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Watford

England, United Kingdom · Europe

About Watford

Watford works well as a base: 5 minutes from Garston, 21km from ZSL London Zoo.

Watford is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 125,707, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Watford sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Watford to your route.

About Watford

Watford ( ) is a town and non-metropolitan district with borough status in Hertfordshire, England, 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Central London, on the banks of the River Colne. Initially a small market town, the Grand Junction Canal encouraged the construction of paper-making mills, print works, and breweries. While

Read more industry has declined in Watford, its location near London and transport links have attracted several companies to site their headquarters in the town. Cassiobury Park is a public park that was once the manor estate of the Earls of Essex. The town developed next to the River Colne on land belonging to St Albans Abbey. In the 12th century, a charter was granted allowing a market, and the building of St Mary's Church began. The town grew partly due to travellers going to Berkhamsted Castle and the royal palace at Kings Langley. A mansion was built at Cassiobury in the 16th century. This was partly rebuilt in the 17th century and another country house was built at The Grove.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Watford

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Watford?

Watford offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Watford?

Plan your road trip to Watford with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Watford as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Watford located?

Watford is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.6553 latitude, -0.3960 longitude.

What is the population of Watford?

Watford has a population of approximately 125,707 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
125,707
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
England
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
51.6553, -0.3960

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomEnglandCity

Worth the detour from Watford

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

cafe

Ace Cafe London

The 1938 North Circular roadside cafe that became the home of the ton-up boys and rocker culture, reopened on its original site in 1997 and still holding weekly bike and classic car meets.

15 km · about 30 min drive

landmark

ZSL London Zoo

The world's oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828, located in Regent's Park in central London.

21 km · about 25 min drive

museum

Science Museum London

Home to pioneering scientific achievements including Stephenson's Rocket and the Apollo 10 command module.

23 km · about 25 min drive

museum

Natural History Museum

World-renowned museum in a stunning Romanesque terracotta building, housing 80 million specimens spanning 4.5 billion years of life on Earth.

23 km · about 25 min drive

museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

The world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design, spanning 5,000 years of human creativity.

23 km · about 25 min drive

cafe

The Filling Station

A car-themed cafe and bar in a converted petrol station, celebrating automotive culture through its decor, events, and community spirit.

23 km · about 25 min drive

landmark

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

The UK's largest zoo set across 600 acres of Bedfordshire parkland with drive-through animal enclosures.

24 km · about 30 min drive

cafe

Rapha Clubhouse London

A premium cycling and coffee clubhouse in Soho where two-wheeled culture meets specialty coffee and live race screenings.

24 km · about 30 min drive

Driving roads near Watford

  • 34 kmCrystal Palace CircuitA parkland racing circuit in south London that ran until 1972 and still hosts occasional sprint events. Sections of the old track survive as park roads and footpaths, complete with original kerbing among the Victorian terraces.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Watford.

West Watford

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

1 km awayPop. 12,800

Holywell

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

2 km awayPop. 9,900

Bushey

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3 km awayPop. 28,416

North Watford

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3 km awayPop. 33,000

Carpenders Park

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3 km awayPop. 7,000

Meriden

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3 km awayPop. 8,100

Garston

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

4 km awayPop. 7,300

Moor Park

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

4 km awayPop. 5,900

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence