Your Complete Guide to London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick Airport, also known as London Gatwick, is a main international airport near Crawley, West Sussex, England, almost thirty miles south of Central London. It is the second busiest airport in London after Heathrow. In Europe, Gatwick airport is the tenth busiest airport. London has the busiest winters and travellers’ intake is very high. Arrangements have been made to guarantee the effectiveness of the movement.
Gatwick airport has two terminals one on the north side and the other at the south with sixty-five gates which facilitates forty-six million travellers travelling to almost two hundred and thirty destinations every year. Full details can be viewed on the official website or travellers can visit the Facebook page of Gatwick Airport.
- Arrivals & Departures
- Entertainment & Facilities
- Travelling with Kids
- Parking at Gatwick Airport
- Places to visit near Gatwick Airport
- Restaurants near Gatwick Airport
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Fashion Hub near Gatwick Airport
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Hotels near Gatwick Airport
Arrivals & Departures
Arrival and departure:areas are equipped with lifts, staircases, and escalators. Travellers’ convenience and preference are kept in mind by providing options. Screens are displayed around the airport which provides information about flights, their arrivals, departures, or delays.
Terminals: The airport has two terminals on at North and the other at Southside with sixty-five gates.
Information Desk:Any help/ assistance/ information can be availed at the information desk. The officers are courteous and helpful and assist the travellers.
Check-in times: It is suggested to reach the airport well in advance to have a smooth movement and not get into the hassle of check-in, security checks etc. It is suggested to reach the airport three hours before the departure of International Flights, two hours before European Flights and nighty minutes before Domestic Flights. Check-in closes twenty minutes before the departure of flights. Travellers should be available at the boarding gate ten minutes before time.
Passport Control:After departure from the aeroplane, passengers have to pass through the passport control desks and get their passports stamped.
Baggage claim: After the passport control passengers have to follow the signs towards baggage claim. Electronic displays are present at the baggage conveyor displaying flight information to make it easier for the passenger to identify their flight details. Checking information on luggage or having a fancy ribbon on the bag can help the passenger to identify the baggage easily at the airport.
Entertainment & Facilities available at the LGW
Sensory Room:
Gatwick airport is United Kingdom’s first airport to provide sensory room to travellers. This room has a relaxing environment away from the distractions and hustle and bustle of the airport to cater for the needs of passengers with disabilities. To make the access easier, it can be used by passengers who use a wheelchair too. This room is situated at the North terminal and has been deemed helpful.
How to arrange assistance:
If you have requested assistance, then all is required is to make way towards the assistant desks at both terminals. Signs are posted clearly that help the passenger to follow directions towards it. Special assistance can be arranged through travel agents, online or during flight requests can be made. However, if assistance is requested during the flight, then it might take some time to make arrangements.
Help points:
Help points are available throughout the airport at both terminals to assist/help the travellers. The main aim is to provide a soothing experience to travellers so that they have comfort.
Eagle Hoists:
If you require further help to board the aircraft Eagle Hoist can be arranged but is available on a first-come basis. It should be booked twenty-four hours before travelling.
To book email has to be sent on lgweaglehoist@wilsonjames.co.uk with the following information:
- Passenger’s name and number
- Date of travel and flight details
- Passenger’s stature and weight
Changing Places:
Changing stations are accessible upon arrival at both terminals. Passengers are facilitated with showers, wash sinks. Changing rooms are free of cost and do not require any VIPsooking or payment.
Restaurants at Gatwick Airport
The focus of Gatwick airport is on customer satisfaction and facilitating the tourists. Whether you want to relax before you board the plane and eat and drink, a vast number of shops, cafes and restaurants are easily accessible all through the airport. Mouthwatering, fresh, and delicious food that is convenient both on plate and pocket is available. Wagamama, La Brasserie, Urban Café, Red Lion, Costa and much more. The only difference is that some restaurants are available at North Terminal and some at South.
Bars at Gatwick Airport
Bars offer thirst-quenching drinks. There is a vast selection to choose from Champaign, wines, beers etc. Choose whatever you want to drink with quality assurance in mind. Bars such as Nicholas Culpeper, London Bar etc.
Shopping at Gatwick Airport
From high brands to low brands, at the convenience of your pocket, you can buy whatever is required. From beauty products to personal care, luggage, eatables, shops such as Bobbi Brown, Duty-Free, Boots, Dune, Accessorize, Case and much more are there.
AeroSpa at Gatwick Airport
Indulge yourself in relaxation. From massage to beauty treatment, pedicure, or manicure, enjoy the facilities available to the travellers. The environment and treatment are beyond the expression of words. All the rush, stress before the flight can be drained out at the beauty lounge. From time to time, different offers/discounts are provided to attract customers. Reviews can be read to have firsthand feedback.
