Spending time at the airport generally doesn’t stir up feelings of delight. There are long queues, grating security procedures, countless restrictions, and waiting listlessly using the slow, often exorbitantly priced Internet. All the while stuffing your face with mediocre munchies. Times are a-changing however as several airports have stepped up their game over the years by streamlining the waiting process, adding a variety of entertainment options, and dressing the airport with attractive wayfinding and modern art. The United Kingdom is no exception, as many of its airports have experienced serious upgrades over the past decade.
Manchester Airport
The Manchester Airport has all the standard amenities of a large airport—restaurants, bars, child’s play area, shopping. A highlight is the Runway Visitor Park, which features an assortment of historic aircrafts, including the impressive Concorde G-BOAC. For a luxurious layover, grab a massage at the spa center. You’ll leave on your flight fully relaxed and pampered.
London Heathrow
Spanning 5 terminals, there are many things to feast your eyes on at this busy airport. Sit at one of the several cafes and restaurants offering views of the runways or admire work from British artists at the Gallery in Terminal 5. If you have a long layover and need some shuteye there are shower and leisure facilities available. For those wanting views you can’t get elsewhere, go to the Renaissance Lounge where for a nominal fee, you have access to witness the airfield action from an elevated perspective.
Bristol Airport
This airport may be small, but they know how to throw a party. BarZero 9 has their local Butcombe Beer and Ashton Press Cider are on tap. They also offer hosting services, allowing you to have drinks pre-ordered and on ice before you arrive. Dexter restaurant has a “Book a Booth” service and can prearrange anything from customized birthday cakes to a dozen roses and champagne. To avoid inflated prices on meals, the airport’s website has free vouchers available for download offering discounts and deals at several eateries and shopping locations inside the airport.
London Gatwick
A delicious meal can easily be obtained at London’s Gatwick airport. Indulge in caviar or Batik smoked salmon at Caviar House and Prunier, all while drinking a glass from their award-winning wine list. Lighter fare of fresh-squeezed juices and flaky baked goods can be had at Apostrophe. After you’re feeling full, check out the drool-worthy supercars such as Aston Martins and Lamborghinis at the Best of the Best Display.
East Midlands
This airport takes their love of flying seriously. There is a gift and hobby centre geared towards aviation enthusiasts, complete with an extensive selection of die-cast model aircrafts. For a unique experience, have a picnic at one of the outdoor tables in the on-site Aeropark, which showcases over two-dozen classic aircrafts. The airport even offers a Fear of Flying course through Virgin Atlantic to help people overcome their anxieties.
