Short 5 hour layover at Heathrow tomorrow

Assuming you mean the Who shop at Upton Park in far East London, the quickest reasonable journey by Underground is about 90 minutes each way. That's 3 hours plus any time shopping for daleks, etc. You need to check in how early? Are you counting the 5 hours from when you are scheduled to arrive or after the 60-90 minutes getting off the plane, immigration and baggage reclaim?

With only 5 hours, if that includes going thru immagration then you would really only have time to go into Windsor which is a 15 minute taxi ride. You will need to be back at the airport early to go thru security. Windsor would be lovely to walk around, see the castle have a meal in a pub.

Believe me, I understand the temptation. But it's about an hour into town, an hour back, and you have to be back with two hours to spare for check-in and security. If it were me, I wouldn't try it. I would be so nervous about not getting back in time that I wouldn't enjoy it. Windsor is a better answer.

Shop and dine at Heathrow. Don't risk it. You'll be back. ; )

I appreciate all the replies! Couple of questions though-- For those what suggested Windsor area: Is it fairly easy to get that area and to find the sights? For those suggesting I stay in Heathrow:
Do they have ok shops in the airport? I know it is an airport, but would I be able to even mildly experience the ambiance of London here? I had a friend suggest I head towards the Thames area for some quick pictures. Any thoughts on this being a good idea? Thanks again!

It's very easy to reach Windsor by taxi, it actually borders the airport. It's a small town...the Castle is literally right smack in the middle of it. Surrounding the castle are lots of shops and restaurants...but you probably won't have much time for them if your are visiting the castle: http://wikitravel.org/en/Windsor_and_Eton Speaking of the Thames, it runs right outside the Castle, forming the border between Windsor and next door Eton.

We spent a night in Windsor on our last trip and loved. it. But we went by bus (45 minutes each way) as we were told by both our B&B owner and various sources on travel boards that taxis charge extortionate prices for this trip, like more that 25 pounds each way. We did not ask a taxi driver to confirm, however. Note that it really can take an hour or more just to go through immigration (passport control) to leave the airport. Add that to the other times (2 hours on return to go through security and get to your gate), and it does not leave you much time at all.

I'd have to be on some serious meds to try this. While I appreciate your desire to use a 5 hour layover to see a bit of London or Windsor really you'd be crazy to try it. First off has anyone out there ever, I mean ever landed on time at Heathrow and, this is important, gotten to the arrival gate smoothly, say within a 15 to 30 min window. Then there's the whole deplaning thing, add 20 min. Then if you're leaving the airport you will have to go through customs and immigration. Times there vary wildly. I've zipped though in 10 minutes and the next time it was an hour. Upon your return to the airport there's a)security and b) the dash to your gate which can be as they say, far far away. If your return flight is coming to the U.S. you will have to go through a second security check and sometimes a second passport check. Go to the caviar bar and treat yourself to a first class lunch or, fish and chips, shop or relax.

Heathrow provides "great picture taking opportunities." Given you only have a 5 hour layover that's where you should stay. Nothing says London like Harrod's. There are stores in each terminal. Keychains with Black Cabs, Bobbie Hats, Royal Crowns, and Red Telephone booths can be found there. You can also find places and have a pint , grab a copy of Hello Magazine, enjoy some Cadbury chocolate and chat up some employees to hear their lovely accents. Happy travels.
http://www.heathrow-airport-guide.co.uk/shopping.html

We took the Heathrow Connect from Heathrow into London's Paddington Station and it was a 25 minute ride. There is the Heathrow Express that is only 15 minutes and it's nonstop from Heathrow to Paddington. The Express is a little pricey, but it is very quick. There is not a whole lot of picturesque things in the Paddington area, though. Hyde Park is about a 15 minute walk from the station. It would be cutting it close. I'd hate to get your hopes up!

Mimi, Too late for your trip. But for next time don't even think about it. Last time I had a connecting flight at Heathrow I was made to go through immigrations, customs, and security after getting off my arriving flight and then I was sent back through immigrations, customs, and security to get on my departing flight. I was connecting from a flight originating within the EU and continuing on a flight to the EU. Only thing I could figure is a flaw into the UK security at Heathrow since security accussed me of bypassing immigrations, customs, and security despite having my piece of paper from security to prove to the contrary. No sense in trying to reason with Heathrow security though. I had almost two hours between flights and had to run and barely made my connecting flight by 5 minutes. I was so glad to get out of the UK. Edwin

I know it's past her trip, but I don't think anyone answered the question, "will there by shops in Heathrow?" Yes! There are shops and lots of them and some good eating as well. ; )

'despite having my piece of paper from security' What piece of paper?

This was helpful, thanks. I had a 4 hour layover and was hoping I could give my husband a little taste of London as he's never been. But it's clearly not worth the stress.