ll be able to take in some incredible history, culture and eats no matter how short on time you are.
The city center is just 15 miles away, along with a number of nearby attractions and a plethora of free museums that can give you at least a little taste of one of the world’s most popular cities. In fact, by taking the London underground to Westminster Station, you’ll be able to explore many of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Westminster Abbey
Renowned as the greatest church in the English-speaking world, Westminster Abbey was the very place Prince William and Kate Middleton said their “I dos,” as well as the spot the country’s kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066.
This grand building is truly a must-see living pageant of England’s history with 3,000 tombs, the remains of 29 kings and queens, and hundreds of memorials that lie under its stone slabs and within its walls. Chaucer, Samuel Johnson, Tennyson, Browning and Dickens are all buried here.
Tower of London
The Tower of London has played a number of roles in England’s history, including a castle in wartime and a monarch’s residence during times of peace. It’s also been a prison for rebels and happens to have a notorious haunted history.
A variety of tours are available, including the humorous Beefeater tour and a rather creepy but fascinating ghost tour. You’ll view the crown jewels, which boasts the First Star of Africa, the largest flawless cut diamond at an astounding 530 carats.
You’ll also see the executioner’s block that beheaded a couple of Henry VIII’s wives as well as a number of problematic heirs to the throne.
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Big Ben
You might think Big Ben is “just a clock,” but it’s actually a whole lot more than that. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the House of Parliament’s clock tower is officially called the Elizabeth Tower after it was renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Its minute hands weigh about 220 pounds and are nearly 14 feet in length. Timekeeping is strictly regulated by a stack of coins that sit on the massive pendulum that has rarely stopped.
Even when a bomb destroyed its Commons chamber in World War II, the clock tower survived and Big Ben kept striking the hours. If you happen to view it after dark, you’ll get to see its faces illuminated — a magnificent sight.
Buckingham Palace
Queen Elizabeth II’s London home, the palace is open throughout the summer when Her Majesty is off on holiday. If you arrive during this season you’ll be able to check out some incredible pieces from the Royal Collection, such as the gorgeous French and English furnishings, elegant chandeliers and works of art by Canaletto and Van Dyck.
If you were able to watch William and Kate’s Royal Wedding, the Throne Room may look familiar as it was used as the backdrop for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s official wedding photos.
If you can be here by 11:30 a.m. during the summer, you may be able to watch the daily Changing of the Guard, a time-honored tradition that includes a 45-minute ceremony.
Windsor Castle
Located just outside of the city, Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, so if you have to prioritize, make this number one. It’s been the official residence of the British sovereign for over nine centuries, and includes the State Apartments, a highlight for many London visitors.
An official residence of the Queen, it’s still a working royal palace and the place she spends most of her weekends, and an entire month over Easter, which is referred to as the Easter Court. If you’d like a more in-depth look, private Windsor layover tours are available from a number of operators right out of Heathrow.
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Shop
In one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the planet, your shopping choices are practically endless, from iconic department stores such as Harrods as well as Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges to multi-cultural markets at Camden to farmers’ markets at Notting Hill. Whether you want to spend an hour picking up souvenirs, or an entire day of shopping, you won’t be disappointed.
The heart of London shopping is Oxford Street, with more than 300 shops, designer outlets and landmark stores. Regent Street features fashion retailers selling clothing at mid-range prices, along with some of the city’s most famous and oldest stores.
Sample Some of the Best Fish ‘N’ Chips in the City
Just minutes from Heathrow you’ll find some of the tastiest fish ‘n’ chips in the city, along with outstanding beer and cider at The Pheasant Pub. Prices are reasonable and portion sizes are huge, so this meal is sure to fill you up for hours.
The pub itself is likely to be packed as it’s one of the most popular around, but if you’re short on time and the weather allows, you can be served outside.
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Thorpe Park
Located in Surrey, just 15 minutes from Heathrow, Thorpe Park is the place to go if you have kids in tow, particularly teenagers. It’s one of the biggest theme parks in the United Kingdom, and offers some of the most thrilling rides in Europe.
Built on a lake that was once a gravel pit, it feels as if it’s a private island. Adrenaline seekers won’t want to miss The Swarm, a heart-pounding roller coaster where riders sit outside of the carriage, suspended over the ground.
