Who says airports have to be boring? Love your layover is a series of articles aimed at uncovering the fun activities that Heathrow Airport has to offer. Instead of dreading the long waits between flights, make the most of your time by exploring Heathrow. You may be pleasantly surprised!
In this first instalment of our Love your layover series, we feature some of the most interesting shopping experiences Heathrow has to offer.
Given Heathrow’s sheer size and the number of retail outlets in the airport, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that you are strolling through a shopping mall. But…we know you can shop at home too, and might be thinking, “Do I really need another dress, magazine or travel pillow?”
So if you’re looking to combine entertainment and shopping in one experience, why not visit one of these novel stores during your layover:
- Glorious Britain
This quintessentially British store boasts a wide range of souvenirs, including merchandise from British icons such as The Royal Family and The Beatles. Here you will find anything from British-themed keyrings, hats, t-shirts, and pens, to wallets, soft toys, baby clothes, and even pet toys. Even if you don’t walk out of this store with a single thing, the experience is sure to put a smile on your face.
Where to find them:
- Terminal 3 (before and after security): Opening hours: 05:30-last departing flight.
- Terminal 4 (after security): Opening hours 5:30-22:00.
- Terminal 5 (after security): Opening hours 5:30-last departing flight.
- World of Whiskeys
With over 250 whiskies to choose from, World of Whiskies is a treat for both the connoisseur and casual whiskey drinker.
The store offers limited edition, vintage, rare, and exclusive whiskies, as well as a wide range of single malts, single grain and pure malts, blends, and bourbons. You can even take your tastebuds on an adventure by trying out different whiskeys at their dedicated tasting bar, where expertly trained staff will assist you to find the perfect whiskey.
Where to find them:
- Terminal 2 (after security): Opening hours: 5:00-22:30
- Terminal 3 (after security): Opening hours: 6:00-22:00
- Terminal 4 (after security): Opening hours: 5:30-22:00
- Terminal 5 (after security): Opening hours: 5:30-last departing flight
- The Bookshop by WHSmith
Attention bookworms – this one’s for you. If you can think of nothing better than spending your layover getting lost in a world of books, look no further than The Bookshop.
The Bookshop is a far cry from the traditional WHSmith experience. Each store employs avid book-lovers with specialist knowledge to assist customers and make recommendations. There is also a strong focus on backlist titles, and the store offers a wide range of bestsellers in categories ranging from fiction and business, to children’s books and autobiographies.
Where to find them:
- Terminal 3 (after security): Opening hours: 06:00-22:00
- Terminal 4 (after security): Opening hours: 06:00-22:00
- Terminal 5 (after security): Opening hours: 06:00-22:00
- The Harry Potter Shop
If you wish your parents had sent you to Hogwarts, The Harry Potter Shop is the perfect layover stop for you. The store stocks themed items from J.K. Rowling’s works (including Merchandise from her West End hit Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Parts One and Two, and the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
For all your Harry Potter collectables, accessories, gifts, and apparel, this is your go-to place at Heathrow Airport.
Where to find them:
- Terminal 5 (after security): Opening hours: 05:30-22:00
If the above options don’t tickle your fancy, you could always take your kids to Hamley’s Toy Store (one of the most famous in the world), try some decadent macaroons and chocolates at L’Orchidee, or indulge in luxury caviar and champagne at Caviar House & Prunier.
Whatever you choose to do, you’ll certainly enjoy a unique shopping experience at Heathrow Airport.