Watford
Watford sits just inside Hertfordshire's southern edge, close enough to London to function as a commuter town but with its own identity, town centre and one of the county's largest parks on its doorstep.
Cassiobury Park, once the grounds of Cassiobury House (demolished in the 1920s), is Watford's main green space — around 190 acres running along the River Gade and the Grand Union Canal, with a miniature railway, splash park and woodland walks that make it popular with both residents and visitors. The town centre itself has been rebuilt substantially over the decades, with the Harlequin (now intu Watford) shopping centre at its core, and Watford Junction giving fast rail access into London.
The town's position at the meeting of the M1 and M25, and its proximity to Elstree and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London a few miles away, make it a practical base for visitors combining Hertfordshire with trips further into London or out towards the Chilterns.
Where to Stay in Watford
- Leonardo Hotel London Watford — a large hotel close to the town centre, formerly operating as Jurys Inn Watford.
- Best Western White House Hotel — a townhouse hotel a couple of minutes' walk from Watford High Street.
- Holiday Inn Express London-Watford Junction — close to Watford Junction station, convenient for the rail line into London.
- Travelodge Watford Central — a budget option in the town centre, a short walk from Cassiobury Park.
Getting there
Watford Junction has frequent trains to London Euston, and the town is directly served by the M1 and close to the M25, with Watford Metropolitan line station also giving access to the London Underground.