Chapels & prayer rooms:
Chapels and multi-faith prayer rooms are accessible at the airport to help passengers. These rooms facilitate passengers belonging to different faiths to pray at their convenience without any hitches. The overall ambience of the area adds to the spiritual concentration.
Travelling with children:
Travelling with kids is not an easy task because children tend to get bored or cranky quite easily. At times, they do not understand the protocol a place requires, and things can get frustrating for the adults travelling with them or around them. The following are a few tips:
Changing stations & Toilets:
Nappy changing stations and toilets can be easily accessible at the airport. These facilities are available at both male and female toilets. This doesn’t make the little ones go through the tension or stress of waiting.
Baby Care Rooms:
If you are breastfeeding your child and you require privacy, then you can use the baby care room. These facilities are available at check-in areas A sign of bottle or baby care symbols helps the passengers to identify these rooms.
Bottle warming Facilities:
Restaurants offer bottle warming facilities by providing boiling water to help the mothers. Bottle warmers are not available, but boiling water is available.
Children’s Menu:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are equipped with food items that are designed for children. This gives an option to the little ones to select items of their choice. Highchairs are also available at restaurants for children to provide ease.
Play areas:
The play area is located at both terminals. This play area gives the children a chance to release the frustration that they might face during the long wait. In the South Terminal, it is opposite Dixons Travel and in the North Terminal, it is opposite WHSmith.
Helpful tips:
The following are a few helpful tips that will help you to have a comfortable travelling time with the little ones:
- Carrying medicines and mini first aid kit
- If you have a long flight or car journey, a tablet or iPad is going to be your best friend.
- Having a small backpack for the little ones gives them a sense of responsibility
- Travelling with little ones means travelling at a very different pace to
- Keeping the charger handy in case you need to recharge your gadget
- Keeping a few toys/colour pencils etc. to keep them engaged.
- “I spy “has been a hot favourite game at the airport to keep the little ones involved.
Parking at Gatwick Airport:
The majority of the travellers reach the airport through personal transportation. The car parking area is located close to the terminal. This provides accessibility to the traveller since the parking lots can be booked for short and long stays.
Short Stay:
The Short Stay facility is located on the Departures 1st Floor and is available to passengers who are leaving the United Kingdom within 48 hours and their vehicles that are parked at the Short Stay car park.
Long Stay:
Long Stay parking is a convenient and cost-effective choice when parking at any of the Gatwick airport car parks. It is also available at most UK airports and city centres.
Travellers who prefer to park for longer than normal periods will find a Long Stay car park more convenient and cost-efficient.
Valet parking:
The valet parking service provided by Gatwick Airport is one of the quickest and most convenient in the UK. The system allows for swift and efficient parking, with a pickup and drop off process that will save you time and money. It is often more convenient than parking in the long term car park, with many people preferring to use the valet service when they arrive at the airport.
Transport Facilities:
The following is a list of transport facilities available for travellers. The travellers have a choice to choose a mode of transportation according to their convenience depending on their choice.
Car Rentals:
Car rental is available at the Gatwick airport. Big names such as Budget, Avis, Hertz, and much more are available. The prices are compatible.
Inter Terminal Shuttle Service:
Inter terminal shuttle services run between the North and South Terminal from the station. The service is available twenty-four hours, and no charges are applied for the inter transfers.
Metro Bus:
Metro bus service runs towards North and South terminals. Thirty buses per hour serve the Gatwick airport. Special travel card schemes are provided to people working at the Gatwick airport. Metro bus does not provide any express service to central London or any other cities.
Minicab:
Taxis are available at the stand outside the terminal. Metered fares help to keep a track of the amount that is charged. Services can be available on the spot or pre-booking can be done to have peace of mind.
Tikla Cars Mini Mini-Cab Service:
Tikla Cars Mini Mini-Cab Service provides transportation solutions for corporate, leisure and business travellers. We provide a fleet of taxis, minicabs and executive cars to meet your transportation requirements in London. We are committed to providing high-quality service, comfort and safety.
Tikla Cars are the most popular minicab company in London. We have been providing minicab services throughout the city.
We are one of the best providers of minicab hire services across London. Whether you need a car for a couple of hours or want to travel all day, we can provide a service that is right for you.
We cover all areas of Central London including Heathrow Airport and London City Airport. And we provide airport transfer services to passengers arriving at major airports in London such as Stansted Airport, Luton Airport and Southend Airport .
