Watford Visitor Guide

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Watford Visitors Guide

WATFORD YOU

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Introduction Watford for You is proud to welcome you to our growing, prosperous town. With our diverse and multicultural population we think everyone will feel at home and hope you'll find this guide a useful introduction to all the town has to offer.

Watford has activities and attractions to suit all tastes: historic sites, parks, museums, leisure centres and sporting events for the whole family. There's a wide range of shopping and dining opportunities as well as theatres, cinemas, pubs, music venues and nightclubs for after-hours entertainment. Getting here couldn't be easier whatever your mode of travel and there's a wide range of places to stay with prices to suit all budgets.

Welcome to Watford for You. more info

Want to get involved?

Visit: watfordforyou.org, or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Watford Palace Theatre Thu 25 Nov 10–Sat 1 Jan 11

£11.50–£20.00 01923 225671 • www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

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Watford for...

Transport

Location. Location. Location.

Watford enjoys an enviable proximity to the UK's transport network.

Its location just inside the M25 at junctions 19 and 20 and just off the M1 at junction 5 ensures it simply couldn't be easier to get here. Access from the M40 can also be swift via junction 16 of the M25.

Alternatively, Watford can be reached by tube on the Metropolitan Line and for destinations to the North or the South, via overground services into Watford Junction. The tube is a good choice for those wishing to visit Cassiobury Park, Watford Junction is closest to the Clarendon Road business district and Watford High Street station brings Watford's Harlequin Shopping Centre within comfortable walking distance.

Air travellers are well catered for too with London Heathrow and London Luton being less than a 20 minute car journey away.

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Watford for...

Perhaps you are in town on business, for a special night out or here to visit friends or relatives for a few days?

Whatever the reason, Watford has a wealth of hotels for you to choose from. A selection are detailed below.

Jurys Inn Watford Clarendon Road WD17 1JA 01923 422800 Newly built and located in the heart of the town’s business district, this hotel is also less than a 5 minute walk away from the High Street.

Premier Inn Watford Water Lane WD17 2NJ 0870 9906620 A popular hotel with those on a tight budget and ideally situated for shopping trips to the Harlequin Centre.

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Hotels Hilton Watford Elton Way WD25 8HA 01923 235881 A mere 3 minutes away from junction 5 of the M1 and with all the extras you would expect from the Hilton chain.

The Grove at Chandlers Cross WD3 4TG 01923 807807 Acclaimed as 'London's Country Estate', The Grove is a luxury hotel, golf and spa resort set in a rural location but just a few minutes drive from the M25 and M1.

The White House, Best Western Upton Road WD18 OJF 01923 237316 The only town house hotel in Watford, it is also the nearest hotel to Watford Football Club and has an award winning conservatory restaurant. more info

Want more hotels?

Visit: watfordforyou.org or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Watford for...

In harmony with its vibrant, bustling atmosphere, Watford has an abundance of restaurants for you to choose from.

A mini menu of places to eat is detailed below.

Zinco Sapori d'Italia 89-91 The Parade - 01923 222888 Right in the heart of Watford, this authentic Italian restaurant is famous for its extensive a la carte menu and delicious monthly specials.

La Tasca 63 The Parade - 01923 223545 Adding a Spanish flavour to Watford's restaurant scene, La Tasca offers a wide variety of dishes for both vegetarians and meat eaters, including their signature dish of cooked-to-order paella.

Cafe Mezza 144 High Street - 01923 211500 This Lebanese restaurant’s speciality is lamb from the spit but there are over 75 other dishes to choose from. more info

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Want more restaurants?

Visit: watfordforyou.org or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Eating Out Flower Drum 16 Market Street - 01923 226711 Established in 1978 and still family owned, the Flower Drum is Watford’s premier Peking and Szechuan restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Prince of Bengal 51 Langley Way - 01923 253676 Award winning chefs, the freshest ingredients, friendly staff and convenient parking. What more could you look for in an Indian restaurant?

The Clarendon Chandlers Cross - 01923 270009 Serves simple British food with international influences in a relaxed but stylish location.

The Glasshouse at The Grove Chandlers Cross - 01923 807807 At one of England’s premier hotels, The Glasshouse’s buffet boasts luxury cuisine incorporating British, Mediterranean and Asian dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also at The Grove: Colette's and The Stables.

