Our ‘5 Things We Love About’ series highlighting features and amenities at airports around the world continues with London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW).
We have airport mascot Gary Gatwick to help highlight some of the amenities.
1. CONVENIENCE
Most travelers only think of Heathrow Airport when they think of booking flights to London.
But getting to central London from Gatwick Airport is really quite easy. And fast.
Gatwick is about 30 miles south of central London and the non-stop Gatwick Express rail service makes the trip to London’s Victoria Station in just 30 minutes. And Victoria Station is very centrally located.
On the train, travelers will find free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and places to store suitcases.
There’s even a “Delay Repay” offer if you’re arrival is delayed by at least 15 minutes.
Thameslink trains also make the journey easy from Gatwick Airport to London Bridge and other destinations.
2. HOTEL OPTIONS AT GATWICK AIRPORT
For quick naps or a freshen-ups once you land, the YotelAir London Gatwick Airport, located landside in the South Terminal, offers super-compact ‘cabins’ for stays as short as four hours.
Gatwick Airport also offers travelers the choice of staying overnight at the Sofitel London Gatwick or the Hilton London Gatwick, both owned by the Arora Group. We found rates at both hotels lower than at the corresponding properties at Heathrow.
3. FIRST AIRPORT GIN DISTILLERY
The world’s first airport distillery is at Gatwick Airport.
You’ll find it tucked in the corner of the Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining venue, which is located pre-security in Gatwick’s North Terminal.
The distillery produces small batch, bespoke London Gatwick Airport Gin that is used in many of the specialty cocktails at the restaurant.
If the distiller is on site, you might get even get invited in for a tour and a taste.
4. GOURMET DINING AT GATWICK
Juniper & Co, located post-security in the North Terminal, offera a menu featuring high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
There’s a kid’s menu; a curated bar menu that includes a map showing how far away some the specialty gins, wines, beers, and juices are made; a breakfast menu; and an all-day menu with dishes using a wide range of locally-sourced ingredients.
Super fresh meals are made with salmon from H. Forman & Son (48 miles from Gatwick), Wells Farm bacon, sausages, and eggs (farmed 26 miles away), artisan bread freshly baked by Flour Station (60 miles from Gatwick), and a great cheese plate made with a great assortment of local cheeses.
5. AIRPORT MASCOT GARY GATWICK
For entertainment and engagement, Gatwick Airport has a mascot named Gary Gatwick.
A small version of the teddy bear mascot can be spotted out and about in the city, the region, and around the world. But in the airport, a full-size Gary Gatwick will often be found in the terminal and at special airport events.
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