We're arriving into LGW at 06:30 but then don't connect to MAN until 15:00. Appreciate I could just skip the last leg and get a train up to Manchester and this may well be the best option.

Otherwise, I was thinking Yotel at Gatwick from 7am to 11am ish for a few extra hours kip and a shower, then over to LHR to arrive approx midday for lunch at the lounge and onwards travel.

Any other bright ideas? I'd be tempted to go straight to the lounge for a shower but feels a long time plus I'm told I probably can't check in anyway til 3 hours before departure?

Cheers