Heathrow: Ways to Beat the Delays

Here’s the scenario. You’re jetting off on holiday and flying from Heathrow with your nearest and dearest. You’ve arrived in good time for your flight and for once there’s no last-minute search for a missing passport or broken zippers on the suitcases. But as luck would have it, you arrive to find out that your flight has been delayed.

Don’t despair. You might have to wait a few extra hours until you can sink your toes into that soft golden sand, get the sun-cream on or feel the refreshing tingle of that ice-cool cocktail. But there are plenty of things to keep you occupied before your flight is finally called.

If you’re facing a lengthy delay to the point where you’ve weighed up all the hotels at Heathrow terminal 5 and beyond, then why not leave the check-in desks behind and head over to Windsor? Here you’ll find the beautiful Windsor Castle, one of the Royal Family’s many spectacular homes, and the curling staircases of the Round Tower which you can climb for fantastic views across London and the Thames. Just taking a stroll around this historic town is enough to put you back into holiday mode.

Slightly further afield is the iconic LEGOLAND, land of the children’s building brick and its many fun-filled experiences. These are aimed at kids of 12 or under so it’s best visited only when you have the kids in tow. Or for something a little more adult orientated, head over to Ascot and if you’re lucky, take in one of their regular race meets or catch an event, such as an evening concert or one of their many charity fundraisers.

A few miles east of the airport are the beautiful Kew Gardens - a definite treat for sore eyes. Here you’ll find 250 years of history, beautiful blooms, a number of magnificent peacocks, a sumptuous café and beautiful surroundings, complete with one of the newest additions, the Olympic Rings spectacular. It’s enough to ease even the most jaded traveller.

Whatever you decide to do in Heathrow, there are certainly plenty of ways to beat the delays - and you’ll be on your flight to paradise before you know it.

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