I have a long (almost 5 hour) lay-over at Heathrow Terminal 4 on my way to Prague. Any suggestions on things to do while I am there? When I last spent time there in '97 I was bored silly since I am really not a big shopper. Anything new worth seeing or at least a decent restaurant/pub to hang out in?
I've thought about leaving the airport but even with the new express train it's at least 1/2 hour each way to downtown and I don't relish having to pass through security if I don't have to.
You may want to take a quick trip into Windsor. IT borders the airport and is closer then London. There's lots of great shopping, good restaurants, and of course Windsor Castle. There are direct buses to Windsor, but to make the most of your time I would take a Taxi-negotiate a fare as they are not required to use the meter outside of London. Rick's London guidebook has a chapter on Windsor.
I agree with Michael, go into Windsor. There are good pubs, restaurants and of course the Castle. If you stand on the road facing the Castle you could do two things, 1) turn right walk down that road and it will take you to Windsor Great Park and right by gate to the park is a great pub. 2) if you go to your left walk down the road, the road will bend then when you get to the second street turn left this will take you into Eton, where Eton College is. You will walk over a bridge, there are sets on the bridge where you could take a sandwich and watch the boats on the Thames. There are restaurants right before the bridge and on the other side of the bridge. Have a great trip.
If you go to Windsor, be sure to ask the bus driver or RR clerk how long it takes to get to your destination. Allow enough time for the return trip and allow enough time to go through security when you return to the air terminal. Five hours may be cutting it close.
Five hours gives you plenty of time to go to Windsor.
Windsor is a 15 minute drive from Heather. So if it takes 15 min., then you spend 2 1/2 hours in Windsor, another 15 minutes back you would be back to the airport two hours before your flight.
I agree about Windsor now is the the time to step up and use a cab .
Windsor is great small town and should be doable in five hours. Call a Windsor cab from terminal rather
than take a London cab. Will be at heathrow in 15
minutes and charges set rate into Windsor.
