Watford
Introduction
Situated on the banks of the River Colne, you will find Watford nestled within the county of Hertfordshire. Located a short distance northwest of Central London, this town and non-metropolitan district offers a convenient location for your visit.
Before you go
Before you arrive, consider the deep history of this area, which dates back to its mention in the Domesday Book. You can trace the local heritage through Cassiobury Park and the legacy of a medieval market held near the River Colne. The town's landscape was significantly shaped by 18th-century infrastructure developments, including the construction of the Grand Union Canal and the later arrival of the railway.
Your visit will place you in a bustling commuter belt with convenient rail links to London. You are also situated near a thriving film industry that encompasses several major studios across nearby locations.
Getting there
You can reach Watford by car via the M1 and M25 motorways, which provide direct road connections to various towns and cities across the country. If you are traveling from London, several routes lead into the town centre or North Watford depending on your starting point. For those arriving from Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, or the south, the M25 provides access toward the town centre and local landmarks like Warner Bros. Studio Tours. Travelers coming from the north via Luton Airport or St Albans can also reach the area by car, while those from the east of England can use the M11 to enter North Watford.
Train travel offers multiple ways to reach the area through National Rail and London Underground networks. Watford Junction serves as a major hub with connections to London Euston, Birmingham, and destinations in Scotland, including a daily sleeper service. You can also reach the town via Watford High Street or Bushey stations. For those traveling from the city, you can use an Oyster or contactless card for travel between Watford Junction and various London stations. Additionally, several bus routes connect Watford to nearby locations such as Hemel Hempstead, Luton, and Borehamwood, while a shuttle bus serves the Warner Bros. Studio Tour area.
- The Grand Union Canal passes through the town, offering a route toward destinations like Milton Keynes and Birmingham.
- Parking is available throughout the town centre, including at the Atria shopping centre, Avenue Car Park, and behind the Town Hall.
Getting around
You can explore most attractions in Watford on foot, as many sites are located within walking distance of one another and do not require the use of buses or trains.
If you choose to travel further by bus, Hertfordshire buses offer an Explorer ticket. This pass allows for unlimited travel for groups of up to two adults, two adults and two children, or one adult with three children.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations ranging from boutique guesthouses to established hotel chains. Select from options such as the Orchard House Guest House, Ricky Road Guesthouse, or Berrygrove Lodge B&B for a more traditional stay.
For those preferring larger hotel brands, you can find rooms at the Premier Inn, Hilton, or Travelstop. You may also choose to stay at The Grove in Chandler's Cross if you prefer a beautiful setting.
Food & drink
You can find a wide variety of dining options throughout the town, ranging from sit-down establishments to quick bites. For those seeking diverse cuisines, choose from Middletons Steakhouse and Grill, Flower Drum for Chinese dishes, or Hanko for Japanese fare. If you prefer a casual meal, Roosters Peri Peri Chicken offers halal chicken wraps and burgers, while Pepe's serves Greek Cypriot dishes, steaks, and puddings. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at GoKula Vegetarian Cafe, which also serves as a local spot to meet others in the community. For your morning coffee or a quick snack like paninis and muffins, visit Presence or Aroma for a traditional fry-up.
The town centre comes alive at night with a concentration of bars and clubs along the High Street and The Parade. You can experience a lively atmosphere as you move further up the High Street, where the music becomes louder. Choose from various venues including Chicago Rock Cafe, O'Neills, Reflex, The Columbia Press, Walkabout, Kandi Klub, Bar Me, Bar Nazdrovya, or Bodega. For those seeking a larger nightlife experience, Oceana is located on The Parade.
What to see and do
Explore the cinematic magic of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour where you can wander through real-life sets, handle props used in the Harry Potter films, and taste Butterbeer. For those interested in local history, visit the Watford Museum to view fine art and displays regarding local heritage, industry, sport, and the Cassiobury Estate. You can also experience live performances at the Watford Palace Theatre or catch comedy shows and live music at the Watford Colosseum, a venue noted for its world-class acoustics.
Engage in various activities across the area, from shopping in the town centre to strolling through Cassiobury Park. If you prefer active pursuits, you can play at the high-tech driving range of Watford Topgolf or visit Woodside Leisure Park for cinema and indoor play areas. Sports fans can catch a soccer match at Vicarage Road or head to Garston to use the running and athletics track.
Three days in Watford
Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the local area near the River Colne. You might spend your time wandering through the nearby Cassiobury Park or visiting the shops along Watford High Street.
Day two, you can travel toward North Watford or explore the surrounding Hertfordshire countryside. If you prefer to see more of the region, you can take a train from Watford Junction to reach neighboring areas like Bushey or Hemel Hempstead.
Day three, you can head toward the nearby Warner Bros. Studio Tour or prepare for your onward journey via National Rail or the London Underground to reach destinations such as St Albans or central London.