What attractions can I see in London within 3 hours?

Question

I'll be having 5 hours between flights in Heathrow airport. Considering at least 2 hours for check-in can it be real to see something in London within 3 hours? (I've never been to London befor and I really want)

I've already found out that there's a good idea to get to Paddington station in train because it's just 15 minutes journey, but what's the best plan after that?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Let's be a little more realistic about this, please  - apologies in advance, but I am trying to help!

You say you have 5 hours between flights and I assume that your departure is 5 hours after the planned arrival time.

I'm going to assume that you have no need for a Visa for the UK, and that your passport is not from one of the countries for which we take a little longer to process at immigration - also let's assume that your plane's arrival isn't delayed - but as the world's busiest airport, chances are  that there will be some delay.

Remember, to get through Heathrow customs and immigration will probably take you an hour - you should normally be able to reach the Heathrow Express train an hour after leaving the plane (which, for a 747 for example, can take 15 to 20 minutes), so if you catch a train immediately, you'll arrive in London Paddington with an hour and 45 minutes spare at the most (allowing for the 2 hour check in).

I can't recommend anywhere in the Paddington area, which is to the west of Central London, and for every few minutes away from there, you'll have to add the same to get back.

You can where this is going, can't you?

Even if you did have a dash into Central London, you run the very great risk of a delay on your return and missing your next flight.

I'd love you to visit my favourite city and I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, but it's best that you are made aware of the fact that you would be taking a great risk for no gain.

One minor suggestion; there's some great shops - including a branch of Harrods - airside at Heathrow. Buy yourself a little souvenir - and promise to come again soon- for a few days.

Does this help, please?

Alun Hill MCIJ, London Travel Writer and Broadcaster

Editor, Is London Expensive?

http://www.IsLondonExpensive.com

Answer 2

get an open top bus tour such as this one

http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/london/to...

the Blue Route goes past Paddington Station ... just DON'T get off the bus, you won't have time for it !!

Answer 3

Adding to AlunHill's response and related to your other question: you really want to do all that with *all* your luggage?

As far as I remember lockers are few and far between at Heathrow, if any at all.

Answer 4

There's lots of stuff to see, and a lot of it is close together.

I would recommend te london eye as you will see a lot from the wheel itself. Then there is the Milllenium bridge nearby and lots f other things near the Thames. In 3 hours you will not have time to visit attractions like Madame Tussauds, but there's lots to see for free.