It might be best known as the home of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter World, but there is far more than meets the eye in Watford.
As the largest town in Hertfordshire, it’s easily commutable to the capital (trains between Watford and London Euston take just 15 minutes), but there’s also a great – and growing – dining and nightlight scene, abundant green spaces, excellent schools, and eclectic shopping right on the doorstep.
More widely, a £1.5bn programme is well underway, revitalising and enhancing the town centre, with London newspaper, Metro, recently describing the town as a “good place to live right now and the future is looking promising.” So, it’s no surprise that Watford topped Lambert Smith Hampton’s recent Vitality Index as the UK’s best place to live and work, based on economy and business, living, and health and environment.
There’s new flats for sale in Watford too, including our new development, The Clarendon, which is bringing a stunning collection of apartments and impressive London-style residents’ amenities to the town centre.
Beyond the market town’s regeneration, there’s a host of activities and things to do in Watford. Over the coming months, we’ll be delving a little deeper into what makes Watford such a great place to live – starting with our quick summary of five things you need to know about the town.
It’s ideally located for an outdoorsy lifestyle
For those wanting a little more fresh air in their lives, there’s an impressive eight parks in around Watford – all within walking distance of The Clarendon. These include Cassiobury Park, which spans over 190 acres and something for everyone, from paddling pools and playgrounds for family fun through to the expansive area designated as Local Nature Reserve – meaning visitors can fully immerse themselves in nature. Plus, a variety of sports facilities cater to every taste, including footfall, bowls, cricket, tennis, basketball, and even croquet. A little further afield, Watford residents also enjoy easy access to the stunning Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty ideal for walkers, trail runners and cyclists alike.
It’s a growing business hotspot
Watford, and its ongoing transformation, has already attracted the attention of some of the UK’s business powerhouses, who now call the town home, including the head offices of T.K. Maxx, Ralph Lauren and world-class accountancy businesses, PwC and KPMG – meaning there’s a host of local employment opportunities for those living in Watford.
Plus, alongside the new homes for sale at The Clarendon, our new best-in-class office building, The Clarendon Works – the largest and healthiest new office development in Watford – is also tempting big names to Watford. These include multinational firm, Epson Group, and premium flexible offices provider, YoooServ.
It’s a top spot for some retail therapy
Watford is home to Hertfordshire’s top shopping destination – the Atria shopping centre (formerly called intu Watford!), which sits in the heart of the town centre. With over 140 shops, restaurants, and leisure attractions, it’s a real shopping hotspot for fashion, homewares, beauty and more, with top brands like Apple, Zara, Next Beauty & Home, BOSS, Kurt Geiger, M&S and Uniqlo.
There’s a host of leisure and entertainment activities too, from Puttshack, Boom Battle Bar, Escape Hunt, and rock climbing and play centre, Rock Up, through to foodie delights like The Florist and The Beech House.
It’s got a thriving nightlife
From day to night, Watford has something to offer whatever the time of day – whether it’s a classy cocktail bar, buzzing nightclub or culture fix at the theatre. Many assume locals have to head into the capital for after-dark entertainment, but Watford has a thriving nightlife of its very own. Start the night at 143 Bar, a family-run spot that specialises in 70s soul funk and 80s disco classics, or with a botanical-inspired cocktail at The Florist, before heading the highly popular PRYZM, to dance the night away in one of its three great clubrooms.
There’s also the Watford Palace Theatre, the town’s premier cultural venue, which has a busy programme of family-friendly dance, drama, comedy, film, music and opera throughout the year – so there’s something to suit every culture vulture.
It’s incredibly well connected
Watford enjoys exceptional travel connections by road, rail and even air. Watford Junction – which is within walking distance of the new apartments – provides both Overground and National Rail services, with regular direct trains to London Euston taking just 15 minutes. On top, nearby Watford Underground is on the Metropolitan Line, and Watford High Street also on the Overground, meaning the whole of London is easily and quickly accessible for work or fun.
Both the M1 and M25 motorways are just minutes away, and for international travel, Heathrow Airport is just a 25-minute drive away too.
