Things to Do in Watford

Grade I listed medieval church with a 13th-century tower, Victorian stained glass and a war memorial chapel. Peaceful interior away from the shopping centre.

🕐 Monday–Saturday 9am–4pm (Sunday for services only)

💡 Look for the carved wooden misericords under the choir seats – they show a fox preaching to geese, a local joke from 1480.

The foyer of this live music venue hosts rotating free exhibitions of local art, photography and community projects. No ticket needed during daytime opening hours.

🕐 Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday 10am–2pm (extended on event days)

💡 Check the Colosseum's website for the current exhibition before visiting – the 'Behind the Stage' displays with vintage posters are the best.

Local museum in a former brewery owner's house, covering Watford's industrial, printing and brewing history. Exhibits include a Roman collection and Victorian toys.

🕐 Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm (closed Sunday–Monday)

💡 The Grecian Gallery on the first floor has the only surviving set of 19th-century Scammell printing blocks – ask a volunteer to show you the working proofs.

Towpath walk along the canal from Cassiobury Park towards Croxley Green. Passes narrowboats, locks and a 19th-century lock-keeper's cottage. Free walking route.

🕐 Open 24 hours (best in daylight)

💡 Start at the bottom of Cassiobury Park and walk 2 km to Batchworth Lock – there's a small lock-side café with cheap tea and homemade cake.

Large historic park with river walks, a paddling pool, tennis courts, a café and the Grand Union Canal running through it. Good for a picnic or a loop walk from the town centre.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Head to the canal towpath behind the café for a quieter stroll; the herons often perch near Lock 80.