Travelling the south of England can unlock plenty of opportunities for sightseeing with there being so many amenities, no matter the location you choose. While most tourists will choose the heart of London when travelling the UK, it can be a great idea to step away from the hustle and bustle of the capital and find locations like Watford that offer all the feel of being in Central London while not having to deal with the same level of crowds.
This vibrant Hertfordshire town, a mere 20-minute train ride from London Euston, is a brilliant destination that is a lovely place to travel to whether you’re a solo introvert or travelling with friends. It balances world-class attractions with historic green spaces, buzzing local markets and a surprisingly diverse dining scene that gives you plenty of options.
Continue reading this guide to find out more about Watford and why it’s such a special place to travel to in the UK, all while avoiding the busy city centre of London.
Day 1
The highlight of any Watford visit, and the perfect start to your 48 hours, is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. This is perfect for any Harry Potter fanatic who wants to see the ins and out of how the franchise is made. To truly absorb every detail, allow yourself a minimum of 3 hours so that you get to see everything. Pre-booking tickets well in advance is essential and we recommend the earliest 9:00 AM slot to beat the crowds! Also, budget time to queue up for a foaming cup of Butterbeer, which we consider a mandatory treat for every visitor.
Lunch
For a satisfying lunch that maximises your afternoon sightseeing time, head straight back to the Watford town centre. If you prefer something quick and local, you’ll find bakeries and sandwich shops dotted along the High Street offering freshly prepared pastries, hot paninis or hearty soups perfect for a budget-friendly recharge before diving into Watford’s history and shopping scene.
Afternoon
Following your lunch, the afternoon in Watford offers a perfect blend of culture and commerce, starting with a deep dive into local history at the Watford Museum. The museum provides a fascinating look at the town’s industrial backbone, detailing its influential history alongside a celebrated section dedicated to the heritage of Watford FC, which is perfect for any football fan. You can also visit the Atria Watford Shopping Centre to shop for local goods, such as blinds in Watford. There’s also numerous spots for a well-deserved coffee break where you can relax for a while during the day.
Evening
Exploring the modern European and fine dining options found along Cassiobury Drive or at the top end of the High Street can be a wonderful adventure. The Parade is your go-to for global flavours, offering everything from excellent Thai and authentic Italian to vibrant Spanish tapas. Classic spots like The Nascot Arms or The Prince George pub are perfect choices for a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy local ales and get a little tipsy as the night continues.
Day 2
For your second morning in Watford, you can take a morning stroll along the Grand Union Canal, walk across the beautiful restored Cassiobury Bridge and explore the ancient woodlands of Whippendell Woods. There’s plenty of green spaces to enjoy in the town, so you can really take your pick.
Lunch
After your invigorating morning at Cassiobury Park, you’ll probably start to feel a little hungry. You can head to the Cha Cha Cha Café, located within the park grounds, offering a perfect spot to grab a light bite and fresh coffee. Alternatively, embrace the quintessential English park experience by pre-preparing a picnic from the town centre’s array of delis and bakeries, spreading out a blanket to enjoy your lunch while you get a great view of the lawns.
Afternoon
With your second afternoon in Watford, there’s two choices that we recommend. For Sports Fans, you can go to watch Watford FC at Vicarage Road Stadium. Even if you support a different club, sometimes nothing can beat the buzz of going to a football match. For History Buffs, you can explore the impressive architecture of St Mary’s Church, an ornate medieval structure anchoring the town centre or visit the theatrical history of the Grade II listed Watford Palace Theatre.
Evening
When deciding on your final meal in Watford, a trip to a classic Indian restaurant is considered a must. Be sure to book a table at one of the highly-rated establishments near the town centre to give you a taste of what Watford is all about. If you discovered a charming cafe on Day 1 that captured your attention, now is the perfect time to return. Finishing your trip in the right way is always nice, so make sure you choose wisely on what your last stops will be.
Finishing Your 48 Hours in Watford
We hope that we’ve given you enough inspiration to take a visit to Watford to see what the hype’s all about, as we think it’s truly worth it. If you do decide to book an extra night in the town, you can also visit the Bhaktivedanta Manor. This is a grand manor house that was donated to the Hare Krishna movement by George Harrison of The Beatles. It is one of the most important Hindu temples in Europe, set in beautiful grounds with farmlands, an organic farm and gardens.