Watford is a town and borough in Hertfordshire, situated just 15 miles north-west of Central London. It is an excellent place to live or visit as it has London on its doorstep but also because there are so many things to do in Watford itself. 

Within this article we are going to talk about our top eight things to do in Watford. 

Discover the Magic of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

If you are a lover of magic, wizards and, most importantly, Harry Potter, then the Warner Brothers Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter should be top of your things to do in Watford. 

Within the tour, you will get to see many of the breathtaking sets that featured in the films such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾ and much more. You will also get to see original costumes, worn by your favourite characters and the authentic props they used in the films. 

This is a really magical day out for any and all fans of Harry Potter. 

Explore the Natural Beauty of Cassiobury Park

Cassiobury Park is the principal park in Watford. It was created in 1909 after it was purchased by Watford Borough Council from the Earls of Essex. It was once part of the ground that surrounded Cassiobury House which was subsequently demolished in 1927. It comprises over 190 acres and extends from the A412 Rickmansworth Road in the east to the Grand Union Canal in the west, and lies to the south of the Watford suburb of Cassiobury, which was also created from the estate.

The western part is a 62-acre local nature reserve but there are also many areas with fun things to do whilst being immersed amongst the natural beauty. There are splash pools, a miniature railway, a bandstand and a cafe. The park hosts the free, weekly 5 km park run every Saturday morning at 9am, starting on the field near the Shepherds Road entrance to the park, and finishing by the bandstand.

One of the top things to do in Watford for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.

Shopping and Dining in atria Watford

If you love shopping or eating out, then atria Watford will be a great place for you to visit. It has over 200 stores, many are well-known brands, such as Apple, Boots and H&M, but there are also many unique stores to look around. 

There are also many places to grab food or drink from fast food restaurants to cafes and coffee shops.

It is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm, and Sunday, 11am to 5pm. 

Enjoy a Match at Vicarage Road Stadium

Football fans will love a visit to Vicarage Road Stadium, home to Watford F.C. The stadium was built in the early 1920s and became the home of Watford F.C in 1922, when the club moved from Cassio Road. The ground was officially opened by Col. Charles Healey of Benskins Brewery for the visit of Millwall on 30 August 1922.

Watford F.C still proudly play in their home stadium and have games on, at home, throughout the year so it definitely worth a visit, particularly if you are a Watford local.

Take a Walk in the Whippendell Woods

Whippendell Woods is 165 acres of ancient woodland, believed to be more than 400 years old. Since 1954, it has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its variety of woodland habitats but is still used for a wide variety of outdoor activities including horse riding and walking. 

It is well known for its impressive collection of bluebells. The Watford 10K, which takes place on the May Day bank holiday of each year, is known as ‘the bluebell run’ because it passes through the woods when the display is at its best.

A walk through any woods will offer you a chance to immerse yourself in the natural, tranquil beauty of the trees and the wildlife. As the seasons change so will the wood, so it is a wonderful place to visit year round.

Discover Art at the Bushey Museum and Art Gallery

Bushey Museum and Art Gallery hosts a collection of artefacts that showcase the local history. Also, it has a large art collection spanning 200 years, with paintings, prints and drawings, sculpture, Bushey Heath lustre pottery and historic church silver. The Museum Trust was founded in 1983 with the aim of collecting and safeguarding the very considerable artistic heritage of Bushey.

The museum and art gallery have exhibitions on throughout the year. It is Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm.

Enjoy Family Fun at the Topgolf Watford

If you are after family fun, then Topgolf Watford should make its way to the top of your list of things to do in Watford. Located on Bushey Mill Lane, it has climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort, along with a sports bar and restaurant. 

You can book a single bay or it is also available to book for parties and events. Whether you are into golf or not, this is sure to be a fun day out for all the family. It is open everyday but the hours do change, depending on the day, so make sure to check out their website for opening times. This is also where you can book a bay. 

Relax at The Grove Hotel: Luxury and Leisure

If you like your golf with a little more luxury, The Grove Hotel is the place for you. A luxury country retreat, this five-star hotel is home to a luxurious spa, four restaurants, alongside its championship golf course. 

You can book a weekend away, enjoying facials, massages, a game of golf and delicious food and drink. They also hold many wellness events, such as yoga retreats, so everyone can enjoy a little bit of luxury.

The Top Things To Do In Watford

There are many wonderful things to do in Watford but, to save this article from turning into a book, we have narrowed it down to our top eight things to do in Watford. And we feel like we have found something for everyone. 

There are the Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Woods for the nature lovers. Bushey Museum and Art Gallery for the history and art lovers. We even have football fans covered with Vicarage Road Stadium. And if you are more into golf than football then you are spoilt for choice with TopGolf Watford and The Grove Hotel both boasting excellent places to do a spot of golf. Go for The Grove if you like a massage after a game of golf.

Watford has something for everyone and we hope you enjoy exploring this wonderful town.

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