Can You Walk Around Gatwick Airport? Big Tesco, Pubs & Hotels
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Ever wondered if you can walk from the Travelodge or Airport Inn to Gatwick North Terminal?
Or whether getting to “big” Tesco from the terminal is actually doable without it turning into a “ uh, fu*k that” mission?
You’re not alone.
Walking routes around Gatwick aren’t exactly obvious. Pavements vanish. Maps can be misleading. And everything feels designed to funnel you into airport prices.
Shock, shock.
So here’s what you actually want to know:
- Can you walk to Gatwick North Terminal from nearby hotels?
- Is Big Tesco near Gatwick really walkable?
- Where’s the closest proper pub?
- Is the McDonald’s run worth it from the North Terminal?
Can You Walk from Travelodge / Airport Inn to Gatwick North Terminal?
In short — yes, you absolutely can.
If you’re staying at Travelodge or Airport Inn near Gatwick, it looks completely unwalkable at first glance.
Maps will also take you all over the shop.
And, we get it.
The hotel bar isn’t cutting it.
You want a pint in Spoons, soaking up the atmosphere and judging people. A proper wander round, a rough idea of where your check-in desk is… and to spend most of your money on stuff you don’t need.
Giant tub of M&M’s? Essential.
Check out the map below — these are some of the walking routes around the airport.
On maps, it’s basically a jungle with a stream.
No pavements.
Possibly monsters lurking.
But it’s actually part of a small nature trail, with a footbridge crossing over the stream. You can’t see the bridge or walkway on maps due to the foliage.
It’s a makeshift walkway with slabs and bits of wood, and in winter it can get muddy and a bit sketchy.
Fine in daylight.
Maybe not your best life choice at 3 am in January.
Don’t go dragging your suitcase through there.
Walking to ‘Big’ Tesco from Gatwick Airport
So, fess up — what did you forget?
Shops around Gatwick are limited for a reason. The less you can buy outside, the more you’ll end up spending in the airport.
If you’re searching for a Tesco near Gatwick Airport, yes — there’s a proper big Tesco Extra within walking distance.
You’ve got a decent-sized M&S inside the petrol station by the Hilton (near McDonald’s and KFC on the South Terminal side), or a Shell/BP near the Sofitel at North. The North side petrol station must do decent hot bakes because you always see staff demolishing one before shift.
Inside the airport, your main “convenience” option is W.H.Smith — and the prices will make you wince.
Cue an angry walk to Tesco… muttering “bloody greed”
To walk to Tesco Extra from Gatwick North Terminal, follow the same route as above. Once you’re over the bridge, follow the A217 past the Holiday Inn — there’s a proper pavement from there.
You can go around the perimeter road instead, but it’s a much longer trek.
By the way, there’s also a Greggs lurking around the hotels.
Pub Time?
If you’re looking for a proper pub near Gatwick Airport, options are a bit limited.
We recommend The Ye Olde Six Bells in Horley — one of the closest pubs to Gatwick that isn’t inside a terminal charging airport prices.
To get there, follow the same walking route towards the Holiday Inn, head up Brighton Road, and cut through the church alley on the left. The pub’s just on the other side. Check the map we created for the route.
It’s about a 10–15 minute walk once you’ve reached the Holiday Inn area.
Good to know:
If you need an excuse to go to the pub, we’ve got one for you.
Staying around Gatwick for the night? Food options nearby are limited unless you fancy paying airport prices. Time it right with the pub kitchen hours and you’ve nailed it — pre-holiday pint(s) plus a decent meal without rinsing your card.
Master planner behaviour.
Want Something Closer?
If you want something even closer to Gatwick, head to the bar inside the Sofitel. It’s directly connected to the terminal, and you don’t need to be staying there to grab a drink. It won’t be the cheapest, but you’ll have zero regrets.
We’ve written a full breakdown of our stay here if you want the full lowdown on rooms, club access and whether it’s actually worth the extra spend.
Check it out here – Sofitel Gatwick North Terminal Review
The atmosphere is pure pre-holiday vibes.
They do posh food too — but you’ll want the plastic fantastic ready.
It’s our go-to hotel when staying at Gatwick. Yes, it can be slightly pricier than Premier Inn or Travelodge, but if the difference is £20–£30, the convenience alone often makes it worth it.
No shuttle.
No weird woodland shortcut.
No crap bar.
Just roll out of bed, and you’re basically in departures.
For reference, on our upcoming 2026 booking, Sofitel was only £20 more than the cheapest Premier Inn room (next door) If you’re leaning more towards budget,
We’ve also reviewed the Premier Inn near Gatwick North Terminal here.
Tip: Always check the upgraded room prices at the Sofitel and weigh it up.
The runway view rooms are class if you like watching the planes (like us) and want a few extra perks.
Add Millésime Club, and you get the 8th-floor bar thrown in, too.
Free drinks in the evening. Nibbles. Breakfast in the morning.
I mean…
If you’re the type who’d buy a few pints anyway, it can almost pay for itself.
Free beer in the fridge. Wine. Water. Watching planes land before flying off on holiday in the morning.
Bliss.
North Terminal to McDonald’s, KFC & Other Food Options
If you’re staying around Gatwick North Terminal, the McDonald’s run is doable — but it’s not exactly next door.
McDonald’s near Gatwick Airport is roughly a 15-minute walk from the North Terminal.
The easiest route?
Hop on the free monorail to South Terminal, then follow the signs towards the Hilton.
Take a left just before the Hilton entrance, and you’ll find McDonald’s, KFC, and the M&S petrol station all within nugget-grabbing distance.
You can try walking the outside perimeter instead, but you’ll still end up needing to cross via the internal bridge — so you may as well take the easy option and enjoy the monorail ride.
Other food options directly around the airport are limited unless you’re happy paying airport prices.
If you want proper restaurant-style food without the “departure lounge tax,” jump on the train one stop to Horley — it takes about two minutes.
Or get the old Uber Eats out.
They deliver.
Horley town centre has far better pubs, takeaways and restaurants within walking distance of the station.
Wrapping Up
If there is any information or possible walking routes you want to know, we will be returning to Gatwick in May 2026.
Leave a comment or pop us an email, and we’ll try to help.
Gatwick, it’s mostly trial and error.
Maps aren’t always clear, elevations are weird, and pavements randomly disappear. It can feel like the airport wasn’t designed with pedestrians in mind.
Stick to the main routes, use the nature trail shortcut sensibly, and you can get pretty much anywhere you need without relying on shuttles or taxis. Nobody wants to feel like they’re stuck, even if it’s just for one night.
And whatever you do… don’t go lugging your suitcase through a dodgy alley at 3 am in the pissing rain.
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¡Adiós amigos!
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