Welcome To Heathrow!

If you think of the word Heathrow, you will automatically think of the huge airport that takes its name. What you may not know is how the airport came to be known as Heathrow.

You see, if you look up Heathrow as a location you may actually struggle to come up with much information at all. And that is because Heathrow as a place name no longer exists. The name lives on thanks to the airport, but the original place which was called Heath Row is long gone – razed to the ground to make way for the airport itself. This happened in the 1940s.

The sights near Heathrow

Most people go to Heathrow to catch a flight or pick up an incoming passenger, but there are also plenty of places you can see around the area itself.

Contrary to what some people think, Heathrow isn’t actually very far from Central London, and all the places you can see there. When you hop on the Underground train at the airport, you can be in London in just fifteen minutes.

One picturesque place to visit that is reasonably close by is the village of Longford. This has a wonderful history that stretches back a lot further than you might think. And you can see plenty of history right in front of your eyes, as many buildings are still standing that were created several centuries ago.

Stanwell Moor is another similar place that is just south of Longford. Given the size and scope of Heathrow Airport it is actually quite surprising that there are several small villages on the immediate outskirts of the airport. But of course this is what the area used to be like – the airport itself has developed and grown in size as the years have passed.

Things to do near Heathrow

You might be surprised to know that you don’t even have to leave the airport to enjoy some activities in the area! This is ideal if you arrive early and you are waiting to pick someone up, or even if you are waiting for a connecting flight or there is a delay of some kind.

The great advantage of shopping at Heathrow is that many of the big name brands you will see in Central London are also located right there in the airport itself. For example, you’ve got the presence of the biggest department store of the lot, and that’s Harrods. And if it is toys you’re after, why not go shopping in Heathrow’s version of Hamley’s toy store?

Designer shopping is also very much on the cards with such big names as Gucci and Cartier, but if you like something a little bit more down to earth you won’t be disappointed here either.

There is a Borders book store, for example, and a WHSmith’s for those who like magazines instead of just books.

Indulge in a bite to eat

London is renowned for the depth and breadth of the food on offer. Whether you want Chinese cuisine, perfect pizza, impeccable Italian or anything else that takes your fancy, you can eat out in real style in the capital.

As we mentioned before, Heathrow isn’t too far from London itself, but no matter where you stop en route you’ll find something sensational to get your teeth into.

And of course the airport itself has an equally fabulous range of food to enjoy. No matter what time of day it might be, you can be assured that you can pass the time in the airport quite happily by visiting one of the many food places that are on offer.

It’s not all burgers either. There is a brasserie and a ‘sandwich boutique’ to name just two venues that you might like to try. There’s just one thing to remember when you are heading towards Heathrow Airport – be sure you arrive hungry!

In conclusion

Heathrow is a somewhat odd place to visit if you aren’t actually going to the airport itself. Since the name belongs to a long since gone hamlet, you won’t be able to visit the place itself.

But there are still plenty of discoveries to be made since the airport is situated on the outskirts of London itself. Places such as Hatton and Staines aren’t too far away, not to mention plenty of other villages which sit rather at odds with the size of the airport itself.

So the next time you are in the area, be sure to see what you can discover. There is a wealth of history that stretches back far beyond the time when the airport was first thought of.