When it comes to airports in Britain’s buzzing capital London, major hubs like Gatwick and Heathrow grab the headlines and inform much of the public debate. But don’t let a lack of media coverage dissuade you from travelling from one of south-east England’s small yet perfectly formed airports—Stansted Airport.

With fab facilities and a wide choice of dynamic holiday destinations, Stansted is a superb example.

Here are 10 tips if you’re travelling from STN this summer:

1. Shopping

Whether you want to grab a gift for friends and family or treat yourself to something special, be confident that shopping at Stansted Airport is a sublime experience – you’ll find everything from fine fragrances to designer clothes and tech gadgets.

Shopping at Stansted Airport (photo from World Dutyfree Jobs)

2. Children

If you’re travelling with kids in tow, there are baby changing facilities at international baggage reclaim areas 1 and 9, in the ladies toilets at UK baggage reclaim and several other areas.

3. Praying and contemplating

Stansted boasts two prayer rooms for passengers of a religious persuasion – one is located opposite check-in at zone A, the other is near the Escape Lounge in departures and they’re open to people of any religion as well as non-believers.

4. Wi-Fi

If you simply have to stay online to check emails, stay abreast of news or plug in to your favourite games, the good news is that Stansted offers four hours of free Wi-Fi for all travellers – plenty of time for pre-flight entertainment.

Giraffe menu (photo from Giraffe website)

5. Food

Flying on an empty stomach is a recipe for family arguments, so keep your tribe topped up on tasty and nutritious meals by dining at Giraffe, where the salt and pepper squid, prawn saganaki and huevos rancheros are simply to die for.

6. Meetings

Even if you’re not catching a flight, the environs of Stansted airport are excellent for business meetings – check out what’s on offer at the airport’s Novotel, Radisson Blu and United Business Centre.

7. Destinations

Naturally, the main reason you might choose Stansted is its amazing range of travel destinations, which include hotspots like Agadir, Dublin, Montego Bay and New York.

Hatfield Forest (Photo by Ric Dod)

8. Tree bathing

If you’re driving to Stansted and planning a pitstop, you could do worse than spend some time exploring Hatfield Forest – this ancient royal hunting forest has stunning scenery and resident red poll cattle.

The House on the Hill Toy Museum (photo from HOTHTM website)

9. Historic toys

The House on the Hill Toy Museum at Stansted Mountfitchet is another terrific place to drop into on your way to Stansted – it’s a pandora’s box of terrific toys and games from across the ages.

10. Parking

Cruising to the airport in your own ride can be more convenient than public transport, but by booking Stansted parking at Looking4.com you’ll grab a cheap, safe space and fly off in confidence.

Parting Words

As you can tell from these 10 tips, Stansted is a wise choice for your next business trip or weekend break, so bear it in mind the next time you’re flying for business or fun!

That’s our list! What do you think of this airport? Feel free to share any reasons you might love Stansted in the comments section below! Thanks and happy, safe travels to y’all!