Situated on the perimeters of Larger London, Watford is a unbelievable place to remain whereas visiting the town, with heaps of sights and issues to do in Watford simply in your doorstep for each these residing within the space and people staying within the city.
With quite a few family-friendly actions, heritage websites, parks, and issues to do with a bunch of mates (or perhaps a date), you’ll be able to virtually definitely discover lots to fill an empty weekend or as some leisure after a day of sightseeing.
(This web page has been up to date for 2024, all entries are right on the time of publishing, nevertheless, I can’t promise that they are going to be open on the time go to. Please go to verify with the actions and sights earlier than visiting.)
Skip to the perfect issues to do for you:
The top attractions and places to visit in Watford
More things to do in Watford Town Centre
Outdoor parks and places to visit around Watford
The highest sights and issues to do in Watford
Harry Potter Studio Tour – Warner Bros. Studios
One of many main sights in Watford, the Harry Potter Studio Tour provides guests an unbelievable alternative to find out about and expertise the wizarding world of Harry Potter. That includes props from the films, plus interactives, you get to see how the likes of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and even Non-public Drive had been dropped at life.
Entry to Warner Bros. Studios is fairly easy, with ample parking near the doorway or an everyday bus that leaves from Watford Junction. Alternatively, you’ll be able to be a part of an organised tour that can take you straight to the studios.
Watford FC – Vicarage Street Stadium
Given their current outcomes (on the time of writing) some would possibly scoff on the considered visiting Vicarage Street or watching Watford FC. Nevertheless, the native soccer membership attracts hundreds of tourists every year, and enjoying in essentially the most aggressive league on this planet (the Championship), there’s a good probability you may expertise a thriller of a sport.
The stadium is positioned only a 20-30 minute stroll from the city centre (accounting for some folks visitors) – take a look at my stand-alone put up on tips on how to get to Vicarage Street Stadium.
TopGolf
What do you get whenever you combine a driving vary with a darts board(s)…nicely…TopGolf. Take a look at your {golfing} potential or simply have fun with some mates (or a date), by shopping for a bucket of (20) balls and attempting to get the best rating.
Every bay at TopGolf supplies you with a collection of golf equipment to make use of, and the scoring system provides a enjoyable approach to spend an hour or two and check your expertise.
(I’m dreadful at golf however that’s to not say I don’t have fun and a great deal of enjoyable whereas there.)
Cassiobury Park
Rated as one of many UK’s greatest parks and inexperienced areas, Cassiobury Park presents heaps of outside actions and enjoyable for all of the household. From the outside areas that provide solar worshipers some house to solar bathe, to outside paddling swimming pools, play areas, and even a miniature railway, Cassiobury Park is gorgeous for a stroll on a sunny day or as a means of tiring out the children.
Together with the outside actions, Cassiobury Park additionally performs host to quite a few occasions, together with: fireworks evening, artwork exhibitions, fairgrounds, and group sports activities.
PuttShack, Atria Watford
You may need heard of PuttShack – as they’ve a number of dotted concerning the UK – however in the event you’re new to PuttShack I can greatest describe it as mini-golf with prizes! The fundamental ideas are the identical as every other mini-golf, get your ball within the gap within the fewest putts, nevertheless, at PuttShack you get extra factors the less occasions you putt the ball.
With a bar on-site and an excellent combination of enjoyable and aggressive, PuttShack makes for an amazing date evening exercise in Watford, and a spot to fulfill up with mates.
(Like TopGolf, I’m laughably dangerous. However, I nonetheless have enjoyable each time I’m going.)
The Palace Theatre, Watford
From dramas to top-tier standup, and pantomimes, the Watford Palace Theatre hosts performances all year long. Courting again to 1908, the Palace Theatre presents a really conventional setting for performances, with three tiers of seats and balconies on the wings.
Personally, I’ve seen the likes of Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard, and Andy Parsons carry out on the Watford Palace Theatre. In 2024, the likes of Rob Beckett, Russell Kane, and complete host of different performances are set to be hosted on the theatre.
The Watford Museum
Study all concerning the city and the way it has developed by the centuries. Exhibitions and collections embrace these associated to the Cassiobury Property, Watford Soccer Membership, and native heritage websites.
As well as, the Watford Museum additionally homes an archive assortment of prints, pictures, and diaries associated to individuals who have known as Watford dwelling, native authorities, the Aristocracy, and companies.
