Location: Watford
Top Things to do in Watford
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Watford, United Kingdom (UK)
Watford (/ˈwɒtfərd/ ( listen)) is a town and borough in Hertfordshire, England, situated 15 miles (24 km) northwest of central London and inside the circumference of the M25 motorway. It is not to be confused with Watford, Northamptonshire which is 55 miles to the north.
Restaurants in Watford
1. Bhaktivedanta Manor
Overall Ratings
5 based on 153 reviews
In the Hertfordshire countryside just north of London, Bhaktivedanta Manor, complete with its farmlands, beautiful Gardens and temple is a real sanctuary for the soul. Open all year round to visitors and students of ancient wisdom, the temple offers a great experience with tours of the shrine, Gardens and compassionate farm. See the rooms of the famous Hare Krishna guru Srila Prabhupada, to whom George Harrison gifted this iconic mock Tudor mansion. Visitors may participate in inspirational talks, yoga classes, mantra meditation, vegetarian cooking classes and various retreats.
Reviewed By hilary d - London, United Kingdom
on our quest to visit somewhere different every weekend,my husband found this wonderful place on the interenet,as we both had a very stressful week we needed somewhere tranquil and beautiful,this placewas just perfect.lovely Gardens and café.will reyrn when its warmer!
2. The Horse and Chains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Jo D - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed holding our special christening reception here for our daughter.The service and atmosphere and quality of food & drinks are outstanding.
I have moved out to the country but I always come back here to real country charm with the warmth and friendliness delights you.
A special thank you to Alex who looked after all our needs all day. I hadn’t met him before and thought Richard you really did employ someone special there, that goes the extra mile.
I may not live in Bushey anymore but I will always consider the Horse & Chains my local.
Thank you for making our daughter Daisy a special day to remember by all.
It was a perfect day as we finished our party by having roast in the bar with family that stayed later.
See you soon Horse & Chains love The Deegan & Woodcock Family xx
3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
Overall Ratings
5 based on 33 reviews
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is a behind-the-scenes walking tour which immerses guests into the world of film-making. The tour features authentic sets, costumes and props that showcase the British artistry, technology and talent that goes into producing world famous and successful movies, created at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. The Studio Tour will initially focus on the Harry Potter film series which has made the Studios its home for over 10 years.
Reviewed By fooodandthings - Sydney, Australia
AMAZING! Loved every single moment, from beginning to end. However, I should forewarn you that your experience will probably vary depending on how much you love/appreciate the Harry Potter franchise. It's not much like a theme park, more a museum of Harry Potter sets/memorabilia and of course BUTTER BEER! Nonetheless, it is extremely intriguing and really does take you back into the movies. When we went it was self-guided, so it was great to be able to spend as much time as we liked to peruse the entire collection, take plenty of photos with the sets and get the extra special photo of flying on a broomstick with Harry. Having been to both the studio tour and the Universal Studios theme park - they're both great, but completely different experiences. Can't rate one better than the other!
4. The Cooking Academy
Overall Ratings
5 based on 104 reviews
The Cooking Academy teaches people how to prepare and cook food from around the world in a professional, enthusiastic, creative and enjoyable way. We are unique in our approach to cookery by putting ingredients and their beneficial health properties at the heart of everything we teach. We run a wide range of publicly available classes, social events for families and groups of friends. We also have an extensive corporate client-base for whom we provide team-building events as well as corporate entertainment & hospitality events.
Reviewed By JannValenzuela - Stevenage, United Kingdom
From booking to taking part, this has been a first class experience. My lovely hubby got us both vouchers for christmas 2016 but sadly he had to travel on the day we booked and thus needed to change my companion at the last minute, a quick phonecall to explain the situation and Chloe had it all dealt with.
I've never been on a cookery masterclass before so no expectations, but the bar has been set very high after today's experience.
A small group of strangers were welcomed and settled in with a choice of teas or coffee. The tutor for the day, Kumud, gave us lots of insight into why certain spices are used and highlighted the medicinal properties as well as culinary use.
We had the benefit of verbal, observational and hands on learning to ensure we could practice what we had learned. Some of the foods we cooked became our lunch, another dish was prepared by us as a takeaway.
The spices we used were available to purchase at a reasonable price and I took this as an opportunity to obtain 'the real things' as well as further supporting a business.
Kumud and her colleagues run many different courses both inhouse and as corporate events. I would highly recommend anyone with an interest in Indian cuisine to attend this half day course, and if the other courses are a patch on this one they will also be excellent.
