9 hour layover in London Heathrow

The Heathrow Express is I think o/a 40 min each way (once you catch it). If you are leaving the EU: 1) Figure two hours to clear customs and security upon return to the airport (ok it's Heathrow, make that 3 hours). 2) If you are continuing on to another EU country, 1&/1/2 hours (I like to play it safe). If you need to store a bag, another 20 min to an hour (depends on the line). Presuming that you just have carry on stuff you can lug around you could do some touring. Are you sure this is something your family will want to do coming off a long flight? Tours to Windsor also seem to be popular with the long layover crowd. Finally, your flight from Canada will either not arrive on time at Heathrow or be delayed while waiting for a gate. Allow 1 hour for this.

You are not too far from Windsor Castle or Hampton Court...You might be able to train or bus to these or even just go into London and do a walk about the main sites. This is depending on what time of day you arrive.

Thank you both for your replies. I did think of Windsor, but i am starting to think that the long layover flight might not be such a good idea afterall...Because of the time spent at customs and security, and the fact that we might stress about being late.

If the choice is still open I would advise against the long layover to visit London or Windsor. It sounds like plenty of time, but the reality is that it can take 2 hours just to leave the plane, pass through immigration, and walk to the Heathrow Express into London. And the bus to Windsor takes 45 minutes from the time you board, we have done that. On return you need another 2 hours to go through security and make your way to the gate. So the long layover translates to 3 or 4 hours In London at most.

You could take the taxi to Windsor a 15 minute ride, see the castle, take a nice walk to Windsor Great Park, have a good pub meal before going back to the airport. Windsor is lovely you would enjoy it. A black cab will cost around £30.00 or you could call a Windsor taxi.....Windsor Radio Cars tel 01753 677677, 5 Star Radio Cars 01753 858888, Beaumont Taxis 01753 775075.
Which would cost around £18.00

Windsor is lovely and we enjoyed stayin governight there, on Robin's suggestion. If you could get there by taxi it would work as she suggests. However, we were advised by several people that the taxis charge an outrageous fare, like 50 GBP. So we did not look into that option and just took the bus, which is pleasant for seeing the countryside, but very slow!

You could be at Windsor in 30 mins and spend 2 hours there and 30 mins back to Heathrow with time to spare.