The Pump Home Theatre & Arts Centre
A community-focused theatre and humanities venue, The Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre hosts many native dance, music, theatre, show, and humanities productions; together with the native Comedy Carnival and Fringe Competition.
That includes a 124-seater auditorium, the Pump Home is a unbelievable vacation spot to see native expertise develop their expertise and craft, in addition to get pleasure from a quaint and comfortable setting for performances.
Increase Battle Bar
Providing half a dozen actions – from shuffleboard to axe throwing – the Boom Battle Bar in the midst of Watford’s city centre is likely one of the most exhilarating actions to do with mates or as an exercise date evening thought.
Together with all of the actions (listed beneath as a result of it’s an insane listing), the Increase Battle Bar additionally has a bar (apparent I do know however nonetheless value mentioning), providing an excellent vary of drinks and meals.
Increase Battle Bar actions: Axe Throwing, Crazier Nolf, Augmented Actuality Darts, Beer / Prosecco Pong, Shuffleboard
Roll the cube at d20 Board Recreation Cafe
For board sport lovers or these searching for another night out thought in Watford, the d20 Board Game Cafe presents you the chance to select from over 900 video games, all whereas having fun with an excellent espresso or one thing a lot stronger.
Whereas on my travels, I’ve discovered board video games are a unbelievable means of attending to know folks or spending time with family and friends.
Try my posts on the perfect espresso outlets in Watford for extra espresso fixes!
Extra issues to do in Watford
Arrowsmiths, O’Neils Watford
A nonetheless pretty new attraction to Watford, Arrowsmiths is darts however with out the necessity for having to do fast maths…like that different model of darts bars in London…flight…
In contrast to the uber-expensive possibility you could find in London, Arrowsmiths is a reasonably competitively priced exercise, with the O’Neils bar providing nice offers and the proper location for these searching for one thing to do after visiting the town or on the best way dwelling with colleagues.
Go Bowling
A merely great night exercise with mates and/or household, Watford has a few bowling venues to select from…oddly each owned by Hollywood Bowl. The closest to the city centre is the one within the Atria centre, whereas the opposite is positioned within the Woodside Leisure advanced.
In case you’ve by no means bowled earlier than, it’s an amazing exercise for a wet day or night out.
Rock Up
A wonderful introduction to mountain climbing, Rock Up, in Atria Watford, options 26 climbing partitions that vary in issue and problem. I’ve to confess, heights aren’t massively my factor, so I’ve solely been the as soon as.
That stated, I had a good time and located the employees and tools extraordinarily reassuring and useful…even when my buddy did get roasted by an 8-year-old once they froze on the wall. (Sorry J, I needed to point out it!)
Go to the Cassiobury Farm And Fishery
Tucked away behind Cassiobury Park and near the Hertfordshire countryside and waterways, the Cassiobury Farm And Fishery solely opens on sure days all year long – the preferred being public holidays and through college breaks.
What makes Cassiobury Farm And Fishery particular is the sorts of animals you’ll be able to go to, with the conservation centre dwelling to a number of uncommon breeds and unique animals similar to Rhea, Reindeer, and Capybaras!!
Wander Round Langleybury Farm
Technically Langleybury is simply exterior of Watford however given it’s an establishment for individuals who grew up within the city, I’ve added it within the “extra issues to do” part. Set on the grounds of Langleybury Georgian manor home, Langleybury Farm is dwelling to an array of cattle.
Guests are given the chance to find out about, meet, and pet lots of the animals on present, serving to children to study a bit extra concerning the animals that decision the UK dwelling.
Change into a Ninja Warrior
You would possibly recognise the title from the hit ITV program – or by one other title in your nation – however now’s your probability to tackle the course! Enjoyable for each adults and youngsters, Ninja Warrior, Watford, checks your agility and ability to dodge obstacles, hold your steadiness, and full the course.
Whereas nearly all of the day is open to children and adults, each Thursday from 7 – 8pm is simply open to these over 18.
Go to the cinema
Excellent for a wet day in Watford, going to the cinema and catching up on the newest movie releases is an excellent exercise or date evening thought. Inside Watford’s Atria Centre, you’ll discover the most recent of the 2 cinemas within the city – Cineworld, Watford – which incorporates an IMAX and SCREEN X choices for a number of the largest releases.
Outdoors of the primary city, within the Woodside leisure advanced, you’ll discover VUE, Watford. Providing extra screens and bigger seating plans, VUE reveals all the newest releases.