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Watford for...

Visitors and residents alike have a rich variety of entertainment options available to them, making Watford a great choice for a memorable night out.

Watford Palace Theatre 20 Clarendon Road Contact: 01923 225671 Opened in 1908, the Palace Theatre has a long tradition of launching new productions before they hit the West End. Contact the Box Office to discover which comedies, plays and musicals are featuring in the forthcoming season.

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The Pump House Lower Watford High Street Contact: 01923 241362 Once a pumping station providing water from the River Colne to the Watford area, the Pump House now provides an intimate theatre auditorium accommodating just 124 audience members. The Pump House is a live music venue but

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Entertainment also provides facilities for local groups covering all art forms including music and written, spoken and visual art.

Highlight 76 The Parade Contact: 0844 499 4075 Formerly Jongleurs, Highlight is the brand new comedy club in Watford.

Conveniently located at the top end of the High Street, this recently refurbished venue gives you an opportunity to enjoy both up and coming and established comedy acts. A special ticket offer is available on the back cover.

The Horns 1 Hempstead Road Contact: 01923 225 020 Built in 1756, The Horns provides live music for the people of Watford to enjoy, complemented by an extensive display of music memorabilia. more info

Want more venues?

Visit: watfordforyou.org or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Watford for...

Watford's nightlife draws visitors from far and wide as its clubs cater for all ages and music tastes.

With a generous number of bars and restaurants, Watford provides everything you could need for a truly memorable night.

Bars Bar Bodega 151 The Parade A haven for the over 25’s to enjoy a chilled out evening against a nu-jazz background.

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Kandi Klub 77-79 The Parade Simple but sophisticated surroundings with music preferences to suit everyone.

Walkabout 76 The Parade Something for everyone.

Sport, gigs, DJs and karaoke for the adventurous ones.

Revolution 48-50 High Street Serving a variety of 90 different vodkas with guest DJs seven nights a week.

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Nightlife

Clubs Oceana Watford 127 The Parade This venue features six bars each with their own theme, influencing everything from the decor to the drinks. With music ranging from pop and rock to electro and trance there's something to suit most tastes.

Reflex 66-68 The Parade 80's decor and 80's music for all those 80's lovers out there.

Area 46 The Parade Where music lovers can indulge in the vibrant atmosphere created by a different theme every night of the week.

more info

Want to get involved?

Visit: watfordforyou.org or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Watford

F R E E t e a o r c o f fe e This voucher entitles you to a FREE cup of tea or coffee in the Place To Eat. Valid until 30 November 2010 Terms and Conditions: 1. This voucher entitles you to a free cup of tea or coffee when visiting the PlaceTo Eat in John Lewis Watford. 2. Offer applies when you present this voucher and is valid until 30 November 2010. 3. The offer cannot be exchanged for any merchandise other than that specified and cannot be converted into cash. 4. Only original vouchers are accepted; no photocopies are allowed. 5. Only one voucher per person. 6.

This offer is not open to employees of the John Lewis Partnership, their dependents or agents, nor anyone else connected with the promotion.

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Watford for...

Shopping

The Harlequin is Hertfordshire's largest shopping centre. It opens 7 days a week and has over 140 shops and restaurants under its roof including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Karen Millen, Primark, Waterstones, Disney Store and Zara, to name just a few.

There are over 4,500 car parking spaces in seven car parks in and around the town centre. The Kings, Queens and Palace car parks directly link to the shopping centre and have over 2,500 spaces for shoppers. There is also a Shopmobility scheme that offers battery or manual wheelchairs and scooters free of charge to disabled customers.

The Harlequin hosts free events including fashion shows and children's holiday entertainment and when it comes to catering for the family the Harlequin has it all: baby changing facilities; mother and child parking on all levels of both Queens and Kings car parks and children's kiddy karts. You can also enjoy great places to eat like Ponti's Restaurant, The Place to Eat in John Lewis, Pizza Express and Cafe Giardino.

Opening Times: Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm, Thur 9am to 9pm, Sat 9am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm Contact: 01923 250292

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BUSHEY

MyWatfordNews...

LOCAL NEWS & LOCAL BUSINESS The perfect combination Our range of publications are delivered FREE to 36,000 homes every month - with a readership that EXCEEDS 90,000!!!

Tel 01923 253500 www.mynewsmag.co.uk Mob 07883 789530

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Watford for...

Shopping

For an alternative shopping experience visit Watford Market located just off the High Street in Charter Place Shopping Centre. It is a lively, traditional, indoor market with over three hundred stalls selling everything you need for your family and home.

The market is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 7am to 5.30pm.

Running through the heart of Watford is the High Street which offers an eclectic mix of shops and eateries.

Slightly further afield is St Albans Road with its many interesting shops. It is also home to the Watford branch of TK Maxx.

more info

Want more shops?

Visit: watfordforyou.org or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Watford for...

Watford Football Club Watford FC, based in Vicarage Road, is at the heart of the town's community, and is the current Football League Community Club of the Year.

Its excellent Community Sports and Education Trust team runs a variety of schemes and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those who live in Hertfordshire and the surrounding area.

The club’s academy system, which regularly produces high-quality players for the first team, has also linked up with The Harefield Academy to combine education and football in a pioneering scheme that hasn't been seen before in England, blazing a trail for football development.

Want more info? more Visit the Watford FC website info at: www.watfordfc.com

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Sport Saracens Rugby Club Founded by the Old Boys of the Philological School in Marylebone in 1876, the Club has moved location many times over the years, finally settling in Watford during their landmark 1997/98 season with a ground share deal with Watford FC. Saracens also has a community department which aims to meet the needs of schools and clubs within the Watford community. Schools and Clubs have the option to join a Partnership programme, which offers the opportunity to develop links with Saracens, through events like exclusive partner training sessions and opportunities to raise funds for schools and clubs through ticket sales.

Want more info? more Visit the Saracens website info at: www.saracens.com

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Watford for...

Keeping fit has never been easier or more enjoyable in Watford as there are a host of health centres.

Watford has two leisure centres, both of which are fully equipped with top quality and eco-friendly facilities providing a wide range of classes and leisure opportunities.

Watford Leisure Centre Woodside and Watford Leisure Centre - Central have many facilities, including swimming and learner pools, sports courts, fully equipped gyms, dance studios and even a climbing wall. Both centres also have a creche and cafe.

The centres are owned by Watford Borough Council and have proven to be very popular since they opened in 2008.

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Fitness Contact details: Watford Leisure Centre Central 01923 296750 Watford Leisure Centre Woodside 01923 982710 Web: www.everyoneactive.co.uk Watford is also home to a number of premier health and fitness clubs.

David Lloyd Health Centre Tel: 01923 213760 Web: www.davidlloyd.co.uk Sportz Academy Tel: 01923 620 179 Web: www.sportzacademy.co.uk more info

Want more sport centres?

Visit: watfordforyou.org or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Watford for...

The broad range of leisure activities on offer in Watford ensure you can make the most of the time available to you, your family and friends.

Vue Cinema Woodside Leisure Park 08712 240240 Eight air conditioned screens, big comfy seats, high tech sound systems and a wide selection of food and drink to choose from.

Gambado Indoor Play Centre Woodside Leisure Park 01923 892140 An innovation in childrens play centres, Gambado offers a full-scale climbing wall, mini dodgems as well as a giant play frame.

more info

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Want more activities?

Visit: watfordforyou.org or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Leisure Hollywood Bowl Woodside Leisure Park 01923 682929 Open every day from 10am until midnight, Hollywood Bowl has 26 lanes so is ideal for families, friends, groups and parties.

Mecca Bingo 19 King Street 01923 223568 Will tonight be your lucky night? Enjoy a fast-paced game of skill and luck in this conveniently central location.

Top Golf Bushey Mill Lane 01923 222045 With a microchip in every ball, your shots can be accurately tracked at this state-of-the-art golf range. An 18 hole adventure golf course is also available for you to enjoy.

Skate Parks Lower Derby Road/Riverside Road Featuring a wide range of equipment, the skate parks are free to use and are open daily from 11am til 9pm.

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Watford for...

