Pictures of Watford

About Watford

The green heart of Watford beats well in the quiet beauty of Cassiobury Park. This beautiful space to the western edge of Watford town centre, once surrounded a magnificent Elizabethan mansion, home of the Earls of Essex. It was demolished in 1927 but the gates to the park remained in situ until later in the 20th-century. Latterly, moves have been made to have the park gates re-built.

Cassiobury is bounded by the Grand Union canal, with the rivers Colne and Gade flowing in spectacular fashion through the grounds, thus providing a wealth of wildlife habitats along the river banks. Of interest are the beautiful trees, many a legacy of the parks more formal days. Lively events are often held in the great out-doors, a miniature steam railway offers an ideal way of seeing more of the park, and there is an excellent children's play area. The Grand Union canal offers opportunities for boating, and the river waters for fishing. There are attractive walks in the park, and along canal and river banks. Narrowboat trips depart from Ironbridge Lock. To the west of the town lies Whippendell Wood, here you will find fascinating nature trails exploring rich and varied wildlife.

Much of old Watford is grouped around the Church of St.Mary, this dates 13th-century with additions of the 15th-century. St, Mary's is built of flint, it has a sturdy tower with a short spire, and a magnificent interior with many church treasures. The parish registers date back to 1539. The pond in the middle of the High Street always draws admiring glances, and you only have to peer above shop windows to see handsome half-timbered building with tall chimney pots.

Modern day Watford is a bustling place with exciting shopping facilities - the Harlequin Shopping Centre is amongst the most modern in the country, with a range of shops and facilities to suit even the most demanding shopper. In the town centre you can find informative museums which tell of the historic and social nature of Watford, art galleries, cinema's, theatres, a wide choice of restaurants, pubs and any number of clubs and other night-time venues.

On an historic note; there is evidence of Saxon occupation, and the town was mentioned in the Doomsday Book.

For visitors who wish to tarry to sample the delights of this favoured old town, there is an excellent choice of hotels