Which UK airports the best facilities to keep young travellers occupied while you hit the duty free before you fly.
Glasgow Airport
Most toilets throughout the airport have wall mounted changing units and there are three baby-changing rooms after security. A soft play area is available for 2-6 year-olds on the international pier, near Gates 27A and 27B. The airport also has a scattering of puzzle tables, lego equipment and Fingabox interactive screens next to seating areas in several sections of the terminal.
More info: glasgowairport.com
Manchester Airport
Baby changing facilities can be found in all three terminals, inside or nearby the ladies toilet, and include chairs for those wishing to breastfeed somewhere private. Terminal 2 has a play area with a dedicated toddler section suitable for under 3’s, as well as one for slightly older children (up to 8 years). It’s located next to Gate 213.
More info: manchesterairport.co.uk
Heathrow Airport
Baby changing facilities are available in all terminals and located alongside the toilet blocks. Stay & Play areas are available at Terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5 (see details below). Equipped with slides, soft play areas and separate baby and junior zones, they’re great places for burning off excess energy before flights.
Terminal 1, near Giraffe Restaurant
Age: 2-8 years
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm
Terminal 3, near Gates 23-43
Age: 2-8 years
Opening hours: 9am-6pm
Terminal 4, next to Burberry
Age: 0-9 years
Opening hours: 11am-8pm
Terminal 5, near Gate A7
Age: 0-9 years
Opening hours: 9am-6pm
More info: heathrowairport.com
Gatwick Airport
Specially equipped rooms for feeding and changing babies are indicated by either a bottle sign or baby care symbol and are available throughout the airport. There are also fold-down tables provided in some male and female toilets. Play areas are located in the South Terminal departure lounge opposite Café Rouge and behind Boots in the North Terminal departure lounge. These include play areas and TVs, as well as seating for parents.
More info: gatwickairport.com
Stansted Airport
While there are baby changing and family rooms available throughout the airport, there are no designated play areas.
Your best bet for killing time is a visit to Pret A Manger in the departures lounge which offers great views of aircrafts landing and taking off, or a trip to Hamleys (although the latter could cost you more).
More info: stanstedairport.com
Edinburgh Airport
Baby changing facilities are available throughout the airport. There are no play areas within the airport although a downloadable PDF is available, which is packed with quizzes, spot the difference and word searches, which may help to keep little ones entertained.
More info: edinburghairport.com
Birmingham Airport
Baby changing facilities are available and located alongside the toilet blocks. There are no play areas at Birmingham airport, but they have produced a downloadable PDF for children. This step-by-step guide takes kids through the airport process: from arriving at the car park to boarding the flight. There are also some word searches and puzzles to do during the flight.