Things to see and do
ARTS, CULTURE, SHOPPING
AND THINGS TO DO
Watford offers a rich mix of culture, entertainment and everyday experiences, from theatres and live music to shopping, dining and family-friendly activities. With green spaces, local venues and attractions for all ages, there’s always something to see, do and enjoy across the town.
Art’s Music & Performance
Shop
Activities
Parks and Nature
Eat And Drink
Shop
Where to shop in Watford – Harlequin, Town Centre and more
Watford offers a lively and welcoming shopping experience, with something for every taste and budget. At the heart of it all is Watford Town Centre , a bustling hub filled with high-street favourites, independents and specialist stores. Whether you’re hunting for the latest fashion trends, picking up a special gift or simply enjoying a leisurely browse, the town’s shopping scene is sure to delight. The flagship shopping destination is Harlequin Watford , the town’s main shopping centre, home to a wide range of popular brands under one roof. Alongside fashion, lifestyle and technology retailers. Harlequin also offers leisure attractions such as mini-golf, a cinema and axe-throwing - making it more than just a place to shop. For a full list of stores, visit the Harlequin directory .
Watford is served by several retail parks, including Waterfields Way, which hosts major supermarkets and other household names. Watford Arches which is home to a large DIY store, drive-through coffee, a pet shop and loads of other High Street names. Meanwhile St Albans Road offers an eclectic mix of small independent shops, adding variety and local flavour to the town’s retail landscape. It’s an ever-changing landscape, but you can see the sorts of shops on this website . Watford Market is a long-standing part of the town’s identity, it’s moved about a bit, but the current market is a two-storey and canopy covered with stalls on the High Street as well. It brings together fresh produce, crafts, fashion and community stalls in a lively setting. It’s the perfect place to discover something different and support local traders. With so many great places to shop, grab a coffee and watch the world go by, Watford is ticking all the boxes for a vibrant and enjoyable retail experience.
Eat and Drink
Eat and Drink in Watford
Watford Town Centre is the heart of the town’s dining scene, with a wide range of restaurants, cafés and casual eateries to suit every taste. Watford Town Centre is where you’ll find everything from family-friendly dining to stylish venues perfect for a night out. Harlequin Watford complements the shopping experience with coffee shops and a handful of casual dining options - ideal for a quick break while browsing. Just out on the High Street you’ll find Watford Market - a long-standing part of the town’s identity, with food stalls serving flavours from across the world - from street food and fresh produce to global cuisines in a lively, community-driven setting. Coffee lovers are spoilt for choice, with cafés dotted throughout the town centre and tucked away in parks and green spaces on the outskirts - perfect for a pit stop or a leisurely afternoon. Back out on St Albans Road , there’s a varied mix of small independent restaurants and food outlets, adding character and local flavour to Watford’s wider offering.
Humo
A contemporary firehouse restaurant serving Spanish-inspired dishes cooked over wood and charcoal, paired with amazing cocktails.
The Florist
A vibrant venue blending floral décor with fresh, seasonal plates and Instagram-worthy cocktails.
Toni’s Greek Tavern
Authentic Greek dining on St Albans Road, with a second outlet in Watford Market serving souvlaki and gyros.
Hello Watford Food Hall
A buzzing food hall on the High Street, bringing together multiple street-food vendors under one roof.
D20 Board Game Café
A quirky spot where you can enjoy coffee, snacks and light bites while playing from a library of 850+ board games.
L’artista Pizzeria
A long-standing Italian restaurant offering authentic wood-fired pizzas and traditional pasta dishes in a lively setting.
Opuz Kitchen & Bar
Modern Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine cooked over charcoal, with generous platters and signature cocktails.
Spend Local
Watford is home to a growing number of independent restaurants and cafés that bring something unique to the table:
The Watford Gift Card is also accepted at many restaurants, cafés and bars across the town centre. It makes a great gift for local friends and family, offering the freedom to enjoy food and drink while supporting businesses in the area. Alongside independents, the town centre also hosts well-known High Street favourites such as TGI Fridays, Wagamama and Nando’s, plus plenty of fast-food outlets for a quick bite on the go.
