Activities in UK Airports

Do you dread spending time in the airport when you're travelling? Arriving with plenty of time and long layovers are sometimes unavoidable – so if you've got to spend time in an airport, it's time you knew how to entertain yourself. It doesn’t have to be a burden if you know what's on offer at the airport! 

The first tip for a stress free airport experience is pre-booking your car parking space. You'll know you've got one and that you've already paid for it – so no circling for hours for a space, or any surprise bills. You can tailor your choice to suit you – if you'd rather a meet and greet, or a more budget option, so you'll arrive, drop your car off and be ready to enjoy everything the airport has to offer. Easy.  

Here's what's available to keep you entertained at some of the UK's most popular airports. 

At Heathrow Airport, the best bet for a calm airport experience is the lounges. With choices for free Wi-Fi, drinks and other facilities, you'll be away from the busy bit and can just relax. For those wanting to really pamper themselves, there's a Molton Brown Spa with massages, hydrotherapy and reflex therapies – see, you're already excited for your next airport visit! 

If you've got a long layover at Heathrow and you have time to leave the airport, why not hop on the tube to central London. It only takes 40 minutes, and you can get the Piccadilly line straight to the main tourist areas – Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Hyde Park are all stops on that line. There are left luggage facilities at the airport so you won't need to worry about lugging your bags around. 

 

Love staying fit? At Gatwick, why not spend some time in the Hilton Hotel gym and fitness area while you wait, then enjoy the inflight snacks guilt free. Plus the Hilton also has a hair salon if you want to look your best in the air. Access the free Wi-Fi while you pick from a selection of amazing restaurants and before you know it, it'll be time to board. 

Similar to Heathrow, if you're at Gatwick for a layover and you've got time, why not head into central London? The Gatwick Express train runs every 15 minutes and gets you into central London in just half an hour – perfect if your layover allows this time. 

 

Manchester airport is the perfect place for a bit of R&R. No, really. With 'Be Relax', Manchester airport's spa in terminal one, you'll never think of an airport as stressful again. They offer massages, facials and an oxygen bar, with no appointment needed – and all the treatments are under half an hour. Dreamy. 

There's also 'escape lounges' - more quiet areas with Wi-Fi for downtime. 

Manchester Airport is only 10 miles from Manchester city centre, so if you've got a long enough layover, it's definitely worth getting a train or bus in. From the Town Hall to the Cathedral to the fantastic shopping centre, your long layover will be over in no time. 

 

Shopaholics, listen up. Edinburgh airport has a fantastic range of shops, from designer to high street, but best of al it offers a 'shop & collect' service. Shop & Collect is a free service which means you can buy as much as you like at the airport, but not struggle with extra bags – simply drop them off, and collect them when you fly back. See, airports aren't so bad after all! Plus once you've shopped 'till you're ready to drop, there are plenty of food and drink options to choose from. 

If you've got a long enough layover, Edinburgh is a beautiful city to spend the day. Simply board the 'Airlink 100' bus into Edinburgh, and enjoy the sites – from castles to art galleries to delicious local delicacies, you'll be too busy enjoying yourself to worry about being bored during your long layover