About Us
A community at the
heart of everyday life
Watford is a welcoming and diverse town shaped by strong community spirit, culture, and everyday experiences. This page explores the people, history, and character that make Watford a place to live, connect, and belong.
Our Community
Our Heritage
Education and Schools
Moving to Watford
Culture in Watford
Our History
A TOWN SHAPED BY CENTURIES OF CHANGE
Watford’s story reaches back to the 12th century, when a busy market route laid the foundations for a thriving town. From the enduring presence of St Mary’s Church to its role as an important historic crossing point, Watford’s past is woven into its streets, landmarks, and community life—still visible today through its heritage and local museums.
Medieval and Early Modern Watford
Although much of medieval Watford has faded - heritage sites remain. The Bedford Almshouses, built in 1580, are among the oldest surviving buildings, offering a glimpse into the town’s past. St Mary’s Church continues to anchor the community, linking today’s Watford with its earliest days.
The Journey to Modern Watford
The 19th century transformed Watford, with the arrival of the Grand Union Canal and the railway in 1837 linking the town to London and driving rapid growth. New industries emerged, the population expanded, and local government evolved—culminating in borough status in 1922—as Watford grew from a small market town into a thriving industrial centre.
Watford Market
A market has been at the heart of Watford’s identity since the 12th century, when the Abbot of St Albans secured royal permission to establish it. Originally held in the High Street, the market was a hub for livestock and goods, with St Mary’s Church built alongside as the parish centre. After centuries in the High Street, the market moved to Red Lion Yard in 1928, then to Charter Place in 1974, before settling into its current home on The Parade in 2015.
The River Colne has flowed through Watford’s history for centuries. Once a marshy valley reshaped to power local mills, it became central to the town’s industrial growth alongside the Grand Union Canal. The river was also a source of leisure, with fishing and riverside walks enjoyed by generations. Today, the Rediscovering the River Colne project is restoring its natural habitats and celebrating its heritage, ensuring the Colne remains part of Watford’s identity for years to come.
Heritage Today
Watford blends its rich history with modern vibrancy. Residents and visitors can explore historic buildings, enjoy old photographs of the town’s changing face, and learn more at Watford Museum. The museum also shares updates and heritage stories via its Facebook page.
Watford’s community is proud of what it has achieved but also committed to doing more. With diversity, friendliness and wellbeing at its heart, the town continues to evolve - striving to make life better for residents and more welcoming for visitors.
Community Through Football
For those keen to discover Watford’s past on foot, Trail Tales offers guided walks and storytelling experiences that bring the town’s heritage to life. By downloading the Trail Tales app, visitors can access interactive maps, audio stories and themed routes that uncover hidden histories and local landmarks. Whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or on your own - the app makes it easy to follow in the footsteps of Watford’s past while enjoying a modern, engaging experience.
Today, Watford is not only a place of work and leisure but also a town proud of its heritage. Its past continues to shape its identity, offering residents and visitors alike a deeper connection to the community.
Secondary Schools and Sixth Forms
Hertfordshire is recognised for strong academic performance. In 2024/25, 36.5% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, outperforming the national average of 30.8%.
Watford Grammar School for Boys, Watford Grammar School for Girls and Parmiter’s School are just a few of the highly sought-after sixth forms. These schools prepare students for university, apprenticeships or the world of work - combining high expectations with pastoral support. Their success regularly places them among the top state schools in the country.
Watford offers a mix of grammar schools, academies and state secondary schools, giving families choice and flexibility in finding the right fit. For parents researching options, Hertfordshire County Council provides a comprehensive guide to admissions and school performance.
Further Education
For students looking to continue their education locally, West Herts College is a great option. The college offers a huge variety of courses - from A-levels and vocational qualifications to apprenticeships and industry-focused training. Subjects range from engineering, computing, health and social care, business, law, creative arts and travel & tourism, to specialist areas like motor vehicle engineering, electrical installation and fashion & textiles.
The college is focused on preparing students for the world of work or further studies. Its industry-linked programmes ensure that students gain practical experience alongside academic learning, giving them a competitive edge when they enter the job market.
Education & Schools
Watford - A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR ALL AGES
Watford offers a strong and diverse education landscape, supporting learners from early years through to further and higher education. Whether you’re a parent seeking the right school or a student planning your next academic step, the town provides opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
Families benefit from a wide choice of primary and secondary schools, many rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. These schools focus not only on academic achievement but also on personal development, helping students build confidence and reach their full potential.
Higher Education
Just a short drive away, the University of Hertfordshire offers a top-tier higher education experience. With a reputation for innovation and strong links to industries, the university provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a broad spectrum of fields. Students benefit from modern facilities, excellent teaching and a vibrant campus life - making it an ideal choice for those seeking to further their academic journey.
Moving to Watford
YOUR IDEAL BLEND OF CHARM, CONVENIENCE ANd COMMUNITY
Watford is a welcoming place to live, offering the perfect balance of character, connectivity and community spirit. Located in Hertfordshire and just minutes from London, the town combines excellent transport links with the comfort and pace of suburban life. Whether you’re a family looking for quality schools and green spaces, a professional seeking easy commutes and modern amenities, or someone wanting to feel part of a friendly, diverse community, Watford has something to offer everyone. With a population of nearly 100,000, Watford is a growing and dynamic town. It’s well connected in every sense—by rail and road, and digitally too. Average broadband speeds reach 133 Mbps, almost double the UK average, keeping residents and businesses seamlessly connected.
