Where to Stay in Watford
Watford is only a small town - around eight square miles in total. When deciding where to stay, visitors are advised to consider two basic factors: whether they prefer a rural or urban setting, whether they plan to commute into London. Usually, anyone wishing to be close to the centre of things will need to base themselves within the town proper, perhaps along Clarendon Road as this offers easy access to both the town and main railway station. Alternatively, for those looking for something a little more laid back can stay towards The Rookery or Cassiobury both of which offer a quieter atmosphere whilst still being within walking distance of the town centre.
Facts About Watford
Watford is famous today for two things: Watford FC - once owned by the town’s most famous resident, Elton John - and being the home of the Harry Potter sets. These two things alone draw many visitors to the town, but Watford also has a unique and fascinating history. Below are a few facts about the town:
- Grade II listed Jackson’s Jewellers in Watford’s Parade is said to have its own ghost – a man in Elizabethan dress who passes through walls.
- The One Bell pub, adjacent to St Mary’s Church, holds the UK’s oldest existing licence dating back to 1750.
- Elton John actually performed his first gig at The Namaste Lounge Pub, Northwood Hills.
- The Colosseum in Watford is renowned for its acoustic qualities. It has been used to record the soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings, The Sound of Music and Star Wars.
- Other famous former Watford residents include Simon Le Bon, Geri Halliwell, Mo Mowlam and Gareth Southgate.
Things to Do in Watford
Watford has plenty to see and do, from world-renowned tourist attractions to intriguing local museums and galleries. What’s more, the town’s location also means anyone staying there can explore much of the wider UK - including London. As such, Watford offers a huge amount of things to do, whether it be sightseeing in the city or exploring nearby Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Q.What is there to do in Watford?
Watford offers a surprising amount of things to see and do locally. Visitors can tour some of the famous movie locations and recording venues, explore the history of the town at the local museum or simply enjoy one of the 42 parks and green spaces. Alternatively, there’s always the option to catch the fast train into London and enjoy the many attractions of the capital.
Q. Are there many outdoor attractions in Watford?
Watford is a fantastic place in which to spend the summer months. Not only does it host its famous carnival in August, but there are also several parks and gardens to enjoy the sunshine. In fact, Watford is just a short walk away from London’s famous Hyde Park, which offers sprawling greenery and hosts several events throughout July and August.
Q. What are some free things to do in Watford?
Whilst many of Watford’s most famous attractions will charge an entry fee, there are nonetheless several free things to do for those looking to save money. Watford has several picturesque parks and green spaces, which are perfect for enjoying a walk in the open air, or for rainy days the town’s historic buildings - especially its ancient churches can be explored for free.
Q. Are there many family-friendly attractions in Watford?
Watford is famously the home of the Harry Potter studios, so it will be of little surprise that the region has plenty to offer children of all ages. Aside from the film studios, the area also has an abundance of parks with children’s play areas, as well as several visitor farms and stately homes with children’s activities.
Places to Visit in Watford
There are numerous landmarks and attractions in Watford, ranging from the traditional to the modern and its central location means it is also the ideal place from which to explore London. As a hip and upscale part of the city, Watford welcomes a huge amount of both domestic and international tourists and this is reflected in its myriad amenities and places to see. Some highlights include:
- Warner Brothers Studio - studio tour that is home to the world-famous Harry Potter sets.
- Cheslyn House & Gardens - stately home and gardens open to the public all year round and offering outdoor events in the summer months.
- Aldenham Country Park - stunning parkland with plenty of wildlife and nature trails.
- Watford Museum - a museum dedicated to Watford’s fascinating history, from an ancient market town to major player in the industrial revolution.
- Bushey Museum and Art Gallery - a modest gallery showcasing local artists and offering insight into the development of the creative arts in the region.
- DeHavilland Aircraft Museum - De Havilland produced some of Britain’s most iconic and important aircraft throughout the two world wars, many of which are displayed here.
- Chiltern Open Air Museum - an interactive outdoor museum that promises to ‘bring history to life’ - from the Roman era to World War 2.
Places to Eat in Watford
When it comes to dining out, Watford is a typical English market town in that it offers a broad array of restaurants and eateries, ranging from high-end fine dining to traditional pub food. However, visitors to Watford are not limited to English dishes - the town has everything from classic Indian food to avant-garde French cuisine.
Those looking for a sophisticated dining experience can head to one of the following:
- St James Restaurant.
- L'Artista.
- Vanchino's.
Alternatively, for more casual eating there are plenty of gastropubs in town:
- The King Stag.
- The Horse & Chains.
- The Essex Arms.
- No.8 at The Red Lion.
Finally, Watford also offers plenty of international cuisines:
- Rabbani's Indian Restaurant.
- The Prince Of Bengal.
- Derwish Meze & BBQ Restaurant.
- Mangal Plus.
Street Food in Watford
Watford may not be known as a top destination for street food lovers, however, visitors to the town might be surprised to find it still has a lot to offer. Many of the restaurants offer kiosk takeaways and there are also frequent food markets and pop up vendors operating locally.
Some highlights include:
- Clay Pot.
- Piedmont Food on the Street.
- Pete's Beanery Street Food.
- New Watford Market.
Shopping in Watford
Shopping is another area in which Watford punches well above its weight. Following a £180 million refurbishment and extension, the town’s Intu Watford shopping centre is one of the best retail facilities in the region, housing some 150 goods and services. In fact, it is now one of the largest in-town shopping centres in the UK. Watford also has a bustling high street, with plenty of more traditional stores.
Other top shopping destinations in the area include:
- Waterfields Shopping Park.
- The Arches Retail Park.
- The Maltings (St Albans).
- Christopher Place Shopping Centre (St Albans).
Transportation in Watford
Watford benefits from excellent transport and visitors staying in the town will find a comprehensive network of buses and trains means they can easily reach any of the surrounding areas, as well as nearby towns and the wider UK - including the cities of London and Birmingham. Watford Junction railway station is part of the West Coast Main Line which connects the cities of London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. There are also easy connections offering quick access to:
- Oxford.
- Luton.
- Swindon.
- Cheltenham.
- Reading.
Locally, Watford is served by several bus routes. The number 10 serves the town centre and its immediate surroundings, with three other services linking to nearby villages and towns (500, 530, 320). For those looking to travel further afield, the 724 connects Watford to St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Heathrow Airport.
Weather in Watford
Watford experiences similar weather to central London, with short comfortable summers and winters that can often see temperatures drop below freezing. The warmest time of year is between June and September 9, where the average daily temperature is around 20°C and there is little by way of rainfall. However, the region always has a relatively high chance of showers, even in the summer. Winters in Watford are usually fairly chilly, with temperatures hovering around 1°C. As Watford has many outdoor attractions, the months of June through to early September are usually the most popular times to visit the town.
