About Watford History
Watford is a town 15 miles northwest of central London with a captivating history, which is preserved in the local "Watford Museum". The museum holds a wealth of information and artifacts about how Watford has developed and transformed from an old settlement into a thriving town and, more importantly, into a major regional centre in the northern counties. From humble beginnings as a medieval market town to its significant role in the Industrial Revolution, this bustling locale has evolved into a cultural and economic hub.
Nowadays, Watford houses over 90 nationally listed buildings, 10 conservation areas, 43 public parks (one of them is a Grade II Listed Park) and plenty of green spaces. The town stands where the River Colne could be crossed on an ancient trackway from the southeast to the northwest. The local High Street partially follows this route.
An important stage in development during the Industrial Revolution brought to the city the Grand Junction Canal (1798) and the London and Birmingham Railway (1837).
The Grand Junction Canal became a vital transport hub, facilitating the efficient movement of goods between London and the Midlands. The subsequent development of railway links further propelled Watford's growth, attracting industries and factories to set up shop, giving rise to a thriving industrial sector.
Read more about Watford History
Things to do in Watford
Watford town centre is less than one mile away from the retirement village and offers a host of amenities including the Atria Shopping Centre, restaurants, theatres and a cinema.
In addition, there are several sports activity clubs in the town, such as Watford Bowls Club, Watford Croquet Club, Bushey Hall Golf Club, Topgolf Watford, several running and walking clubs, tennis courts, plus a cricket square maintained over the summer months.
From Watford Junction railway station you can be in central London in less than 30 minutes. Trains to the city run every 12 minutes.
Mayfield Watford
on the map
Mayfield Watford is located within a new urban development, Watford Riverwell, which is transforming a large area of land close to Watford Hospital and Watford Football Club. It sits alongside the new residential neighbourhood with shops and a riverside park, with easy access to the central area of Watford Riverwell (which will include 4.5 acres of green space, a supermarket, hotel, leisure facilities and additional retail shops).
Want to know more?
There’s still lots to discover about Mayfield Villages, and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Surrounding Green Areas
Mayfield Watford is generously surrounded by green areas, such as the picturesque Cassiobury Park (recently voted one of the country’s top ten favourite parks), the Riverside and Harwoods Recreational Grounds, Hampermill Lake and River Colne, Whippendell Woods, The Moors, Bushey Rose Garden and others, each offering an ideal place to go walking, running or cycling.
Within its limits also, is the Grand Union Canal in Watford.
Please visit the map for more nearby shops, dental surgeries, opticians, golf clubs, veterinary clinics and more. To change the nearby area, drag the map.
Watford FC
Did you know, the football team Watford Rovers was formed in 1881 when they were given permission by the Earl of Essex to kick a football around in the park. The football club was later changed to “West Herts” and in 1898 was merged with a rival club “Watford St Mary’s” to form Watford Football club. Watford FC moved into their home ground at Vicarage road in 1922 and are still there today.
Find out more details on tickets, transport and parking on the Watford FC website.
Golf Clubs near Watford
For those who like to spend their sunny days playing golf and wish to join a nearby club, Watford offers three clubs:
- Aldenham Golf & Country Club (3.1 miles away): just 10 minutes by car from Mayfield Watford.
- Topgolf Watford (2.4 miles away): part of the American Golf/Topgolf chain and one of only three Topgolf venues in the UK.
- West Herts Golf Club (3.3 miles away): one of the oldest clubs in Hertfordshire, established in 1890.
Central London
Watford is extremely well connected, with regular London North Western trains running from Watford Junction to London Euston in just 15 minutes, and the London Overground service runs from Watford High Street.
Watford offers many bus routes, both in the town centre and surrounding areas. From the town centre there are regular buses to places including Harrow, Stanmore, Edgware and Brent Cross.