Overnight in London from Heathrow

You might be battling the dark, but head down to the underground station after clearing Immigration and get on, that will be the Piccadilly line, at the Hammersmith Station, get off, walk across the platform and get on the District line. Stay on the District line and get off at Westminster station. Walk up out of the station, and you will be in the shadow of Big Ben.

From there, you can wander across the street, take in the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Head up Parliament street, on the right side of the street, about a block up is the Red Lion pub. It is a Fullers pub, so you can get a good pint and a better than average pub dinner.

Afterwords, continue up Parliament street/Whitehall, past #10 Downing, the Royal House Guard, and various other sights (If you find a Rick Steves London or England guide, he has a nice guided walk that includes all of this). This will take you into Trafalgar Square which is usually still active, even in February. From there, since it is evening, you can head up into Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, continuing into the Soho area. All of that will have plenty of nightlife. If you are really ambitious, you could head back down towards Trafalgar, then walk up the Mall towards Buckingham Palace if that interests.

As for hotels, I would suggest the Hammersmith area (where I suggested you switch trains) They have a number of chain hotels there (Holiday Inn Express, Premier Inn, Novatel, plus several smaller places. The attraction of Hammersmith is easy connection from central London in the evening (District or Piccadilly Lines) and easy connection to Heathrow in the morning. There are lots of coffee places and others for a quick breakfast in the morning there as well.

Are you sure your bag will be checked through and held at the airport? When we had an overnight layover in London last September, coming home from Italy, our bag was checked only as far as Heathrow. We had to pick it up there and re-check it the following morning. The flights were on one ticket with British Airways.

Thank You! No, I don’t know for sure. I just assumed. I wonder how I can check on that. Call the airline?

Your airline should know, if nothing else, you will know when you check your bag, the tag will either show your final destination or LHR, and they should tell you at the desk.

Definitely call the airline BUT have a plan B and C.

Pack lightly. One bag. Honestly it can be done. I travel to London nearly every year. Usually in late Fall early Winter. Carry on only. Found that Lands End fleece keep me warm. Pricey but durable and lightweight. Also wear an Ex Officio raincoat.

Anyway, if you pack light you’ll be able to move about easily.

As advised cheapest but longest way into London is via the Piccadilly tube ( Underground ) line.

Most expensive is the Heathrow Express. Much cheaper if you by tickets at least 60 days in advance. From Heathrow its 15 minute ride to Paddington Station where you can board a Circle or Bakerloo line train to Westminster station. Another 15 minute ride but you do walk out to see Elizabeth’s Tower. If timed right Big Ben will chime the hour.

From there walk across Westminster Bridge and look back at Parliament. I’ve never stayed there but lots of folks like the Premier Inn at County Hall. For a first time visitor i think it checks all the boxes.

I’ve not used the newer Elizabeth Line to travel from the airport into London so can’t advise.

As far as pub dinners consider: Bank of London, Crown and Cushion, The Goat Tavern or The Lyric.

Its a great city. Hope you and your friend get to experience some of it during your short stay.

Heathrow has been my transfer airport for years with an overnight at least one way. My checked bag always is only to Heathrow even though my flights are always British Airways. I suggest you check into a Heathrow hotel, drop your bags and be free for the evening, and more relaxed in the morning as well.

Hi. I agree with Wray to pick a hotel at Heathrow. I would not look for one in the vicinity, but choose something directly at the airport, like the Sofitel. Check in, drop bags, head out into London. Sleeping at the airport makes for a comfortable morning before the flight, in my experience.

It might be useful, when choosing a hotel to know which terminal your inbound arrives at, and which terminal you leave from next day.

Inbound 2 flights from Stockholm arrive at 5pm- a BA one at Terminal 5, and an SAS one at Terminal 2.

ooooh!!! Staying at the airport, exploring without bags, and going back definitely sounds like the way to go! I hadn't considered that. Thank you all! I assume the way back to the airport runs all night? Loving the recommendations! Keep sending if you think of anything else.

No, being a Tuesday night there is no night tube, the last tube back from Leicester Square is at 0030, but every 1/2 hour all might there is a night bus back from Aldwych and through Central London (takes 1 hr 35 minutes), there are also regular night National Express coaches from London Victoria Coach Station, taking about 40 minutes.

The last Elizabeth Line back from Tottenham Court Road is at 2318.

But 0030 is probably more than late enough for you.

Since your experience and time are short, I would elect the Heathrow Express and then a cab to whatever is the main landmark you want to see - London Eye, Big Ben, Liberty, whatever. Plot a walking route, and then in reverse, taxi to Paddington and then Heathrow Express back to the airport. This may be pricier than other options, but may be balanced by so much less worry and agitation about making connections, buying Oysters, and finding tube stations. Unless that is part of the fun??

Heathrow has four terminals. From which do you arrive and depart?

What exactly is your flight itinerary and carrier(s)?