5. Bentley Priory Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Bentley Priory Museum, previously RAF Headquarters Fighter Command, is a site of national historical importance and from where the Battle of Britain was won. We are a small private charitable trust ensuring that the legacy of 'The One, The Few and The Many' is not lost; but appreciated, celebrated and commemorated for many years to come. Throughout the year we welcome individuals, groups, schools and corporate organisations to come and explore the splendour of this amazing Sir John Soane extended property, which has hints of Italian grandeur and where many Second World War and Cold War secrets were hidden within.
Reviewed By Tulah77 - London, United Kingdom
We’ve lived in Stanmore for thirty years and grew up looking through the fence at Bentley priory mansion so visiting it was great. The building is magnificent with ornate wooden staircases and spectacular stained glass windows. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and gave us an information sheets and map to help us find our way around. Our five year old enjoyed learning about the role of the spitfires and hurricanes aircraft. The museum is very interactive with vintage telephones to listen to conversations of times gone by. The ballroom has a small cockpit plane for the kids to explore complete with helmet and jacket. We loved learning about the role Bentley priory played during the war. The video we watched was very informative and interactive. The grounds look amazing, we look forward to exploring them in the warmer months. We enjoyed a hot cup of tea in the beautiful cafe which over looks the Gardens. I would recommend buying the yearly membership if you’re planning on more than one visit. Great day out and very educational.
6. VVB Aviation Services
Overall Ratings
5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Maxs_Trip_Tips
Excellent comfy helicopter, everyone gets a view of some sorts. Ask in advance to get the pilot seat!!
Very short flight, along the river, could easily have stayed up a lot longer. Good value when bought through a voucher site!
7. Golf at The Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By MaryBarryJackson - Lagos, Portugal
Wonderful course in immaculate condition. Treated like royalty from arrival...buggy to collect clubs from car, polite, helpful staff, clubs cleaned after play, etc. etc.
Only disappointments were: slow service in The Stables, poor food choice there, I.e. No choice of sandwiches at lunchtime.....told we could get them on 'halfway house'. Went there, and they didn't have sandwiches, just steak and vegetable slices and sausage rolls. These were excellent, but not ideal on the hottest day of the year when you just want a Sandwich!!!???? Secondly, a Ginger Beer shandy, (John Smiths topped up with a Ginger Beer in a pint glass), at £11 is more than DOUBLE the highest price I have EVER paid for this drink!!!
8. Ruislip Lido Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
The Ruislip Lido Railway is a 12 inch gauge railway operated entirely by volunteers. The line runs through the woodlands skirting the lake from Woody Bay Station beside the beach, all the way round to Willow Lawn Station which is close to the car park. Here you can watch the loco being turned on the turntable ready for the return journey. The two and a half mile round trip on Britain's longest 12 inch gauge railway takes about 35 minutes. PLEASE NOTE - This TripAdvisor page is for the railway at the Lido. The Lido itself is maintained and operated by the local council.
Reviewed By Bob M - Troon, United Kingdom
I’m a railway nut, having been brought up in the 50s and have been on many small, narrow gauge lines all over the place but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Good rolling-stock, well maintained track of a very good length, and a lovely diesel loco ( pity the steam one wasn’t on). Very friendly staff, all volunteers I believe, who are courteous and efficient.
Well done all.
9. Cheslyn House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By mrsmon2016 - Leeds, United Kingdom
What an unexpected pleasure to find this delightful garden - 2.5 acres - in town. Winding paths, mature trees and shrubs, a pond stocked with koi carp and an aviary of finches and parakeets. Everything labelled and well presented.
We enjoyed our visit - about 45 minutes but would have stayed longer if it was a warmer day to admire the flora and the birds at the feeder.
There is a small free car park.
10. Bushey Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Pusia_10 - London, United Kingdom
As I was visiting nearby Bentley Priory I looked around for somewhere else and chose Bushey Museum and spotted Bushey Rose Garden. What a delight. Beautifully restored garden - a credit to the volunteers and everyone involved.
There is a display board in the little summerhouse in the grounds detailing the garden's history and restoration. Do check the web site which also details the history and has several useful sections including on frequently asked questions
The best time to go of course is a sunny day - take your lunch or have a picnic with friends. There is even a drinks trolley dispensing hot drinks (self service with payment by card only), available when the gardener is around. The toilets and Summer House opening times vary. Call 0800 731 1810 during office hours to check availability. If you are ever in Bushey don't miss it.
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