Beat the Escape Rooms
In case you’re searching for a enjoyable “workforce constructing” exercise or a approach to check your relationships with these in your life, Watford has two escape room setups on supply. Whereas Escape Hunt is positioned throughout the Atria Watford buying centre, the Enigma Rooms are positioned a little bit down the excessive road.
Each supply a rotation of video games and quests, with themes together with pirates, the Wild West, and historic Egypt.
TeamSport Indoor Karting, Watford
Aggressive and heaps of enjoyable, TeamSport Indoor Karting, is an excellent adrenaline rush and alternative for bragging rights. Put the pedal to the steel and exhibit your internal Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton, as you race round a 500-metre multi-level monitor.
All year long the monitor hosts varied occasions, so it’s at all times value checking and reserving forward earlier than you go down. For bigger teams, it’s really useful that you simply e-book forward.
Actions near Watford
The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead
A unbelievable introduction to snowboarding, or as a means of brushing up in your snowboarding talents earlier than the season begins, the Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead, presents you the possibility to participate in a lesson and construct up your confidence, or do a number of runs by yourself.
Personally, I’m stunning at snowboarding…like critically dangerous…however even I discovered the experiences tremendous enjoyable and with the teacher’s assist did begin to get a dangle of the entire french fry-pizza factor.
Go paintballing
Whereas Watford doesn’t technically have a paintballing centre in its neighborhood, there are a few choices fairly shut by. The one I’ve been to most, based mostly near Hemel Hempstead, on Bovingdon airfield, is Delta Force Paintball.
With 8 sport zones together with a Black Hawk Down mission, the Delta Pressure Paintball centre is an excellent enjoyable time out. Nevertheless, in the event you’re searching for a barely simpler vacation spot, you’ll be able to at all times attempt UK Paintball, in Bricket Wooden.
Like Delta Pressure, UK Paintball Centre presents a spread of sport varieties to check your expertise and nerves, from storming Hill Billy village to defending your missile on the Launch Pad area, there’s loads of variation within the missions you’re given by the marshals.
Misplaced Jungle, London, Edgware
A wonderful time out throughout the summer season – or when the climate is respectable – the Lost Jungle, Edgware, is definitely Europe’s largest journey golf course by dimension. Providing two 18-hole programs – plus a 9-hole foot-golf course.
General, the programs are designed with children in thoughts, however they’re nonetheless extraordinarily enjoyable and appropriate for adults searching for one thing to do with mates, household, and companions.
Dinosaur Safari, Barnet
Mini-golf, and dinosaurs! What extra might you need?! Dinosaur Safari, Barnet, is mini golf like no different. Tackle the course whereas being watched by a T-Rex, Raptors, and a Brontosaurus (plus different dinos!).
In whole, the course presents 18 dinosaur-themed holes and challenges, making it an excellent enjoyable location to play mini-golf…particularly in the event you, your accomplice, mates, or household love Jurassic Park/dinosaurs typically.
The XC, Hemel Hempstead
Primarily I’ve identified and skilled The XC, Hemel Hempstead, as a rocking climbing venue, nevertheless, XC is much more than simply that. Along with rocking climbing, guests can get pleasure from bouldering, caving, skating, excessive ropes, and even yoga.
From my climbing expertise, the XC has some insanely enjoyable (and difficult) routes and partitions to attempt.
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Tucked between Radlett and Elstree, solely about 10-Quarter-hour from Watford, Bhaktivedanta Manor is a pillar of the Hare Krishna group. Donated to the group by George Harrison (of the Beatles), the manor is a hub for studying about Hare Krishna.
Internet hosting common festivals and occasions, in addition to free excursions of the manor and grounds, a go to to the Bhaktivedanta Manor is a special and academic factor to do close to Watford.
Outside parks and locations to go to round Watford
Leavesden Park
Initially the grounds belonging to the Leavesden Asylum and St. Pancras Orphanage, Leavesden Park spans 70 acres, with plenty of play areas, soccer pitches and greater than 20 acres of woodland space, plus quick access to the close by countryside routes taking you in the direction of Kings Langley and St Albans.
Rickmansworth Aquadrome
A part of the numerous nice parks in and round Watford, Rickmansworth Aquadrome has developed on what was as soon as a gravel quarry, till it was flooded quickly after 1920.
A hub of water sports activities (similar to water-skiing, canoeing and crusing), Rickmansworth Aquadrome additionally options some lovely surroundings and walks by the ‘parks’ nature reserve and different parklands.