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Open Spaces Watford has a pleasing array of open spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Cassiobury Park Cassiobury Park is an exquisite sight to behold in any season.

It is the largest public open space in Watford comprising of over 190 acres of green space, a wealth of sports facilities, attractions for children such as the paddling pools and miniature railway, Cha Cha Cha Tea Pavilion and a Local Nature Reserve. The entrances to the park are located on Rickmansworth Road, Shepherds Road, Gade Avenue, The Gardens, Langley Way and Parkside Drive Cheslyn House & Gardens Discover Watford's best kept secret, Cheslyn Gardens, where you can explore a semi-natural woodland area.

Its 3.5 acres of space is imaginatively laid out to provide areas of interest including a

pond, fernery, large herbaceous borders and an aviary. The gardener is usually to be found in the garden and is keen to share his plant and wildlife knowledge. Cheslyn House & Gardens is accessible from Langley Road.

Whippendell Woods Listed as an ancient wood, it is believed to have been a wooded area for at least the last 400 years. Enjoyed by walkers, runners and horse riders the wood also has a rather unique claim to fame, having been used for filming scenes from the Star Wars movies. Breathtaking displays of bluebells mean a visit between the last week of April and the first week of May is highly recommended. more info

Want more open spaces?

Visit: watfordforyou.org or send an email to: info@watfordforyou.org

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Watford for...

"Yield not thou to ills, but go forth to face them more boldly than thy fortune shall allow thee" Virgil's Aeneid VI

The town motto Audentior is found on the Watford Coat of Arms and invites people of the town to adopt a bold approach. This sentiment has been embraced and Watford is recognised for it's rich history of entrepreneurism and forward thinking.

Follow the town's journey from market town to business hub, by visiting Watford Museum. The museum houses Watford's art collection, features exhibitions on the local printing and brewing industries plus a tribute to the town's football club.

Visitors and residents alike can also enjoy the specialised research room at Watford's Central Library which is dedicated to local studies and provides an ideal environment for people researching their family history.

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Watford Museum, 194 High Street WD17 2DT 01923 232 297 Watford Central Library, Hempstead Road WD17 3EU 0300 123 4049

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History

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Watford for...

2010 Events in Watford and Hertfordshire MAY What: The Herts Garden Show Where: Knebworth House Stevenage When: 1 - 3 May Info: 01795 474660 What: The Haunted Museum Evening Where: Watford Museum When: 15 May Info: 01923 232297 What: Herts County Show Where:

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HC Showground, Dunstable Rd, Redbourn When: 29 - 30 May Info: 01582 792626 JUNE What: Victorian Watford Trail Where: Watford High Street When: 19 June Info: 01923 232297 JULY What: Performances from local bands and artists Where: Bandstand near the Town Hall

When: Every Saturday in July Info: www.watfordforyou.org What: Big Dance Where: The Harlequin Centre When: 4 July Info: community@watford. gov.uk What: Watford Live!

Showcase Where: Watford Town Centre When: 10 - 11 July Info: community@ watford.gov.uk

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Events What: Public Art and Architecture Trail Where: Watford High Street When: 10 July Info: 01923 232297 What: Watford Live!

Where: Watford Town Centre When: 17 July Info: community@ watford.gov.uk AUGUST What: Performances from local bands and artists Where: Bandstand near the Town Hall When: Every Saturday in August Info: www.watfordforyou.org What: 20th Century Watford Trail Where: Watford High Street

When: 7 August Info: 01923 232297 SEPTEMBER What: Heritage Open Days Weekend Where: Watford Town Centre When: 9 - 12 September Info: info@watford museum.org.uk What: Ghosts and Legends Trail Where: Watford High Street When: 18 September Info: 01923 232297 What: French Market at Watford Where: Watford High Street When: 26 September Info: community@ watford.gov.uk

NOVEMBER What: Christmas Lights Switch On and Fireworks Where: The Harlequin Centre When: 4 November Info: www.theharlequin .uk.com What: Guy Fawkes Firework and Bonfire Celebration Where: Cassiobury Park When: 6 November Info: community@ watford.gov.uk What: Christmas Tree Lights Switch On and Carol Service Where: St Mary’s Square and Church When: 25 November Info: community@ watford.gov.uk

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COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS!

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