Never been in London.Ihave heard of it though.LOL.Any general sugestions how to spend the time from 8am to around 4pm on july 14? Is it worth getting out and going to the city or just hang around GATWICK and have an adult beverage,or 10.Just kidding.Any advise would be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance.Much love.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
You have enough time to take the train in and spending three hours sightseeing or just walking around. I would do it.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Cheapest option: Take a Southern train to Victoria (cheaper than the Gatwick Express). Trains run every 15 minutes and the travel time is around 35 minutes. Do all your exploring on foot and take a Southern train back to Gatwick.
If you want to take any tube or bus rides in London, buy a one-day, zone 1-2 travelcard at the train station at Gatwick. The cost is £7.20 for use at all hours or £5.60 for off-peak hours (after 09:30 on weekdays and anytime on weekends). Buy Southern train tickets that will cover you from Gatwick to the edge of zone 2 and from there back to Gatwick.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
Gezim
An alternative would be to visit Brighton, which is the same distance as London from Gatwick but in the opposite direction.
We have a Regency Palace (the Pavilion), a pier, and a lot of historic buildings. The advantage is that it is much more manageable in size than London for a very short visit. You could come down, look round the Pavilion, have a wander round and then have lunch before heading back to the airport.
The disadvantage is that you would still never have been in London!
Alan
Posted by
Everett, WA
1299 posts
My husband did this several years ago when he had a layover before going on to Africa. He took the train from Gatwick. From there he walked to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, up to Trafalgar square. After a lunch of fish and chips, he headed back to Gatwick. He had an absolutely fabulous time. He was with 10 people, but only 2 opted to go with him. (a lot of people thought it wasn't enough time or too expensive...he was determined) Nine years later, several people still tell him they wish they would have gone with him. Just allow plenty of time to get back through security.