London Layover Guide (LHR)

Magical London Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

You are in the perfect destination if you are a Harry Potter fan. This wizard tour would take you across the muggle world in London to discover some of the most famous places that inspired J.K. Rowling. You would find out which Hogwarts House you truly belong in and you would follow the footsteps of the boy who lived.» book this tour

London: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Take advantage of your layover and stop off at The Tower of London, one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Step inside British history, contemplate the extraordinary treasures of the British Monarchy, and learn about its ceremonial guardians. » book this tour

Coca-Cola London Eye

This observation wheel is the London’s top tourist attraction and offers you the best views across the city. The tour takes you all the way up to 135 meters, with a guide included and with a 4D cinema experience. Enjoy the height and the most famous landmarks of London, like the Buckingham Palace or the Westminster Abbey. » book this tour

Buckingham Palace

This is the Queen’s London residence and it is truly worth a visit, although it is open only during the summer months. You would be fascinated with its spectacular staircase, its high ceilings and its royal rooms.

Time required: You would need at least one hour to stand at the door of the palace. Then, a regular visit will take you about 2 hours. Wait times vary depending on the day. Usually from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Airport to here: Metro from Hatton Cross to Green Park station (55+/- mins.). Taxi (60+/- mins.)

Windsor Castle

This castle is one of the three official residences of the Queen and it is also the oldest and the largest inhabitated castle in the world. The original castle dates back to the 11th century, when William the Conqueror chose this plase to build a fortress to defend London from the western approaches.

Time required: You would need half an hour to reach the castle by private car or taxi, or an hour if you take the bus. Then, you could spend there up to three hours. Wait time to get in: 10+/- mins during the summer months.

Airport to here: By public transportation to Windsor and Eton Central or to Windsor and Eton Riverside stations (60+/- mins.). By taxi or car (20+/- mins.)

Westminster Abbey

Discover the British heritage and its history inside this magnefficient church, and admire its spectacular arquitecture. This place has been the coronation setting for the British Monarch since 1066 and for many other royal celebrations, including royal weddings. More than three thousand people are buried here.

Time required: You would need about an hour to be in the closest station to the Abbey, and from ninety minutes to two hours if you want to see everything of interest.

Airport to here: Metro from Hatton Cross to St. James Park station (55+/- mins.). Taxi (40+/- mins.)

Twickeham Stadium

For fans of rugby, this stadium, which was built in 1909, is a completely must-see. You could tour around the whole stadium and have a look from the top of the stand to get an amazing view of the arena. You could also visit the England dressing room and learn few details more of your favourite sport in the World Rugby Museum.

Time required: In less than 20 minutes by private car or taxi you could journey through rubgy history. You would need at least 40 minutes by public transportation. Wait times usually less than 10 minutes.

Airport to here: By private car or taxi (20+/- mins.). By bus to Tayven Avenue station (40+/- mins.)

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew

Plant and gardening lovers would find a fantastic experience wandering around the world’s largest collection of living plants and fungi. These gardens were found in 1759 by Princess Augusta and were inscribed in 2003 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy chasing butterflies, gazing the carnivore plants and learning about more than 50,000 living plants, from topical and arid to alpine climates.

Time required: In about 30 minutes (by car or taxi) or in less than an hour (by public transportation) you could walk through this garden. For exploring the whole length you would need a couple of hours. Wait times only in busy periods.

Airport to here: By private car or taxi (30+/- mins.). By metro to South Ealing station, and then by bus to Kew Road Victoria Gate (50+/- mins.)

Big Ben

The Big Ben is one of the most iconic monuments of England and it is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It is a four-faced clock, built in 1859 and renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 as the Elizabeth Tower. The tower stands 96 metres tall.

Time required: You would need about 50-60 minutes by car, taxi or public transportation. Only UK residents are allowed to visit it and the tours last 75 minutes.

Airport to here: The fastest way would be from Hatton Cross to Westminster Station (45+/- mins.). By private car or taxi (55+/- mins.).

Chessington World of Adventures

This fun and interesting place houses a theme park, a zoo, an adventure park and a Sea Life Center, with rides, attractions and live shows. It is a great plan to go with children if you have a long layover.

Time required: A bit more than half an hour by car or an hour and a half by bus. You could stay there as long as you want, but it is highly recommended a full day visit

Airport to here: The best option would be to take a taxi or go by there, but you could also take the bus from Hatton Cross to Chessington Garden (90+/- mins.)