Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Watford has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Watford.
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Sights in Watford
Watford is a historic market town in Hertfordshire, England, situated 20 miles northwest of central London and within the bounds of the metropolitan area. The town developed on the River Colne on land belonging to the Abbey of St Albans. It was a focuses of coaching traffic between London and Northern England and grew rapidly in the early 19th century with the coming of the railways. The Grand Junction Canal reached Watford in 1805.
The town was part of the county borough of Watford Urban District, which was formed on 1 April 1900 and abolished on 1 April 1974. The urban district was absorbed by the larger Wembley and Langley urban districts. Wembley and Langley were itself abolished in 1974, and replaced with the threetier arrangement of Hertsmere, Dacorum and Watford Boroughs.
The town centre has many Grade II* listed buildings, including St Mary’s Church, Watford Palace and Cassiobury House. The town is not short of green spaces, with Cassiobury Park, someone’s Wood and the Colne Valley Regional Park all close by.
Watford’s high street is full of both high street chains and independent stores. The Harlequin Centre and The Intu Watford shopping centre are both located in the town centre.
The town is also home to a number of attractions, such as the Watford Museum, Watford Colosseum, Watford Palace Theatre and the Broxbourne Zoo.
Watford is twinned with several towns across Europe, including St. Austell in Cornwall, France and Germany.
History of Watford
The town of Watford is situated in the southwest of Hertfordshire in England, approximately 20 miles (32km) northwest of central London. Although it is not a large town, Watford has a long and varied history dating back to the Roman period.
Watford’s name is derived from the Old English words wath, meaning ‘ford’, and ford, meaning ‘wading place’. The town’s location on the River Colne made it an ideal crossing point, and there is evidence of a Roman settlement here dating back to the 1st century AD.
The Roman settlement was known as Durocobrivae and flourished for over 200 years. A number of Roman remains have been found in the town, including a villa, baths and a temple.
After the Romans left Britain in the 5th century, Watford was taken over by the AngloSaxons. It became part of the kingdom of Essex and was known as Wættingaforda.
The town’s fortunes changed in the 9th century when it was captured by the Danes and became part of the Dane law county of Hertfordshire. It remained under Danish rule until the 11th century when it was regained by the English.
Watford grew steadily throughout the Middle Ages and by the 15th century was a thriving market town with a population of around 1,500. It was granted a charter by Henry VIII in 1529 and became a borough in 1550.
During the Tudor period, Watford prospered due to its location on the main coaching route from London to Chester. Two important Tudor buildings remain in the town today Cassiobury House and The Gade.
The 18th century saw the construction of several major roads through Watford, including the WatfordOxford turnpike (now the A41) and the WatfordEdgware road (now the A40). This led to an increase in trade and population, and by the early 19th century Watford had become an important coaching stop with over 60 inns and taverns.
The arrival of the railways in the 19th century brought further change and growth to Watford. The London and Birmingham Railway (now the West Coast Main Line) opened in 1837 and the Watford Branch Line followed in 1858. These new transport links helped to make Watford a commuter town for London.
The 20th century saw Watford continue to grow, particularly in the interwar years when many new housing estates were built on the outskirts of the town. Today, Watford is a thriving town with a population of over 90,000. It is home to a number of successful businesses and is a popular shopping destination.
Vacation in Watford
Watford is a charming little city located in the southern portion of England. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet, country vacation. There are numerous bed and breakfasts located throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere.
One popular vacation activity in Watford is horseback riding. There are numerous trails located throughout the countryside, perfect for a leisurely ride. Or, for the more adventurous, there are also several companies that offer guided treks through the more rugged portions of the English countryside.
For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, there are plenty of walking and hiking trails located throughout Watford and the surrounding area. After a long day of exploring, there are numerous pubs and restaurants located in the city center, perfect for enjoying a pint of English ale or a hearty meal.
If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, Watford is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year. The Watford Summer Festival is a popular event that offers music, food, and entertainment. For a more familyfriendly event, the Watford Funfair is held annually and features rides, games, and stalls.
No matter what your vacation preferences are, Watford is sure to have something to offer. So come and enjoy all that this charming English city has to offer.
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