London airports have been slammed for their "ridiculously high" car park charges, according to a consumer watchdog.

A survey conducted by Which? Car magazine reveled Heathrow has the countries priciest parking option, with seven days setting you back £88.70, business class. This is £35 more expensive than its cheapest spaces, which were £53.95 for an off-airport option.

The West London hub and Gatwick also had the UK's most expensive and cheapest overnight stay plus seven days parking options - the Sofitel Heathrow at £198.58 and the Hilton Gatwick at £139 - the cheapest, £71 for the Comfort Inn at Heathrow and £65 for the Europa Hotel at Gatwick.

Manchester had the cheapest, its park-and-ride facility setting you back £19.84.

The survey looked at prices at 15 of the UK's busiest flight hubs.

"More choice"

A spokesperson for Which? Car said:

"Travellers from the UK's major airports now have more choice than ever.

"However, this means prices can range from sublimely low to ridiculously high.

"And just because you pay for a particular service, such as meet-and-greet, it's not guaranteed to take the strain out of your journey."

"No hidden fees"

A spokeswoman for BAA, which runs Heathrow, said:

"BAA's car park rates start from £5.99 per day with no hidden credit card or booking fees and offer customers safe, secure and convenient parking nearest to the terminal.

Our commitment to passengers was demonstrated recently when all BAA airports waived overstay car parking charges for those passengers delayed as a result of the ash cloud disruption."

Belfast International, Liverpool, and Bristol airports were found to offer among the cheapest on-site seven-day parking options at £23, £27.99 and £29 respectively. They also provide some of the least expensive off-site deals with charges at Belfast International starting at £21, Bristol £23.50 and Liverpool £23.99.