Watford
Discover Watford
Watford is a large town in Hertfordshire, a few miles from the Greater London boundary. It is around 20 minutes from central London using National Rail trains, and slightly longer on the London Underground and Overground networks. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is on the outskirts of Watford, while the town centre is home to the Colosseum music venue, the Atria shopping centre and Watford Market. Cassio is listed in the 1086 Domesday Book. It lent its names to one of Hertfordshire's historic hundreds and lends its name today to Cassiobury Park, named after a former mansion. In the 12th century, the Abbot of St Albans who owned the land was given permission for a weekly market near the River Colne, where it was held until 1928.
What to Experience in Watford
Taste of Watford...
For restaurants, there is Middletons Steakhouse and Grill, Flower Drum (Chinese), Flame (Chinese buffet), various Pizza restaurants (Pizza et pizza, Zinco, Ask, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express), Caribbean, Japanese (Hanko)... Fast food - Two McDonalds (with an extra 2 in the north of the town), Five Guys, two Subways, various pizza takeaway places (Dominos, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express and various kebab shops. Roosters Peri Peri Chicken is halal and serves very inexpensive but absolutely delicious chicken meals, including wraps, burgers, etc., and even apple pies and ice cream in the summer. Try the chicken burger meal. Yum. For a sit-down, go to Pepe's, opposite the indoor market (behind Poundland) which serves Greek Cypriot fare as well as burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and puddings. Vegetarian - GoKula Vegetarian Cafe, a vegetarian and vegan fast food restaurant with links to the nearby Hari Krishna Temple. A breakfast & brunch restaurant but not evenings. At 65 Market Street. Halal - Roosters (burgers, chicken wings, chips...), various kebab shops. Cafés - Presence coffee shop with paninis, muffins, with a spa upstairs and a gift shop out front. TJ Hughes has a restaurant/café. For the more traditional fry-up, head to Aroma at the bottom of the high street for relatively healthy and delicious breakfasts, chips, burgers etc. Toast, next to Roosters and almost opposite the Palace Theatre, serves sandwiches, juice etc.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsToday, Watford lies at the junction between the M1 and M25 motorways. There are car parks throughout Watford town centre, including at the Atria shopping centre, Avenue Car Park and behind the Town Hall. There are direct road connections to towns and cities throughout the country: From the City of London and Holloway, the connects with the and in north London. Watford has several train stations on the National Rail and London Underground networks. 51.6635-0.39581 Watford Junction LIO . The largest station in the town, with direct connections to London Euston, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, destinations in Scotland, and local stations. There is a daily sleeper service to and from Glasgow Central and Edinburgh. (updated Sep 2023) You can use your Oyster or contactless card to travel between Watford Junction and stations in London: Daytime London Northwestern Railway services from St Albans Abbey, Park Street, How Wood, Bricket Wood and Watford Junction call at 51.687-0.3822 Garston and 51....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Most attractions in Watford are within walking distance of each other and do not require buses or trains. All Hertfordshire buses offer an 'Explorer' ticket which permits a maximum of 2 adults, 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult with 3 children to unlimited travel for £7. It is often worth doing as it can save money even if you are on your own. There are plenty of things to do in Watford. For example, visit the Warner Bros Studios in north Watford, shop in the town centre, stroll through Cassiobury Park, play golf at Watford TopGolf or even visit Woodside Leisure Park, home of Vue cinema, indoor play areas and some restaurants. Watford is also home to many leisure centres, for sporting activities, including a running and athletics track in Garston. Watford Colosseum hosts many comedy shows and live music concerts, check out their website for upcoming shows.
Where to Stay
As of May 2022, Watford has 5G from all UK carriers. Take the Metropolitan line from a secluded tube station after a walk through Cassiobury Park to Baker Street, Harrow, Wembley... And change at Baker Street for various other London lines and of course to visit Sherlock Holmes's offices. Change at Moor Park to go to Rickmansworth, Chesham, Amersham, and Aylesbury.
Money & Budget
For restaurants, there is Middletons Steakhouse and Grill, Flower Drum (Chinese), Flame (Chinese buffet), various Pizza restaurants (Pizza et pizza, Zinco, Ask, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express), Caribbean, Japanese (Hanko)... Fast food - Two McDonalds (with an extra 2 in the north of the town), Five Guys, two Subways, various pizza takeaway places (Dominos, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express and various kebab shops. Roosters Peri Peri Chicken is halal and serves very inexpensive but absolutely delicious chicken meals, including wraps, burgers, etc., and even apple pies and ice cream in the summer. Try the chicken burger meal. Yum. For a sit-down, go to Pepe's, opposite the indoor market (behind Poundland) which serves Greek Cypriot fare as well as burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and puddings.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Watford
Watford
Watford Grammar School for Boys
an aerial view of a building with cars parked in front of it
Went to tie my shoe and caught a man infront of me releasing a massive exhaaaaale!
Some love what they do. Do you love what you do?
Watford Grammar School for Boys
Watford Grammar School for Boys
What a beautiful but terrifying scene. If you’ve seen or are aware with the Harry Potter world, you’ll know especially now how real this looks and feels.
Watford Grammar School for Boys
Captured Hagrid’s Hut scene at Warner Brothers Studio. Love the details.
Watford
Watford Grammar School for Boys
an aerial view of a building with cars parked in front of it