You’ve just landed at Gatwick Airport and have a few hours before your flight. Your next flight is hours away. What should you do? Hang around and stare at your phone, or go out and take a look?

A layover at Gatwick isn’t the end of the world. It’s an opportunity to eat well, to relax, or to see a little more of the city. Furthermore, Gatwick provides robust transportation links and an abundance of amenities, allowing you to either remain stationary or explore the city. Even the briefest layover can be a happy one if you strategize properly.

In this blog, we will cover what Gatwick offers you during a layover. Whether you have three hours or 10, you’ll fill your time with useful tips on food, rest, sightseeing, and more. How about we make the best of your layover? Let’s dig into it.

If You Have Fewer Than 4 Hours: Ride Out the Wait Inside Gatwick

Short layovers go by quickly. If it is under four hours, it’s often best to remain inside the airport.

• Relax in a Lounge

Gatwick has multiple lounges that any passenger can access. You don’t need to buy a business class ticket. What you have to do is just pay a fee. Moreover, No. 1 Lounge and Club Aspire have snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and quiet seating. Some even have showers so you can clean up before your next flight.

• Enjoy a Meal

Stuck on the Gatwick and starving, like to eat a horse? Don’t fret! You can enjoy different cuisines at the terminal. In addition, both terminals have plenty of good food options indoors. 

Moreover, they have a quick snack at Pret, Costa, or Starbucks. If you’d prefer a sit-down meal, you can also order British food and even sample its homemade gin. For something offbeat, visit Yo! Sushi or Shake Shack.

• Do Some Shopping

Are you seeking gifts or last-minute travel products? Don’t be tense. There are multiple shops at Gatwick. 

Shop for duty-free deals, stylish fashion, and tech accessories. Whether you are doing shopping or just window shopping. it’s a delightful way to spend time and energy while at Gatwick. 

• 4 to 7 Hours: Visit Nearby Towns

Sometimes, layover time exceeds 4 to 7 hours. However, we just get bored with what to do in these hours. In addition, if you have more time, then you can take a trip out of the airport and see the surrounding areas. Just make sure you go back at least two hours before your next flight.

• Head to Crawley

Crawley itself is a larger town, some 10 minutes from the airport. You can shop, grab a meal, or relax at neighborhood parks. If you have children with you, take a look around Tilgate Park. It includes walking trails, a lake, and even a mini zoo.

• Check Out an Aviation Museum

We know that children, or sometimes older people, are excited about airplanes. Explore the Gatwick Aviation Museum. It’s a short taxi ride away and filled with old airplanes and cool exhibits. It is a great choice for both aviation enthusiasts and armchair travelers.

• Freshen Up Before You Fly

There’s nothing like a freshen-up when you’ve been in the air all day. The public toilets at Gatwick are clean and well serviced, with plenty of baby-changing facilities and large mirrors. If you need more than a splash of water, some lounges provide private showers and complete bathroom facilities. Even brushing your teeth and changing into clean clothes can make a long trip far more bearable.

• Rest Areas

There are soft chairs or benches without armrests in some parts of the terminal. They’re ideal for a quick nap if you don’t have time to rent a hotel.

• In-Terminal Hotels

Want more comfort? Look at some hotels in the South Terminal. These hotels offer rooms for rent by the hour, perfect for a brief visit. In both cases, there are showers, beds, and quiet rooms to relax or work.

• Keep in Touch, Keep it Light

Free Wi-Fi is available at Gatwick, and there are numerous charging stations throughout both terminals. Additionally, you can also use the Gatwick Airport app for maps, flight updates, and gate notifications.

If you’re only traveling with a carry-on, you can use the Left Luggage counters in both terminals to store your bags if you plan to leave the airport. That way you can go for a wander without lugging your suitcase around.

• Smart Travel Tips

Always go back early for the simple reasons of checks and security. Two hours is the absolute minimum.

• Purchase train tickets online to save time and money.
• Make sure to look up visa rules before leaving the airport, based on your passport.
• Watch the clock; trains and traffic can ruin your return otherwise.

• Catch Up on Work or Reading

If you have your laptop or a book in your carry-on, use this opportunity to catch up. Locate a pleasant, quiet table or seating area with good views, plug in your device, and knock out some emails or read a book.

In Gatwick, there are seating areas dedicated to working passengers, with their own power and desk space. That’s a good way to stay productive and help make your layover at least a tad bit more useful.

• Let the Kids Play

Traveling with little ones can be quite tough. Gatwick has designated play areas at its terminal buildings where children can have a run round and burn off some energy. The areas are warm and safe for travel-weary kids.

Moreover, as the kids run around, parents can also receive their own refreshers next door and regroup. It’s an all-around win for the entire family and makes that next flight just a little bit easier for everyone.

• Watch the World Go By

Doing nothing at all is sometimes the best thing to do. Sit by a window, have a drink, and watch the planes roll in. It can be strangely calming and occasionally entertaining to people-watch at the airport.

Additionally, families will be reuniting, solo travelers getting lost in daydreams, and crews striding with purpose. Sit still for a few minutes and take it all in, soaking in the fact that here you are, a guest in the ever-revolving world of travel.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to waste time during a stopover at Gatwick. However, with the proper attitude and a bit of planning, you can make this a comfortable and even enjoyable break. 

Whether you’re seated in a lounge, eating some great food, getting in some exercise, or watching the planes take off, there’s always something to do.

Furthermore, next time you’re in for a stopover, instead of sitting it out. See what you can do, recharge your batteries, and enjoy your layover!. It’s because every stop, even a brief one, has something to add to your journey.