Cheslyn Gardens
Tucked away within the residential space of Nascott Wooden, Cheslyn Gardens is dwelling to an array of unique and native vegetation, that are maintained and sorted year-round.
In case you’re into plant pictures or admiring totally different species of vegetation, Cheslyn Gardens are a totally pleasant escape and deviation from the bigger parks in Watford.
That includes a pond, fernery, and an avery, amongst the (after all) massive assortment of vegetation, Cheslyn Gardens is extraordinarily chilled. Excellent for a little bit wander in the summertime.
Bushey Rose Backyard
Set near the Bushey Nation Membership, the Bushey Rose Backyard is dwelling to 40 forms of roses, and over 4,000 vegetation in whole.
A break from the hustle of the excessive road close by, the rose backyard is a quiet haven of nature, good for a brief stroll when within the Bushey space or to chill out on a heat day.
Aldenham Nation Park
That includes a reservoir, journey play space, nature trails and a petting zoo, Aldenham Nation Park is a superb time out close to Watford. Aiming to teach and entertain, the park has lots to supply for adults and youngsters alike.
For youths, the petting farm and journey playground are nice enjoyable. Whereas for adults, the 100 Aker wooden, nature trails and relaxed corners are nice for a quiet second.
Oxhey Exercise Park
One of many primary attracts of the Oxhey Exercise Park is the skatepark, nevertheless, it’s no one-trick pony. Along with the skatepark, the exercise park can be dwelling to a big outside play space, desk tennis courts, and, one of many newest unbiased espresso outlets in Watford, The Tasty Bean.
While it won’t be one of many largest parks or outside areas in Watford, the Oxhey Exercise Park definitely packs in lots. Making it good for a weekend go to or throughout the summer season months as a approach to entertain the children outside in Watford.
Learn how to get to Watford
Situated near the border of Larger London, Watford, is fairly straightforward to entry from most locations within the UK and London airports – specifically Heathrow and Luton, whereas Stanstead and Gatwick are nonetheless pretty accessible.
Near each the M25 and M1, and linked to Euston and Birmingham by way of the West Coast Major Line, it’s unbelievably straightforward to get round from Watford.
Learn how to get to Watford by practice
One of many best methods of attending to Watford is by practice, the West Coast Major Line makes it tremendous straightforward to succeed in the Hertfordshire city by practice, with common companies stopping off at Watford Junction as they journey between Euston and Birmingham.
In case you’re heading up from the south, Watford continues to be very accessible, with trains working between Clapham Junction and Watford Junction, in addition to the “Lioness” Overground Line. You may even catch the Metropolitan Line to succeed in Watford, with common companies heading out and in of central London.
The most affordable approach to get from London and Watford is, no doubt, the Metropolitan Line. Costing practically half the value you’ll pay on the primary line, you need to use your Oyster or contactless card to get into London for lower than £5 every means!
Visiting Watford by automotive
Near each the M25 and M1, plus the A41 and A405, Watford is simple to get to by way of automotive from just about any course. Nevertheless, the city can get gridlocked on the drop of a hat, the primary ring highway that surrounds the city centre and the arterial roads being the primary downside areas.
That stated, the centre of the Hertfordshire city does have numerous parking, most of which is connected to the Atria Buying Centre and prices roughly £1 per hour.
Visiting Watford By Bus
Watford’s buses are a bit extra on the complicated aspect, there’s lots however they’re not often on time. The primary operator within the Watford space is Arriva, with about 9 routes working from the city to different close by cities, cities and villages.
Costs aren’t too costly, nevertheless, the timetable is sort of restricted later into the evenings. Nonetheless, as outer-city public transport goes the buses to and from Watford aren’t horrible.
The place to remain in Watford
Inns in Watford vary from a budget and cheerful to excessive opulence and class. Residence to finances choices like Premier Inn and Vacation Inn Categorical, and luxurious choices similar to The Grove (although they received’t admit they’re in Watford).
The perfect rated of the lodges in Watford are the Leonardo Hotel and (type of clearly) The Grove. Costs for the Leonardo Lodge common at about £80 per evening, whereas The Grove is nearer to £450!
Word: In case you e-book a keep at The Grove by way of my Reserving.com hyperlink I’ll love you without end.
In case you’re after one thing cheaper, the Greatest Western and Travelodge choices in the direction of Market Avenue (a couple of 15 minute stroll from Watford Junction) price round £50 per evening.
Source link