Mad Squirrel Tap
A vibrant bar just off the High Street, specialising in locally brewed craft beers, artisan pizzas and regular live music.
Dunnings II
A freehouse on The Parade offering beers, wines, spirits, hearty food and televised sport, with DJs and live music at weekends.
O Watford
A brunch and party bar serving signature cocktails, small plates and themed nights, from bottomless brunches to late-night dancing.
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Dunnings Irish Bar
A long-standing Irish bar on St Albans Road, known for Guinness, cocktails, live music, karaoke and a welcoming atmosphere.
Drink , Bars & Pubs
Watford has a wide choice of places to enjoy a drink, from relaxed pubs to lively bars and cocktail spots. Whether you’re meeting friends for a casual pint, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or heading out for cocktails - there are plenty of options across the town centre and along St Albans Road.
Cocktails Aplenty
Cocktail lovers will find lots of choice across Watford, with venues mixing up both classics and inventive new serves. From the creative menus at Humo and The Florist , to the party vibe at O Watford and the relaxed Irish hospitality at Dunnings Irish Bar , the town’s drinks scene is diverse and welcoming
Activities
Things to Do in Watford
Watford offers a wide range of activities that make it easy to plan a fun day out - whether it’s family time, getting together with friends or a work night out. From high-tech crazy golf to immersive escape rooms, bowling, cinema and outdoor pursuits, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Puttshack Watford - Located inside Harlequin Watford, this high-tech mini golf venue features digital scoring, food and cocktails and DJs at weekends.
Glow In One - Situated on the high street, this indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf venue offers 14 illuminated holes and themed party packages.
Based in Harlequin Watford, this competitive socialising venue brings together axe throwing, augmented reality darts, shuffleboard, beer pong, prosecco pong, American pool, crazier golf and Boom Box Karaoke™ booths, alongside street food and cocktails. There’s quite literally something for everyone!
Escape Hunt Watford - Immersive escape rooms with themes like Curse of the Pharaoh and Wonderland , plus outdoor city hunts.
Enigma Rooms Watford - Independent escape rooms offering creative puzzles and immersive challenges.
Rock Up Watford – an indoor climbing arena with 26 walls, a UK-first high ropes course, Leap of Faith and soft play for younger children. A great venue for a party for active youngsters.
Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Watford - Inspired by the hit TV show, this indoor adventure park features obstacle courses, climbing walls and inflatable challenges for all ages. Another great kid’s party venue
Hollywood Bowl Watford Woodside - A family-friendly bowling centre with multiple lanes, arcade games and diner-style food.
Hollywood Bowl Harlequin - Located in Harlequin Watford, offering ten-pin bowling, amusements and casual dining.
Cineworld Watford - Located in Harlequin Watford, offering the latest blockbusters, family screenings and premium formats such as IMAX and 4DX.
Vue Watford Woodside - A modern multiplex with reclining seats, showing mainstream releases, family films and special events. With food restaurants and a coffee shop on the same retail park, you can make a day, or night of it!
The Grove - A luxury countryside resort on the edge of Watford offering axe throwing, archery, laser clay pigeon shooting, bike trails, woodland walks, mini Land Rover driving for kids and birds of prey experiences. Many of these activities are seasonal, with programmes changing throughout the year to make the most of the grounds and the weather.
Watford offers plenty of golf options, from championship courses to high-tech driving ranges:
The Grove – Prestigious championship course, host to major tournaments, set in stunning countryside.
West Herts Golf Club – Established in 1890, offering a beautifully maintained course with a welcoming atmosphere.
Topgolf Watford – A modern, high-tech driving range and entertainment venue with interactive games, food and socialising.
Watford’s leisure scene is diverse and welcoming. From crazy golf at Puttshack and Glow In One, to competitive social games at Boom Battle Bar, escape rooms at Escape Hunt and Enigma, climbing challenges at Rock Up, bowling at Hollywood Bowl, Ninja Warrior obstacle courses, cinema at Cineworld and Vue and seasonal outdoor pursuits at The Grove, there’s something for every occasion - family outings, nights with friends, or memorable work socials.
