Watford

Watford has all the diversity and attractions of a modern cosmopolitan town. It offers everything from a lively parade of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs to relaxing spas, golf clubs, museums, a theatre and its very own premiership football team.

Situated in Hertfordshire, Watford is well connected, lying within the bounds of the M25 motorway and just 17 miles from central London.

Attractions

Housed in the former Benskins Brewery Mansion, Watford Museum tells tales of the town through the history of industry, fine art and football memorabilia. Entry is free and regular events and activity days for children take place throughout the year.

Watford Palace Theatre is nearly 100 years old and this beautiful Edwardian building now puts on nine varied productions a year. The programme of shows ranges from Christmas pantomimes and classic plays to comedies and modern works.

A few miles north of the town centre is Woodside Leisure Park. It provides endless fun with a multiplex cinema, bowling, ice skating, arcades, a play dome and restaurants.

Formerly belonging to the Earls of Clarendon, The Grove Hotel is set in 300 acres of private land. Fine dining, relaxing in the spa, tennis, swimming, croquet or golf is the order of the day in this elegant setting. There are even kids clubs to keep the children occupied whilst guests sample the luxury of this grand mansion.

Vicarage Road in Watford has the largest stadium in Hertfordshire. Premiership football team Watford FC and Saracens Rugby Club are both based here.

Shopping

With over 145 shops, the Harlequin Centre is a large shopping mall with an impressive range of high street shops, department stores and cafés. Watford indoor market is next to the shopping centre and is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is a great place to pick up a bargain, selling everything from food, clothes, makeup and handbags to antiques, CDs and electrical goods.

Nightlife and Eating Out

In the evening the High Street comes alive with people eating, drinking and dancing. Destiny and Area are two nightclubs playing a mix of house, garage, RnB, party and chart music. They are popular with clubbers from all around Hertfordshire and even London. Special promotion nights and free tickets are constantly advertised on their websites.

A range of well known pubs and bars such as the Australian themed Walkabout and Irish O’Neill’s have found their place in Watford, in addition to more exotic places such as Baraka, a restaurant and bar with a Moroccan theme. There is also Bar Nazdarovya, a Russian bar, plus the traditional Weatherspoon’s Pubs.

Tourist Information

Watford Tourism Information PointWatford Borough CouncilTown HallWatfordHertfordshireWD17 3EX UKTel: 01923 226 400enquiries@watford.gov.uk

Airport

Watford is just over 20 miles from Heathrow Airport, with a regular coach service to the town centre. There is also a direct rail connection from Gatwick Airport to Watford Junction. Flights to almost anywhere in the world leave from these airports. Luton and London Stansted airports are also within reasonable distances.