Watford, situated northwest of central London is a town and a borough in Hertfordshire, England. It is the largest town in Hertfordshire and is only a 20 minute journey from the Euston Train Station in London. The town tends to have characteristics of...more
Watford, situated northwest of central London is a town and a borough in Hertfordshire, England. It is the largest town in Hertfordshire and is only a 20 minute journey from the Euston Train Station in London. The town tends to have characteristics of a London suburb due to its close proximity to London, but it has some remnants of the past such as the timber framed buildings around the ancient church of St Mary’s. Watford is a lively and busy town with an important industrial and business district as well as large residential areas and is also home to a diverse range of attractions and activities. Muslim visitors will be able to find Muslim-friendly facilities like halal food and prayer areas in Watford without a problem.
There’s a lot to do in the Watford area, visitors could start off with a visit to Cassiobury Park, which is situated 10 minutes from the city center. This park was once the manor estate of the earl of Essex but today it houses sporting facilities including a golfing course, tennis courts, children’s paddling pool, bowling green and croquet lawn. It is the perfect place to enjoy a long walk and for visitors with children there are lots to do as there are numerous climbing frames, swings and other playground activities to suit children of all ages. For more family activities tourists could also pay a visit to the Farmyard Funworld which is a small farmyard with a selection of farmyard animals. It is a fun place to visit with kids.
To discover the history of the town, visitors should visit the Watford Museum housed in the former Benskins Brewery Mansion. The museum is home to displays of local history, industry, Watford football club memorabilia and the Cassiobury collection of fine art. Tourists might also want to pay a visit to the Watford Fire Museum. The town has several green spaces that would be fun and relaxing for the whole family such as Whippendell Woods, Ruislip Lido, Rickmansworth Aquadrome Nature Reserve and Eastcote House Gardens.
Watford is noted for its excellent shopping facilities, with the Harlequin Shopping Center being the most noticeable feature in town as well as the most dominant shopping center. With over 130 shops, visitors will be able to find a wide selection of outlets selling a variety of items. Paying a visit to the Watford Market located adjacent to the shopping center will also prove to be a fun experience.
The closest major airport to Watford is London Heathrow Airport, which is located approximately 21 kilometres from the center of Watford. The Heathrow Airport has international and domestic flights. Another airport that travelers could use is the London Luton Airport, which is located about 24 kilometres away from Watford. The Luton Airport has international and domestic flights as well. Both airports are easily accessible by public transport.
Muslim visitors will be able to find a variety of halal cuisines like Indian, Portuguese, Pakistani and Bangladeshi when in Watrford. Some of these restaurants are halal certified, while some are Muslim owned and yet others have a few halal items on their menu. K5 lounge, Borehamwood Tandoori, Nando’s, Steakhouse, Taste of Lahore, Roosters Peri Peri, Peri Peri, Peri Peri Original are some restaurants that serve halal food in Watford. Mint, Anchor Fish Bar, Chiqizza, Lahore Tikka Masala are halal takeaway outlets in Watford that also provide delivery. Muslims should confirm halal status of these restaurants before dining there and they should also be aware that some of these restaurants might serve alcohol. If unable to locate a halal restaurant in Watford, Muslim tourists can also make inquiries at the local mosque.
Locating prayer facilities in Watford will not be a problem as the city does have a few masjids. North Jamia Watford Mosque, Watford Mosque and Welfare Association and Al Zahra Center are some mosques in Watford that visitors as well as residents can use when necessary.