7 Top Things To Do During A Layover At Gatwick Airport
If you travel often like I do, you’d know layovers can either be a soul draining wait or a golden opportunity. I used to dread them, until I found myself with a six hour layover at Gatwick Airport and decided to flip the script.
Gatwick isn’t just another stopover, it’s a playground packed with food, shopping, and even quick adventures if you plan it right. I’m sharing how I turned a boring layover into a surprisingly fun mini trip and exactly how you can too.
What To Know Before Exploring Your Layover At Gatwick Airport
Before you get too excited and start wandering off like I almost did, there are a few important things you need to know. First, your layover time matters. If you’ve got less than four hours, you’ll want to stick inside the airport. Anything longer? You might just have enough time to explore nearby spots.
Passport and visa rules are another biggie. I learned the hard way once, that even stepping outside for a “quick look” can require a visa, depending on your nationality, so always double check.
If you’re carrying heavy bags, baggage storage at Gatwick is a lifesaver. A couple of times i’ve dumped my backpack at the Left Luggage facility near Arrivals, and it made moving around so much easier.
Also, transport is super simple, the free shuttle between North and South Terminals is quick, and the Gatwick Express train can whisk you straight to London if you’re feeling adventurous (and have enough time).
Trust me, spending a few minutes planning before you explore will make your layover at Gatwick a whole lot smoother and more fun.
7 Top Things To Do During a Layover at Gatwick Airport
1. Shopping And Duty-Free Deals
One thing I never skip during a layover? Shopping, and Gatwick Airport didn’t disappoint. As soon as I got my Pocket WiFi device connected (seriously, having internet instantly makes everything easier), I mapped out the best shops to hit.
From luxury brands like Hugo Boss and Harrods to cool souvenir stands, it was impossible not to pick up a few things. The duty free deals were even better, I snagged a bottle of whiskey and some skincare products at prices way cheaper than back home. If you’re short on time, Gatwick lets you pre-order duty free online and pick it up before your flight. Real banger.
2.Treat Yourself To A Gourmet Meal
After a bit of retail therapy, I was starving, I usually survive on airport snacks, but this time, I wanted something real. I used my Pocket WiFi to check out restaurant reviews and ended up at Jamie Oliver’s Diner for a full English breakfast, it was hands down one of the best airport meals I’ve ever had.
If you’re in a rush, there are tons of grab and go options too, but if you’ve got time, sitting down for a meal is 100% worth it. Trust me, it beats running on coffee and protein bars while waiting for your next flight.
3. Relax At Premium Airport Lounges
Once I was fed and done with shopping, all I wanted was a place to crash for a bit. That’s when I discovered the No1 Lounge. Thanks to my Pocket WiFi, booking a my entry was quite easy and quick.
The lounge basically had everything I needed, from strong coffee, snacks, comfy seating, WiFi (even though I had my own with me), and a much quieter vibe compared to the busy terminals. Some lounges even offer showers if you want to freshen up, after a couple of hours chilling there, I felt like a new man, ready for the next leg of my trip.
4. Get Spa Treatments
After a long-haul flight, my shoulders were killing me, lucky for me, Gatwick has a few Be Relax Spa spots that are perfect for layover travelers like us. I quickly found one using my Pocket WiFi and booked a 15 -minute shoulder massage. I could never regret this decision, ever.
They also offered express facials and manicures if you’re into that. Honestly, just that short massage made me feel way more human, and made the rest of my layover so much more comfortable.
5. Explore Nearby Attractions
Just because I had a longer layover (around 7 hours), I decided to venture out a little. With my Pocket WiFi keeping me connected, I hopped in a cab and headed to Horley, a beautiful little English town just a few minutes away.
I strolled around, grabbed a coffee at a cozy café, and even found my way in a quick visit to Nymans Gardens. If you plan it well, even a short trip outside Gatwick can feel like a mini holiday. Just keep an eye on your watch, it’s way too easy to lose track of time when you’re having fun.
6. Catch Some Sleep
By the time I got back to the airport, all I wanted was a nap. I wasn’t about to rough it on a bench, though. Thanks to my trusty Pocket WiFi, I booked a room at Bloc Hotel, which is actually inside the South Terminal.
It was a clean, super convenient spot for a few hours of real sleep. If you’re tighter on budget, YOTELAIR in the North Terminal has small but comfy cabins too. Believe me, getting proper rest during a layover makes a massive difference when you finally board that next flight.
7. Stay Connected & Productive
One thing I never travel without anymore is a Pocket WiFi device. As soon as I landed at Gatwick, I powered it up and stayed connected the entire time, no scrambling for sketchy public WiFi. With solid internet in my pocket, I caught up on messages from friends, checked flight updates, and had a quick video call with my family.
If you need to get some work done, Gatwick has plenty of quiet corners, charging points, and even workstations in some lounges. Honestly, having my own connection made everything way less stressful and way more productive.
How To Have A Smooth Layover
Here’s a quick list of what helped me survive (and actually enjoy) my Gatwick layover:
- Check your layover time carefully, Know whether you have enough hours to leave the airport or just chill inside.
- Pre-book lounge access or spa treatments especially during busy travel seasons.
- Store your luggage, which helps you move freely without dragging your bags around.
- Set multiple alarms, boarding times can sneak up on you if you’re sleeping, shopping, or exploring.
- Keep your passport and essentials handy, you’ll need them more often than you think.
- Hydrate and eat well, Airports can be dehydrating, and it’s easy to skip meals when you’re distracted.
- Download the Gatwick Airport app, It made finding gates, restaurants, and services super easy for me.
Conclusion
What I learned from my layover at Gatwick is simple, it’s all about mindset and a little planning. Instead of counting down the hours and feeling stuck, I used my Pocket WiFi, mapped out a few easy activities, and turned what could have been wasted time into one of the most fun parts of my trip.
From shopping sprees and amazing meals to a quick town visit and a much needed nap, Gatwick had way more to offer than I expected.
Next time you find yourself with a layover here, don’t just sit around, explore, relax, and enjoy it. Trust me, with a bit of internet in your pocket and a plan in your head, you’ll actually look forward to your next stopover.