subject: Things to do in Watford [print this page] Things to do in Watford Things to do in Watford
Situated just 20 miles northwest of the centre of London, the town of Watford in Hertfordshire is often overlooked in favour of the bright lights of the capital. Indeed, many Londoners think of Watford as the city's frontier with the rest of the United Kingdom. Watford, however, is a major urban centre in its own right and has history stretching back over a thousand years as well as a vibrant commercial and cultural life that sets it apart from London.
For a city of its size, Watford is blessed with an unusual wealth of theatres, art centres and other places to enjoy high culture. The Watford Palace Theatre on the town's High Street dates back to the Edwardian period and regularly hosts comedy and drama productions as well as one of the finest annual pantomimes in the country. The Pumphouse Theatre and Arts Centre is a converted pumping station, also located on the High Street, and acts as a venue for everything from morris dancing to ballet and jazz music, making it an excellent location to take the cultural pulse of the town.
With the Hertfordshire countryside just a few minutes' drive away, Watford is an excellent place to enjoy the natural world and there are several nature reserves within a short distance of the town. The beautiful Stocker's Lake in the nearby Colne Valley is a flooded former gravel pit that today is one of the most important sites for water birds such as ducks and herons in the country. A two mile path around the lake offers secluded spots to observe the birds in their marshy habitat, making Stocker's Lake a must for bird lovers and those with children. For those who prefer to stay in town, Cassiobury Park contains extensive green space as well as a children's play park, paddling pool and various other amenities.
Watford is fiercely proud of its local football team, Watford FC and visitors curious about English football outside the top division could do far worse than attend a game at the Vicarage Road stadium. Watford currently play in the Football League Championship after one of the most successful spells in their history, which saw the club promoted to the top tier Premier League and win through to an FA Cup Semi Final in 2007. The team continue to draw impressive crowds for their league games, although their fortunes have taken something of a slump in recent years.
The centre of the town is also home to excellent shopping, restaurants and bars, all within easy reach of your hotel in Watford. For these keen to be close to London without wishing to fully immerse themselves in the frantic pace of life in the capital, Watford is an excellent and more measured alternative.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
