Car Hire Watford - Mini guide to Watford

Situated just 20 miles north of London, the market town of Watford not only offers culture, great shopping, fine dining and vibrant nightlife, but is also ideal for exploring the countryside and majestic houses of Herfordshire or as a base for day trips into London.

Founded in Roman times and growing into a centre of trading, brewing and printing, Watford has a fascinating history that can be discovered with a visit to the Watford Museum on the High Street. The town also has a number of impressive historic buildings, most notably St. Mary’s Church with its Norman tower and The Square, a conservation area of 18th and 19th C houses.

The town is compact and centres around the High Street which is lined with shops and pubs. However, the best option for shopping is the nearby Harlequin Complex, home to over 140 stores including many leading names in UK retail.

There are plenty of entertainment options in the town, including the Palace Theatre, the renowned Jongleurs Comedy Club, and a host of bars, pubs and restaurants, all within easy walking distance of the town centre. Despite being so close to London, Watford also has plenty of green spaces. In particular, Cassionbury Park and Cheslyn House and Gardens offer oasis of calm in the heart of the town, ideal for relaxing after a morning’s shopping.

Watford makes a perfect base for discovering some of the treasures of Hertfordshire. Just a short drive away is the fascinating old Roman town of St Albans, where you can delve into the Roman heritage of the area. Also nearby are Knebworth House, a majestic stately home and park, and Hatfield House, once home to Queen Elizabeth 1. Alternatively, central London is only 30 minutes away by train, putting a day in the metropolis within easy reach.

London’s Heathrow, Luton and Stanstead airports are all less than an hour from Watford and offer connections to cities world wide.