The ultimate family guide to Gatwick Airport. Gatwick Airport is my favourite UK airport for family friendliness.
It is somewhere I have always found the staff to be happy and willing to go out of their way to ensure a smooth ride – you really feel part of the Gatwick Airport family.
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The ultimate family guide to Gatwick Airport – Location
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Perfectly located off the M25, Gatwick Airport is simple to get to and from. And it’s packed with everything a family needs for a perfect getaway.
With impressive hotels, good food and a great amount of child friendly facilities. It’s a great airport to fly from.
Gatwick Airport: The Airport Itself
Gatwick Airport is split in two. With the North Terminal and South Terminal and a free shuttle train running between the two.
It’s an easy airport to get around.
It’s a half hour’s train journey from London Victoria. As it’s just off the motorways it’s easy to reach, wherever you’re coming from.
You can fly to more destinations from Gatwick than any other UK airport. 200 destinations in 90 different countries.
In addition to driving into the airport there are plenty of buses and coaches too.
Whenever we drive to Gatwick I’m always struck by how close you can park at the terminals. The airport has some of the best family friendly facilities I’ve ever seen.
We love the dedicated family lines for the baggage checks. And there’s even a fun castle-style entrance to the body scans, making the whole experience much friendlier and less intimidating for children.
In the South Terminal there are special family seating and play areas. As well as plenty of places where you can see planes moving to and from the runways.
Ao there’s always lots to keep little ones entertained.
Where to eat
There are lots of High Street names offering reasonable eats and drinks across both of the terminals.
From the regular Wetherspoons, to Joe & The Juice and Wagamama.
I think there’s plenty on offer for families, with a host of coffee shops with cheaper eats. Perfect for lunches, and covering all budgets too.
I always like to pick up snacks and drinks before I fly and if we have time to grab a meal.
Gatwick Airport is somewhere I’ve always found to have something for all of us to enjoy without it costing a large slice of our holiday fund.
Gatwick Airport lounge
There’s a fair selection of additional lounges for travellers at Gatwick, and it’s nice to discover that they’re not just the domain of business travellers.
If you’re looking for a space to chill out and let your children relax before the flight you’ll enjoy No1 Lounge in the North Terminal.
It’s got a laid back feel with plenty of hot and cold food and drinks available throughout the day. You can serve yourself, before finding a comfortable sofa and reading a free paper or magazine.
For children there’s table football, TVs and a PlayStation to help pass the time.
I liked that there’s plenty of places to charge your smart phone. And free iMacs so you can browse online or send a few emails before you head for the departure gate. You do need to book in advance.
Where to stay
As the second biggest UK airport it’s not surprising to find plenty of places to stay nearby. With a great selection of hotels, guest houses and B&Bs offering cheap places to stay. Through to a touch of luxury before you head off.
Again there’s something for every budget.
I really love the relaxing atmosphere of Hampton by Hilton which is so conveniently located. It’s connected to the airport building.
Their rooms are packed with style and comfort and they offer a generous continental style breakfast.
The Holiday Inn at Gatwick Airport is another great stay for families. With parking on site and a shuttle bus to the airport. There’s food available here too.
What are your experiences of travelling from Gatwick? We hope our guide to Gatwick Airport has been helpful. Leave a comment below with your tips for the airport.
