The town has two convenient train stations – the trains from Watford Junction whisk you to Euston Station in Central London in just 18 minutes, while the Metropolitan line links Watford tube station to Liverpool Street station in the city of London in under an hour.

From Watford, you can also reach Birmingham in just over an hour via Virgin Trains. All in all, Watford is a good place to base yourself to explore the regions from West Midlands in the north to London in the south. 

Where to stay in Watford

The majority of Watford hotels are in the town centre between Watford Junction train station and Intu Watford, a large shopping complex with a large range of shops and restaurants. Leading chain hotels such as Best Western, Holiday Inn, Premier Inn and Travelodge are all here, along with charming boutique hotels and cheap guestrooms in traditional pubs. As hotel prices here are considerably cheaper than in Central London, they do get booked up quickly.

Compare prices to choose and book your perfect hotel via TravelSupermarket. 

Home of Hogwarts

Without doubt, Watford’s biggest attraction is the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour. Home to the sensationally-successful films starring the boy wizard and his friends, this enthralling tour of the huge studio includes many of the original sets, costumes and props.

The studio also hosts themed events such as ‘Dinner in the Great Hall’ in December where a festive two-course meal is served in lavish settings complete with flaming puddings as featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The studio is about 15 minutes from the town centre and shuttle buses are available from Watford Junction station.

Canals and Colosseum

The Grand Union Canal still runs through the town’s Cassiobury Park, offering pleasant walks along its tow-path. In fact, the canal paths from Watford to Rickmansworth (in the south) and Watford to Berkhamsted (in the north) are some of the most scenic stretches along this 237km (147 miles) route.

After a relaxing walk, head to Watford Museum for a peek into the town’s history and to learn how a humble 12th-century market town developed into the bustling place it is today. Nearby, you will find the Colosseum, a large concert hall offering an eclectic mix of classical, rock and funk music as well as stand-up comedy and West End shows. 

Food and football

Arguably, there are two things the locals love the most: the New Watford Market, which was built in 2014 out of 42 shipping containers and Vicarage Road, the stadium home to the Watford Football Club.

The latter is where you can join thousands of fans wrapped in red and yellow cheering on the team alongside the club’s mascot Harry the Hornet. And if you’re lucky, maybe you can spot Sir Elton John in his namesake stand.