The Wonder of Watford
// Sponsored post
You may or may not know that Watford holds a very special place in my heart. I used to live very nearby to the town and would not only catch the train there every day, to school, but would also regularly spend my teenage weekends there with my friends, shopping in H&M, lunching in the John Lewis cafe and feeling like I was Very Much All Grown Up.
So it was a real treat for me to be invited by Berkeley, to come and see their new development – The Exchange, Watford – which is just a 4 minute walk from Watford Junction Station. The train to Watford Junction takes just 14 minutes from London Euston. It was so speedy, I only managed to eat half my croissant before it was time to get off the train again – I hadn’t expected it to be so fast! It’s also pretty nippy from Kings Cross – 23 minutes and you’re there.
The Exchange, Watford has been designed to bring town, city and countryside together, and the result is quite lovely. The city-style apartments overlook artwork installations, landscaped gardens and water features, all inspired by the Grand Union Canal (which also goes from Watford to Kings Cross, but will take a fair bit longer to paddle there)
There are studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available, which all include the 24-hr concierge, gym, business lounge and private cinema space. It’s an impressive and thoughtful development.
It’s a short walk from The Exchange, Watford into Watford’s bustling town centre, where so much has changed since I was last there and it was so exciting to see. Although it was also wonderful to see the things that had remained the same – the busy market was as vibrant and noisy as it always had been, with street traders-a-plenty and more culinary and cuisine choices now than there has ever been before.
Watford is bursting at the seams with independent cafes, restaurants and bars, with some very beautiful spaces to sit and enjoy time with friends and family. You really are spoiled for choice in the food and drink department, with a myriad of options all over the town.
One of my favourite places to hang out as a teen was the then ‘Harlequin Centre’, which is now the far superior and infinitely larger Atria Watford – one of the prettiest and thoughtfully designed shopping centres I’ve ever seen. And you may think I’m biased, but it’s true. It has so much space, air and light to the design – sweeping, wide thoroughfares inside, lots of greenery and a kind of ‘local’ feel. It doesn’t feel overwhelming, yet has everything you could possibly need. With over 200 stores, all the big hitters are there – TK Maxx, Fat Face, Boots, M&S, Zara, Apple, Mac, Next etc – as well as lots of pop-ups, kids’ shops, cafes and more… including Puttshack – minigolf for the competitive amongst us!
Speaking of golf…The Grove Hotel is extremely close to The Exchange, Watford and I was lucky enough to be invited to their Everyman Cinema launch for this Summer’s season. The Grove is a five-star hotel, with a spa, four restaurants and a ‘championship golf course’. All a stone’s throw away from the town centre’s hustle and bustle.
Another special spot near the development is Cheslyn House and Gardens – a magical hidden gem in Watford. The gardens themselves are designed by architect Henry Colbeck and his wife, Daisy, who left the house and gardens to Watford when they died. The gardens are full of exotic plants they collected while they travelled the world and the result is stunning. It’s a gorgeously tranquil place to be and there are regular art exhibitions in the house. Entrance is free and I loved sitting in this beautiful space and taking a moment for myself, before I continued on with my Watford adventures!
For a little more tranquillity, you can head to Cassiobury Park for a stroll, a picnic or a spot of lunch in The Pavilion. If you have children in tow, there are playgrounds galore, an amazing splash park and even a miniature railway!
I could go on and on and on about wonderful Watford, but I will leave you with one of its biggest treasures – The Watford Palace Theatre – built in 1908 and has been entertaining the good folk of Watford and beyond ever since. Jimmy Perry (who co-wrote Dad’s Army) was the manager in the early 60s, and it has grown in stature and popularity ever since. It seats 600 and has a wonderful energy – do pop in to see what’s showing when you’re visiting!
I had a wonderful day in Watford, hopping my way down memory lane and marvelling at how Berkeley have brought a sprinkling of city glamour to this special town.
Anyone fancy meeting me there for coffee? I can be there in 14 minutes.
Danielle
It is such a cute space. I loved visiting a few months ago!
Danielle Writes | https://danielle-writes.co.uk
The Readers Tales
Beautiful post 🙂
Poppy Loves London
Thank you!