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Nestled just within the M25 and next to the M1, the town of Watford and the borough belong to the county of Hertfordshire, just to the north-west of London. Watford is amongst the largest towns in the county, home to around 80,000 people. Serviced apartments in Watford are popular, as it makes a great commuter town for the capital. Mainly due to its excellent transport links. Add to this the charming Hertfordshire countryside that can be reached nearby, and the fact that the town punches well above its relatively small size in business, the calls for more short term accommodation in Watford are unsurprising.

As mentioned, Watford has excellent access to the UK road network. The M1, a major route northwards, lies just to the east whilst the M25 is to the north of the town. There are also several train stations and even Zone 7 access to the London Underground via the Metropolitan Line. Furthermore, by car Heathrow Airport is usually only about 40 minutes away. The combination of convenient transport options and an abundance of places to explore in the town mean booking extended stay apartments in Watford is worthwhile.

LIFESTYLE AND BUSINESS

According to the Watford Borough Council, corporates and businesses choose to relocate to the town because of the area’s “connectivity, thriving business community, a strong economy, shopping, entertainment and open spaces”. This makes sense, with business never looking better in Watford. After all, nearly 5,000 companies are based here and contribute to the highest GVA score in the county. 28 of these are also amongst the top 200 in Hertfordshire. The town also has the highest job growth in Hertfordshire. This benefits a local population who earn more than the regional and national average.

Furthermore, the locals’ profit from the excellent road and rail transports links already mentioned. Several London international airports are within an hour car journey, whilst central London is only twenty minutes from Watford. West Coast Mainline railway services also enable straightforward travel to England’s capital. Wherever guests would rather be located closest too, whether it is a train station or nearby business, Situ’s corporate housing in Watford can make the process of relocating simple.

Investment has also been pivotal for the quality of Watford’s business climate. A huge £180 million investment pumped into the town centre pushed Watford to rank amongst the top 20 in the CACI’s national retail rankings. The town now incorporates Cassiobury Park (voted one of the top ten favourite parks in the country), three theatres, one being the home of the BBC Concert Orchestra and an increasingly successful Premier League Football Club. What’s more, Watford is a major retail centre for the home counties. It is home to the head offices of major companies like JD Wetherspoon, Mothercare and the Camelot Group. On this basis, Watford clearly shows eligibility as a place for business. The best way to take advantage of the town’s potential is to stay in corporate accommodation in Watford.

HISTORY OF WATFORD

The first mention of the area of Watford came in the Domesday Book of 1086, like many English towns. However, the first settlement supposedly arose there in the twelfth century. The book’s records suggest agriculture was significant at the time after the town’s development on the River Colne. This continued to be the case throughout the following centuries. The first weekly market, to support agriculture, was actually granted permission in the twelfth century. It continued to be held right through to the 1920s.

The St Mary's church is essentially all that remains from the medieval period. This is partially due to the previous Watford landowners, the St Albans Abbey, losing their land to Henry VIII. He went on to sell it on in the sixteenth century. This, consequently, changed the course of Watford’s history. All that remains from the period are the likes of the Monmouth House, Frogmore House and some high street shops.

The development of the Grand Union Canal and the opening of the railway in Watford during the 1800s saw trade reaching new heights and transportation links growing stronger. Housing shot up to accommodate the increase in people moving to Watford for work. The local government adapted accordingly for this. In fact, the town centre's streets today were those that were laid out towards the end of the nineteenth century. The impacts of the World Wars then meant the railway was the area’s main employer. Printing became the town’s most important industry. Evidently, Watford’s history was one of constant change. For the best insight into the town’s history though, visit the Watford Museum. Guests can be just minutes away from the museum depending on where they book their furnished housing in Watford.

ATTRACTIONS

While staying in Watford serviced apartments, it’s worth knowing that the town has several theatres and museums, as well as an enormous number of public parks, twelve of which have been named among the best in the country by the Green Flag Award scheme. These include Oxhey Park, Cheslyn House and Garden and Cassiobury Park, with the latter being perhaps Watford’s most popular. Corporates and their families could leave the comfort of their furnished short lets in Watford and visit the largest park in the town, packed with natural beauty, history and family-fun activities. Along with the many children’s facilities and spots to walk or relax, Cassiobury Park also features both Cha Café and Daisy’s in the Park Café where visitors can refuel and take in the surrounding scenery.

Immensely popular amongst locals and thousands of visiting tourists each year is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The Leavesden Film Studios is partially open to the public and houses the ‘Making of Harry Potter’ studio tour. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the costumes, props and authentic sets of the Harry Potter films. The huge 80-hectare studio complex receives visits from over 6,000 people every day, taking a few hours to complete.

Slightly less popular but still certainly worth visiting is the Watford Museum. Next door to Watford High Street railway station Watford Museum opened in 1981 within a beautiful Georgian townhouse. The building formerly housed the Benskins Brewery offices, but nowadays tells the rich story of Watford’s past and present. As well as the many events and activities taking place throughout the calendar year, the museum presents an array of exhibits, galleries and displays. They all define historic aspects of Watford such as the football club, Watford at War, the prominent printing and brewing industries and artistic creations throughout the centuries.

When all is said in done, the Watford Museum, the Warner Bros Studios, the array of stunning parks and many more available attractions are definitely worth visiting whilst staying in the Hertfordshire town. These tourists destinations, coupled with the booming economy and business climate, and the rich history of the town, are enough to convince any corporate or tourist to relocate and stay in Watford serviced apartments.