Parks and Nature
Parks and Nature in Watford
Watford is one of the greenest towns in Hertfordshire, with 17 Green Flag Award-winning parks, the highest number in the county. From expansive landscapes to hidden gardens, the town offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors - whether it’s dog-walking, cycling, family play or simply getting outdoors and blowing away some cobwebs.
Oxhey Park
Oxhey Activity Park , set along the River Colne, blends nature with modern recreation. Its riverside paths are popular with walkers, cyclists and dog-owners, while the state-of-the-art skate park and BMX facilities make it a hub for younger visitors. The Tasty Bean Café adds a welcoming riverside terrace - perfect for enjoying a delicious hot drink in winter or a refreshing cold drink in summer.
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Cheslyn House and Gardens
Cheslyn House and Gardens is often described as Watford’s hidden gem. Originally landscaped by architect Henry Colbeck and his wife Daisy, it features exotic plants, a woodland area, a pond and a rock garden. It’s a place to explore at leisure, offering a quieter, more intimate green space compared to the town’s larger parks.
The River Colne
Watford’s neighbourhood parks provide plenty of opportunities for play and family fun. Woodside Playing Fields is a major sports hub, with athletics, cricket, football, and bowls alongside a children’s play area. Harebreaks Recreation Ground and Harwoods Recreation Ground and Woodside offer playgrounds and adventurous play equipment, making them ideal for younger visitors.
Family Parks in Watford
The River Colne flows through Watford, shaping much of the town’s natural landscape. Its banks provide peaceful walking and cycling routes, connecting Cassiobury Park, Oxhey Park and the wider Green Loop. The river is home to kingfishers, herons and other wildlife - making it a favourite spot for nature lovers. Restoration projects along the Colne have improved habitats and access, ensuring it remains a thriving corridor of green space right through the town. You can learn more about these initiatives and the community’s efforts to rediscover the river on the River Colne website .
Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Wood
Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Wood
Cassiobury Park is Watford’s jewel in the crown, stretching over 190 acres. Families flock to its play areas, paddling pools, miniature railway and bandstand, while walkers and dog-owners enjoy the scenic trails. Two cafés - the Tea Pavilion and the Cassiobury Hub Café provide refreshments and a place to pause and watch families and friends enjoying the great outdoors. One of the biggest highlights for little ones is the Cassiobury Splash Park , a vibrant water play area that comes alive in the summer months. With fountains, jets, and playful sprays - it’s the perfect way for children to cool off and burn energy while parents relax nearby. The park also hosts seasonal events such as outdoor theatre, music at the bandstand, the annual firework display and community festivals. There’s also a peaceful nature reserve which is home to diverse wildlife. Cassiobury connects directly to the Grand Union Canal , where towpaths offer tranquil routes for walking, cycling and boating. Right next door lies Whippendell Wood, an ancient woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning spring bluebell displays, it’s a favourite for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting. The wood also features a BMX trail, adding a modern twist to this historic landscape.
Green Loop and TrailTale
Watford’s Green Loop links the town’s parks and heritage sites in a 6.5-mile circuit. For those who enjoy stories with their strolls, the TrailTale app offers self-guided walking tours that uncover Watford’s history, nature and hidden gems.
Explore Watford Further
For those who want to explore beyond Watford, Hertfordshire County Council publishes a wide range of walking and cycling routes across the county, including self-guided trails like the Abbey Line, Ebury Way and Watling Chase Trail. These routes complement Watford’s Green Loop, offering longer adventures through Hertfordshire’s countryside and heritage. Watford’s parks and nature are as diverse as they are plentiful. Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Wood form the town’s green heart, with cafés, seasonal events, a splash park and even a BMX trail. Oxhey Park adds riverside energy with its skate park and the Tasty Bean Café, Cheslyn House and Gardens offers quiet charm and Woodside, Harebreaks, and Harwoods provide family-friendly playgrounds. Linking them all are the Green Loop and county-wide walking and cycling routes, making Watford a haven for dog-walkers, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.