If you are arriving at Gatwick airport with a few hours to kill before your departure find then you will find many restaurants and shops located within the terminal as well as all other features you would expect from a major airport. This article takes a look into what kind of facilities you can expect to find at the airport.

If you need to get some currency converted then the airport has a bureau de change, offering commission free services, so you know you are getting the best deal around.

Perhaps you fancy a little retail therapy? Gatwick has a whole host of shops to suit all the family. Stock up on books and magazines to keep you occupied on the plane, or you can purchase duty free gifts for friends and family. You can even print of vouchers from the online website in advance and secure yourself some great discounts.

It’s often advisable to eat before your flight as you are never sure when your next meal could be. Gatwick has a whole range of restaurants from fast food joints to upscale sit down restaurants where you can enjoy a fine dining experience whilst waiting for your flight.

If you are arriving and want to pick up your hire car then you will find all the major brands located within the terminal building. Another great money saving tip is to book your car in advance, this way you will get better discounts – especially if you book online. Have a great trip!

If you are visiting the UK for the first time then make sure that you take a trip to Stratford Upon Avon. It must be the biggest tourist draw in the country after London. You will need a hire car to get there as it is quite a long way from the capital but you will find it worth it when you get there. Of course there is Shakespeare’s birthplace and Mary Ardens house to visit as well as The Shakespeare Theatre but there are many other things to do as well. There are open top bus tours which will take you around all of the sites and give you commentary as well so you can learn all about this famous place and its residents.

There are several theatres as well as the famous Shakespeare’s Theatre and there is a theatre museum. There is a lovely canal and river in the town where you can feed the ducks, geese and swans and there are barges and the opportunity for boat rides and there are even shops in some of the boats such as an art gallery and an ice cream shop. There are a selection of more conventional shops including some lovely gift shops, ice cream and sweet shops and of course tea rooms. There are also more conventional clothing shops as well as restaurants, book shops and pubs. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts and guest houses but if you are arriving in peak season then it is wise to book in advance.