Way too far to walk, esp. when you can 'ride the POD' from T5
(monorail-type gizmo, free from T5 to carpark next to Thistle)

"Go direct from Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 to Terminal 5 by POD in just five minutes",says the Thistle website.

Many thanks! Not sure when/if I will go but like to know what possibilities are!

Heathrow Thistle Hotel
 

I can confirm that the Thistle Hotel at Heathrow is brilliant,the outside terrace is just great and of course you can use the facilities,the main bar does not open until 5pm or thereabouts but there is a small shop in reception where you can buy Coffee,tea etc and alcohol and there is food also.Myself and my lad have been here on numerous occasions and the staff are very nice, they are obviously used to aviation enthusiasts and as long as you buy something there is no problem,we are looking forward to the summer where we can spot,take photos and relax.:D:D

Martin

It's also second stop on the free 423 bus from T5...

423 Bus timetable - Transport for London

...and in all honesty it's not too far to walk from T5, probably about 15 minutes or so but it's not the most scenic route, mostly roadside stuff, so probably best avoided. That said if do walk and get thirsty there are a couple of pubs on the way as you pass through Longford village before you get to the Thistle..:uhoh:.

Cheers wiggy. I suppose I could also take my folding bike on the tube, but might be a bit wobbly on the way back. Last time I went spotting Concordes and VC 10s were still flying!

I read with dismay the daft idea by mr Boris Johnson of imposing a congestion charge to the Heathrow area if the third runway gets the go ahead. Does anyone else think that having to go to Heathrow for a ride and a bit of spotting, and having to pay congestion or the threat of a heavy fine, is the daftest of daft ideas in the daft idea filled world of ours ?

I think it's very unlikely that your bike would be subject to the congestion charge.

Just park on a pavement and abandon your vehicle. Don't pay traffic fines or road tax.

A bit like Cyprus! ;)

Sptfire flying around Sussex yesterday, presumably from Goodwood, anyone know who owns it.