Things to do in Watford and nearby

Cassiobury Park

Cassiobury Park is Watford's principal public park and covers around 250 acres on the west side of the town. Watford Borough Council lists cafes, paddling pools, a bandstand, a miniature railway and plenty of space to walk in nature, and the park regularly appears in national lists of favourite green spaces.

The Grand Union Canal and the River Gade run along the park's western edge, so you can follow the towpath past locks and narrowboats, or head into the woods beyond. It is easy to spend a whole morning here without planning much at all.

Theatre and live music

Watford Palace Theatre on Clarendon Road has been part of town life since 1908, when it opened as a modest music hall. Today it is a registered charity producing and hosting drama, comedy, family shows and the annual pantomime.

A short walk away, the Watford Colosseum reopened in 2025 after a major refurbishment and is back to hosting gigs, comedy and big-name concerts. Both venues publish their full programmes online, so check before you go.

Museums and local history

Bushey Museum and Art Gallery, on Rudolph Road just off Bushey High Street, tells the story of Bushey and its artistic past. It holds a significant collection linked to Sir Hubert von Herkomer and his art school, and work by the horse painter Lucy Kemp-Welch.

In Watford itself, the Museum of Watford is moving into the Town Hall, so keep an eye on its website for activities and the new opening.

Big days out

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is at Leavesden, on the northern edge of Watford, and draws visitors from all over the world. Tickets must be booked in advance. On match days, Watford FC fans head for Vicarage Road, and the town centre gets noticeably busier.

Eat, drink and stay local

Whatever you choose, there are cafes, pubs and restaurants across Watford, Bushey, Croxley Green and Rickmansworth to round off the day. Browse local food and drink, clubs and venues in the directory and support the independents near you.