Watford continues to invest in greener spaces and sustainability, ensuring growth is balanced with environmental care and a healthier future for generations to come
Life in Watford
Day-to-day services in Watford are delivered by Watford Borough Council, while schools, highways and social care are managed by Hertfordshire County Council. Nearby areas such as Bushey, Rickmansworth and Abbots Langley are run by their own councils, and Watford is also part of Hertfordshire’s ongoing Local Government Reorganisation.
Transport
Watford is exceptionally well connected, with fast rail services into London Euston, Metropolitan Line access, and easy road links via the M1 and M25. Local bus routes and walkable streets make getting around simple. More detail is available in the dedicated [Getting Around] section.
Shopping
From Harlequin in the town centre to independent shops and high-street names along the High Street, Watford offers a wide choice of shopping. Watford Market adds local character, while retail parks like Waterfields Way provide everyday convenience—making the town easy to shop in for drivers and non-drivers alike.
Education
Education in Watford supports every stage of learning, from nurseries and early years settings to primary and secondary schools, many rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Further and higher education options are available locally and nearby, with admissions managed by Hertfordshire County Council—details are covered in the Education and Schools section.
Leisure
Leisure in Watford is about balance, with gyms, fitness centres and facilities at Watford Leisure Centre Woodside and Central supporting active lifestyles. Award-winning parks, riverside walks and green spaces—including Cassiobury Park, Oxhey Park, the River Colne and Grand Union Canal—offer places to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
More details are available in the Community Pulse and Parks & Open Spaces sections.
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Leisure
Leisure in Watford is all about balance, with gyms, fitness centres and facilities at Watford Leisure Centre Woodside and Central supporting active lifestyles. The town’s award-winning parks, riverside walks and green spaces—including Cassiobury Park, Oxhey Park, the River Colne and Grand Union Canal—offer plenty of ways to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
More information can be found in the Community Pulse and Parks & Open Spaces sections.
From the Palace Theatre to the Colosseum and the Pump House, Watford offers a rich programme of drama, comedy, concerts and community productions.
Eat & Drink
A diverse mix of restaurants, cafés and pubs means you’ll find flavours from around the world, as well as local favourites.
Activities
From fitness classes to family fun, there are countless ways to get involved and stay active.
Major Attractions
Highlights include the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and matchdays at Vicarage Road, home of Watford FC.
Watford’s calendar is filled with highlights such as festive lights, Christmas markets, summer festivals and community celebrations that bring residents together throughout the year.
Entertainment
Watford has a thriving cultural and social scene, with something to suit every taste. The town is home to theatres, live music venues, and community arts spaces, alongside a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and family attractions. Whether you’re looking for a night of drama, a relaxed meal or a day out exploring, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Culture in Watford
Watford: A Growing Cultural Highlight
Watford is increasingly recognised as a growing cultural highlight in Hertfordshire. The scene is diverse, ambitious and shaped by dedicated individuals and organisations who are committed to making culture accessible and celebrated across the town.
Cultural Leaders Forum
The Cultural Leaders Forum brings together Watford’s cultural organisations, venues and creative voices in a spirit of collaboration. It is an event where artists, practitioners and those dedicated to the cultural scene can take part. The Forum provides opportunities to share ideas, shape strategy and strengthen Watford’s cultural identity. Upcoming sessions can be linked to the Events page, ensuring those involved in the sector know when and how to engage.
Venues as Anchors
Venues act as anchors within this ecosystem. Watford Palace Theatre is not just a stage but a hub for inclusive programming and community engagement. The Pump House Theatre, run by volunteers, embodies grassroots creativity and local passion. Together, they provide the spaces where Watford’s cultural ambitions are realised and shared.
Together, Watford’s cultural community are shaping a town with creativity at its heart.
Steve Marimon
Steve Marimon has played a key role in shaping the Palace Theatre’s inclusive programming, ensuring it remains a space where diverse voices and community stories are celebrated. His leadership reflects a commitment to making professional theatre accessible and relevant to local audiences.
Lee Farman
Lee Farman is a driving force behind the Pump House Theatre, championing grassroots creativity and volunteer-led energy. His work highlights the importance of nurturing emerging talent and keeping Watford’s independent arts scene vibrant and welcoming.
Chino Odimba
Chino Odimba is Artistic Director of Tiata Fahodzi, the UK’s leading British African heritage theatre company. Based in Watford, she brings bold, contemporary storytelling to the stage, amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring Watford plays a central role in the national cultural conversation.
Pravesh Kumar MBE
Pravesh Kumar founded Rifco Theatre Company in 2000 and has built it into one of the UK’s most successful touring companies. His work celebrates contemporary British South Asian experiences, bringing untold stories to the stage and nurturing new talent through Rifco’s associate programmes.
Cultural Heroes & Heroines
Watford’s cultural life is also defined by its people.