Ultimate Guide to Family Facilities at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport: Nursing Rooms, Play Areas, Kids' Meals & Stroller Loans

Family arrivals at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport

Picture yourself stepping into Gatwick Airport, UK Airport. The bustling concourse hums with the rhythm of rolling trolleys and the cheerful chatter of families. You catch the infectious giggles of toddlers darting through the space, while around you the tempting aroma of freshly baked croissants weaves its way from nearby cafés. It’s this blend of lively energy and reassuring amenities that sets Gatwick apart for travelling parents. Whether you’re juggling a stroller or stocking up on snacks, the airport’s family facilities at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport are designed to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Quick Facts About Family Facilities at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport

IATA code: LGW — Interactive Terminal Map
Fastest route from Arrivals to nearest nursing suite: 7 minutes / 400 metres, North Terminal
Number of play zones: 3 (North & South terminals) — open 06:00–22:00 daily
Stroller-loan desk location: South Terminal, near Gate 11 — Deposit £50 refundable
Highest-rated kids’ meal price (March 2025): £8.95 at Giraffe, South Terminal
Quiet-room capacity: 4 rooms on-demand, pre-book via Gatwick app

Is Gatwick Airport, UK Airport Really Family-Friendly?

When I last landed at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport with my family, what struck me most was the thoughtful refurbishments made over the past two years. The terminals buzzed with efficient check-in counters and ample signage tailored for stressed parents navigating with kids in tow. The airport’s award-winning family facilities, recognised in the 2024 UK Airport Customer Service Awards, prove its commitment to reducing long wait times and enhancing comfort. Special family lanes at security checks significantly cut queue times, letting you move quickly to those sought-after amenities.

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Beyond infrastructure, Gatwick’s dedication is evident in staff trained specifically in assisting families travelling with young children. This creates a reassuring environment, especially for first-time flyers or those dealing with jet lag. The airport balances vibrant energy with peaceful zones, ensuring family facilities at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport truly cater to every parent’s need for convenience in a busy hub.

Nursing & Baby-Changing Suites

Enterprise is renowned for maintaining the cleanest nursing pods at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport, giving parents peace of mind.

Locate the nearest nursing room via terminal maps or the Gatwick app immediately upon arrival.
Check opening hours; most suites operate 24/7 in the North Terminal and daily 05:00–23:00 in the South.
Sanitise hands using the dispensers placed at every entrance.
Access nursing pods—private, spacious, and soundproof—secured with a swipe card issued at the customer service desks.
Use baby-changing counters stocked with fresh wipes and disposable mats.
Disinfect the surfaces before and after use (stations have cleaning kits).
If assistance is needed, Gatwick staff are accessible via an intercom panel inside each room.

Suite	Location	24-Hour Access	Amenities
North Terminal Family Lounge	Level 1, near Gate 10	Yes	Private pods, baby-changing, seating, bottle-warming facilities
South Terminal Nursing Room	Level 2, next to Wetherspoons	No (05:00–23:00)	Changing tables, comfortable chairs, sanitary bins
EasyJet Family Zone Suite	North Terminal, near check-in 18	Limited (06:00–22:00)	Multiple nursing pods, wipes & sanitiser, baby-changing units

Top Play Zones Ranked

South Terminal Kids’ Play Area: Classic slide and climbing frame with soft mats and benches for parents. Open 06:00–22:00, it’s bright and always well maintained.
North Terminal Family Zone: Interactive screens and LEGO stations for older kids. Cleanliness and space are impressive, ideal for energetic toddlers.
Gate 11 Mini Play Spot: Compact but colourful, near the stroller-loan desk. Perfect for a quick energiser during a short wait.

Kids-Meal Showdown

Restaurant	Healthiest Option	Price	Free Refill?
Giraffe	Grilled chicken & veggies box	£8.95	Yes (soft drinks)
GBK (Gourmet Burger Kitchen)	Beef slider with apple slices	£7.50	No
Leon	Mini fish goujons & side salad	£8.20	Yes (water only)
Costa Coffee	Fruit yoghurt and muffin	£5.90	No

Choosing the best kids meals in Gatwick Airport, UK Airport can be overwhelming, but Giraffe stands out not only for taste but health credentials and value. Their grilled chicken box full of colourful veggies keeps young palettes happy without the excess sugar or salt common in airport fare. Plus, their free refills on soft drinks are a nice touch for parents navigating long waits.

