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Message: <blockquote data-quote="theMusicMan" data-source="post: 1243578" data-attributes="member: 63703">Hi RobertDuring the past few years I have traveled extensively out of LHR, and I have to say that it is one of the worst airports to go through re security and customs etc.  We have become particularly anal here in the UK during recent years, and airport security staff are notoriously ridiculous.  I appreciate in recent times world events have dictated that we all should be vigilant and on the lookout - but that doesn't mean we are all threats.  Queues are often massive, and I have often been advised to arrive 3 hours prior to departure to ensure I have enough time to clear customs.  Having said that of course if departure time is not so far away then the staff will help you expedite your way through.Anyway - if... and it is a big IF... you can clear customs into the UK with the ticket you have purchased, you might like to have a look on Google et al for RSPB reserves around the London area.  London is 20 minutes away from LHR by the <a href="https://www.heathrowexpress.com/index.asp?SID=%7BC775D0C1-555A-426C-8382-5ECE4DA7D653%7D" target="_blank">Heathrow Express</a> - there's a train every 20 mins that takes 20 mins - from each terminal at LHR.  This gets you to London Paddington, which is not quite 'central', but close enough for you to get connecting lines to the outskirt areas.Others here will have a better idea than I regarding which RSPB reserves are close(ish), but this <a href="http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/area/index.asp" target="_blank">RSPB link</a> might help you find somewhere.  Research is key here, but all directions and locations are included on the site so you can perhaps use Google Maps to see how far any location is away from London and see what amount of travel you are willing to risk throwing into a period of 6 hours...!!  Don't forget to calculate twice the travel time - to accommodate the return journey of course.  Also - if you do actually decide to do something, please remember that London and the surrounding areas within probably a 30-40 mile radius are always crammed with traffic.Hope this helps a little.  Good luck!</blockquote>

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