Millions of tourists, international students and business people visit London every year and there are so many iconic tourist attractions to see.
One of the easiest ways to get to and from London is via Stansted Airport.
But where is Stanstead located and what is there to do nearby if you have a stop over or plan to stay at a hotel nearby? Check out our guide and find out everything you need to know before you go.
Where is Stansted Airport Located?
London Stansted Airport (STN) is an international airport located in Essex, just outside Bishop's Stortford. Although Stansted Airport is often referred to as London Stansted Airport, is isn't actually located in London but 30 miles northeast of central London.
How Many Destinations Can You Fly from Stansted Airport?
You can fly to and from to 194 destinations in Europe and worldwide via 16 international airlines to Stansted Airport making it one of the busiest airports in Europe.
Parking at Stansted Airport
Depending on your needs, you’ll find the right parking option for you. There are zones for short stays close to the terminals and areas for longer stays. You can also choose the best option for you based on your budget; from affordable off-site parking with shuttle transfers to the terminal to a valet driver parking your car for you, there is something for everyone.
You can check all the available Stansted Airport parking options on bookfhr.com, as it presents various parking services at affordable prices with customer satisfaction ratings. Book the ideal space for your car with just a few clicks on your computer or mobile.
Getting to and from Stansted Airport
Thanks to the various means of public transport that operate at the airport, it is super easy to go to London and other destinations in south east England.
Depending on where you want to go, there’s a perfect means to take you there.
Train
The quickest way to travel to Central London is via train. The Stansted Express service takes around 40 minutes and prices start from around £23.
Bus
The cheapest option are taking a National Express coach which costs around £11.
Taxi
The most expensive options will be booking a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Uber on-the-spot rather than pre-booked.
Car
If you want to explore more of the places near Stansted Airport the easiest way to travel is by car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you’ll find car hire companies in London and at Stansted Airport to hire for hours, a day or longer. This is by far the most convenient way to discover the best locations near Stansted, and perfect if you have already been to Central London and want to discover some lesser known places and quient little towns and countryside gems.
Additionally, trains and buses run regularly between other popular locations in the south east, with tickets starting from £17 and £14 respectively.
How to Store Your Luggage at Stansted Airport
If you are on a layover or waiting for a cancelled or delayed flight, there are places you can store your luggage at Stansted Airport and pick it up on your return. This can make doing excursions and day trips much easier, like really who wants to be carrying around luggage it makes everything more difficult.
Top Places to See Near Stansted Airport
There are lots of different locations you can see code to Stansted, from towns, to beautiful countryside Let’s see what these fantastic attractions that you shouldn’t miss during Stansted’s express escapades are.
1. Cambridge
If you would like to explore a more well-known destination, Cambridge is the place you must go.
This is one of the most famous destinations in the UK, a university city and a great place to spend a morning, afternoon or full day wandering around. Here you can see the historic university and enjoy all the true academia vibes. For more relaxing and carefree moments, you can stroll along the River Cam, go punting on the river (when the weather is good) or go shopping in the city centre.
Cambridge is a 40 minute car drive from Stansted, whilst there are also hourly train and bus departures.
2. Hatfield Forest
Do you need a place to relax and quieten a bit from the stress of travelling and the chaotic pace of the British capital? Hatfield Forest, which dates back to medieval times and was once a royal hunting forest, is the answer to your prayers.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll and experience one of the most popular countryside destinations in England. If you don't have a car you can get a taxi from Stansted Airport which takes around 15 minutes and costs around £20.
3. Saffron Walden
Visit Saffron Walden and you’ll be impressed by the old buildings that maintain a mediaeval feel to the town. This market town is located in north-west Essex and has buildings and a local market that dates back to 1141. There are lots of photo opportunities, cafes and places eat and drink.
Some of the top local attractions to check out include Audley End House and Gardens and St Mary's Church which is the largest parish church in Essex.
Saffron Walden is a 30 - 45 minute drive from Stansted depending on traffic, and a taxi costs around £30.
4. Bishop's Stortford
Bishop's Stortford is the nearest town to London Stansted and the easiest place to visit nearby. This is one of the prettiest towns in England and home to fantastic cultural spots like the Rhodes Arts Complex, the Bishop's Stortford Museum and the Thorleybourne Gallery.
If you are after a fun challenge, check out the Bishop's Stortford Escape Rooms located on Millars One, Southmill Road.
Bishop's Stortford is only 15 minutes away from Stansted Airport and a taxi costs around £20. You can also get the Stansted Express which also stops at Bishop's Stortford on the way to London.
5. Mountfitchet Castle
Do you have an interest in history? You won't regret a visit to the Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village which dates back to 1066! You will get to experience what it was like to live in medieval Britain
This is a great destination for children, and you can easily spend a few hours seeing the castle, house on the hill toy museum, and dinosaur encounters.
Mountfitchet Castle is also very close to Stansted, and is an easy excursion via car or taxi. There are hourly trains travelling from Stansted Airport to Stansted Mountfitchet and tickets cost around £4.60 for a single.
Other
These are some more popular locations to checkout nearby:
- Enjoy the relaxation of Hatfield Forest Nature Reserve
- Play crazy golf at Golf World Stansted
- Enjoy plants and lush countryside at the Gardens of Easton Lodge
- Go canooeing at the Whoosh Explore Canoe Club - a great option for summer
- Sample the local drinks at The Redchurch Brewery
Plan a Stansted Airport Layover
If you do find yourself at Stansted airport during a layover or flight delay, or even if you are just staying in the area for cheaper accommodation compared to Central London, hopefully our guide has given you some inspiration for the best places to check out. If you have any questions you can find more information online on the official Stansted Airport website. Or if you have any recommedations we have missed off our list let us know in the comments section below.