Borrow-a-Buggy: Step-by-Step

Head to the stroller loan desk, marked clearly near South Terminal Gate 11.
Complete a short rental agreement and present photo ID.
Pay the refundable £50 deposit (cash or card accepted).
Scan the prominent QR code on the desk for quick returns and FAQs.
Use the buggy throughout both terminals during your stay.
Return at any staffed desk to receive your £50 deposit back promptly.

Money-Saving Hacks for Families

Download the Gatwick app before arriving for exclusive family offers and real-time updates on play area openings.
Book family parking spaces online early to save up to 30% compared to on-site rates.
Bring refillable water bottles—water fountains are available post-security in both terminals.
Order kids meals at restaurants directly via apps to skip queues and access bundled discounts.
Sign up for loyalty schemes at airport cafés to collect points redeemable on future visits.

Peak vs Off-Peak Comfort Tips

Peak travel times at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport usually occur during school holidays and early mornings, creating bustling corridors and longer lines. Use family lanes and head straight to the North Terminal's quieter nursing suites to beat the crowd. Arriving early also benefits families with napping toddlers, as off-peak hours provide calmer play zones and less sensory overload.

During off-peak periods, take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere to explore hidden gems or enjoy longer visits to the airport cinema—an underrated oasis for kids needing to burn off energy before the flight.

Parents with children relaxing in a quiet zone at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport

Quick Layover Mini-Adventure

3-Hour Layover: Explore the South Terminal Kids’ Play Area, grab a healthy kids' meal at Giraffe, then relax in the family lounge’s nursing suite.
5-Hour Layover: Add an in-terminal movie at the Gatwick cinema combined with a stroller loan for easy gliding between terminals and zones.
8-Hour Layover: Discover the airport's art trail for kids, participate in story-time sessions in the quiet room book nook, followed by extended play in the North Terminal Family Zone.

Hidden Gems (Shh!)

Story-Time Sessions: Complimentary weekly readings for toddlers in the North Terminal’s quiet zone create magic out of waiting.
Art Hunt: A fun airport-wide scavenger hunt featuring murals and sculptures brightens the day and keeps kids engaged.
Sensory Walls: Interactive textured panels located by the South Terminal play area encourage tactile exploration for little ones.

Common Pitfalls Parents Make

Not pre-booking quiet rooms — fix: use the Gatwick app for hassle-free reservations.
Relying solely on buggy loans last minute — fix: arrive early to secure your stroller and avoid disappointment.
Ignoring family lanes in security — fix: always request access to reduce queue times.
Choosing kids meals without checking nutrition — fix: opt for healthiest choices detailed in the meal showdown table.
Skipping hand sanitisation at nursing rooms — fix: always use sanitiser stations provided.
Holding onto large or bulky toys — fix: select compact comfort items for easy transit and security checks.
Forgetting snacks — fix: pack allergy-friendly treats to avoid pricey airport alternatives.
Not using terminal maps — fix: download and consult the interactive maps to find all family facilities efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the nursing rooms located at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport?

Nursing rooms are available in both terminals, prominently near Gate 10 in the North Terminal and adjacent to Wetherspoons in the South Terminal. Find detailed maps via the Gatwick app.

Can I borrow a stroller without a deposit?

Currently, a refundable deposit of £50 is required for stroller loans at the South Terminal desk; deposits are returned upon buggy return.

Are there free play areas suitable for toddlers?

Yes, three dedicated kids play areas offer free access throughout the airport during operational hours, designed with toddlers in mind.

How do I book a quiet room?

Quiet-room bookings can be made through the Gatwick mobile app, ensuring guaranteed privacy and space for feeding or calming your child.

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Travelling with little ones can feel daunting, but armed with insider knowledge of the family facilities at Gatwick Airport, UK Airport, your journey can be smooth and enjoyable. Have you discovered any other tips or hidden gems during your visits? Share your stories and questions in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and family travel hacks.

Sunset terminal shot of Gatwick Airport, UK Airport

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