Our range of vehicles includes saloon cars to accommodate small groups, luxury executive cars for VIPs and sports utility vehicles for large groups or families travelling together. Our fleet also includes hybrids, so you can travel in style while doing your bit for the environment!
You can book your Mini-Cab online here on our website or give us a call on +44 208 925 3849.
Places to visit near Gatwick Airport
Once you leave the airport, the fun officially begins. There is so much to see and explore that time flies swiftly. Exciting places can be visited that are close or far to Gatwick Airport depending upon your choice. The following list contains a few suggestions that the traveller can opt for:
Gatwick Aviation Museum:
Vintage British aeroplanes can be seen at the Gatwick aviation museum. Aeroplanes from World War two to the 1970s are present there.
Tilgate Park:
Tilgate Park is a large recreational park. It is vast which allows the young ones to run and play around. The Park is neat clean and well maintained. Different sports can be played here. Mesmerizing lawns and lakes are present there that add to the glamour of this place.
Cherry Lane Adventure Park:
The staff at cherry lane adventure park is really friendly. Climbing frames and multiple activities are there for the visitors. There is a total of four adventure playgrounds that facilitates children from six to eighteen years old. The adventure never stops here.
Tower of London:
Historical heritage siteVIPs, the Tower of London has served as a fortress, prison, and palace. Crown jewels can be seen at the tower. You can meet the Yeoman Warder who will tell you the tales of history from thousand years ago. Stories of prisoners of how they were treated are also part of the package. There is no need to do the booking. Tickets can be bought at the gate.
Tower Bridge:
You can have a thrilling experience by seeing London life through the glass floor. The visit starts at North tower towards South Tower. You will see the blue line, engine room and shops. The attractive view is 42 meters above the river. The visit will take you to the cultural heritage of the Victorian Era.
Buckingham Palace:
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a hot favourite ceremony where the Queen's Guard hands over the charge for safeguarding Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace to the new guard. There is no payment involved to watch this ceremony and people of all ages come to see them happening.
London Eye:
London eye officially known as the Millennium Wheel is a Ferris wheel on the south bank of the River Thames. The wheel contains thirty-two capsules which represent the thirty-two boroughs of London. It is the fourth biggest wheel in the world. It is a major touristic attraction for visitors.
Hyde Park:
Hyde Park is one of the major parks in London. Its lush green gardens provide captivating views which enable the visitor to relax and be enchanted. Events and concerts are held there too.
Restaurants to eat from near Gatwick Airport:
Mouthwatering restaurants and quality cuisine are what London is famous for. Visitors have a variety of cuisine to select from. Starting from the ambience to the taste bud’s customer gratification is the main aim. The following is the list of some famous restaurants across London that you surely don’t want to miss:
- Zeno Italian Restaurant
- Itsu
- The Nicholas Culpeper
- Pret A Manger
- Pure
- The Midnight Lounge
- The Yellow Chilli
- Garfunkel's
- Prezzo Italian Restaurant London Northumberland Avenue
- Little Frankie's
- Boyds Grill
- Nutshell
- Tunnel meals
- Rosetta
- Blue Garden Restaurant
In addition to these, London fish and chips, street restaurants, shawarmas, burgers are just a catch away if you want to have a takeaway and don’t want to dine in.
Fashion Hub:
From high brands to local unbranded shops, London has a huge variation of shopping areas. Discounts are offered from time to time which is an additional perk. Quality standards have to be maintained to promote customer satisfaction. Assistance is provided at the shops to help and guide the customers if they have any difficulty with size or product selection. The following are a few examples of shopping areas that you don’t want to miss to add to your closet.
- Travelodge Gatwick Airport
- Premier Inn
- Bloc Hotel
- Hilton Hotel
- Sofitel London Gatwick
- Corner House Hotel Gatwick
- Airport Inn Gatwick
Tips for booking hotels:
Before you book a room at any hotel keeps in mind the following tips:
- Choose cancellation protection at the time of booking
- Make sure about which terminal you will be flying from while booking
- Research rates for transfers and over-staying
- Compare hotels at the airport that offer parking package deals
- Don’t neglect off-airport car parks; check their location and transfer times
- Check reviews before booking a hotel.
London is one of the world's most mesmerizing and enchanting cities. With so many impressive tourist attractions and captivating things to do, it's no wonder London is one of the most visited cities worldwide, receiving over 20 million tourists each year. From history, architecture, heritage, culture, fashion, cuisine and sightseeing, there are endless possibilities to explore in London. Every day is a new beginning. Make your visit and stay worthwhile and hassle-free by availing of our Tikla Cars Mini Mini-Cab services, which is a symbol of amenity.
wishing you the best experience!
