Many of us have a love-hate relationship with airports, some think that the whole airport experience is part of the holiday, whilst others find it stressful and just want to get on that plane.

However, no matter how you feel about airports, there’s no denying that some are much better than others. SkyParkSecure have compiled The UK Airport Index – which ranks each airport and its terminals on best leisure, entertainment, shopping, and lounge facilities to reveal which is the best terminal in the UK.

London Heathrow Terminal 5 Is The Best Airport Terminal In The UK

London airports dominated the top of the rankings, but it was Terminal 5 at Heathrow that made the top spot, with a total score of 39 out of 50. The terminal has 15 different eateries – including a Wetherspoons (for that all important airport pint), Wagamamas and Itsu. It also has the Fortum & Mason Bar, alongside the Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar if you’re after something a little more luxurious.

Heathrow Terminal 5 also has a huge 43 shops if you have time to kill before your flight and cash to spend, alongside your usual Duty Free, it’s a great spot for those who like their big brands, with names such as Chanel, Cartier, Dior and Burberry having stores there.

Edinburgh Airport Named the Best Airport Outside Of London

Edinburgh Airport doesn’t have multiple terminals, so it was ranked as a whole – and was the highest airport outside of London on the ranking list, with a score of 22 out of 50. If you’re after a pre-flight meal, you’re spoilt for choice – with Barburrito, Brew Dog and All Bar One being just a few of the names to choose from.

Shoppers won’t be disappointed either, with shops such as Accessorize, JD Sports, WHSmith book shop and even The Enchanted Galaxy, which is filled with merchandise from your favourite books, films and TV such as Harry Potter, DC Comics and Marvel.

Scotland has the best airports in the U.K outside of the English capital it seems, as Glasgow Airport followed Edinburgh closely, with a score of 19 out of 50, also tying with Birmingham Airport.

Glasgow and Birmingham were then followed by Bristol Airport, Newcastle Airport and Belfast Airport – all scoring 16 out of 50.

Manchester One Of The Lowest Ranking Airports In The UK

Manchester is the busiest airport in the UK outside of London, but still didn’t find itself high up the rankings. Even its brand-new Terminal 2 – the highest ranking out of the airports three terminals, only ranked in 19th place out of 29, with a score of 8 out of 50.

It’s biggest terminal, Terminal 1 scored 7 out of 10, ranking 20th – with its smallest terminal, Terminal 3 ranking 22nd and scoring 4 out of 10.

For more information on the index, alongside the best airport lounges in the UK, you can read more here: Best UK Airports for Shopping, Food, and Entertainment (skyparksecure.com)