7 Things to Do for Elderly People in Watford
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A borough and town in Hertfordshire, Watford is located just north of the bustle of London. The area has many activities suited to elderly people, from wonderful nature to fantastic tourist spots.
Its location and attractions make Watford the ideal place to retire for those who don’t want to live in the rush of the capital but would like to access it easily. Train links mean that you can get into central London in under half an hour!
For those who are considering a move there, Lottie has compiled a list of our favourite things for elderly people to do in Watford. Read on to learn more things to do in retirement.
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1. Train for the Cassiobury Park Run
The most well-known park in Watford is Cassiobury. It offers cafes, a miniature railway and paddling pools, as well as beautiful nature walks.
Each week a five kilometre park run is held in Cassiobury Park. For older people, this provides an opportunity to keep fit and build a sense of accomplishment, by training for the event.
The race is held each Saturday morning and you can sign up at parkrun.org. For those who’d rather enjoy the park without the exercise, it’s open all day every day.
2. Take Your Grandchildren to the Harry Potter Studio Tour
An experience that draws visitors from across the world, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is amongst the most exciting activities available in Watford.
Located at Leavesden Studios, where the movies were actually filmed, the tour offers a look behind the camera at how the magic was made. This makes it a must-see for Potter fans of all ages.
The cross-generational appeal of Harry Potter means that a trip to the studio would be fun for your whole family, so you can take your children and grandchildren along too. You can experience the wonder of exploring Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express together!
For a real treat, you can even purchase tickets that include an afternoon tea with your visit.
3. Watch a Football Match at Watford FC
Dating back to the early days of football, Watford FC is over one hundred years old. They currently compete in the top leagues of English football and have the distinction of being owned by Sir Elton John!
Fans of the club are known as ‘hornets’ because of the team’s distinctive black and yellow colours. There’s a great sense of community amongst these supporters, so attending a match can help older people to get involved and meet new people.
Home matches are held regularly at the team’s stadium, Vicarage Road. If you’d like to go and cheer on the team, tickets can be purchased through the club.
4. Explore Cheslyn House and Gardens
Set across over the three acres of land, the Cheslyn House and Gardens feature ponds, aviaries, and woods. They were originally designed by architect Henry Colbeck and his wife Daisy, to house the exotic plants collected on their travels.
The variety of spaces within the Gardens makes them a wonderful destination for exploration and learning. For any older person with an interest in connecting with nature or learning about horticulture, they simply can’t be missed.
With toilets and wheelchair access, the gardens can be enjoyed by people of all capabilities. Open almost all year-round, you can even see how the seasons bring change to the landscape with multiple visits.
5. Take in a Show at Watford Palace Theatre
Originally built over one hundred years ago, as a Music Hall, Watford Palace Theatre has a long history at the centre of the community. It now stages shows to interest, entertain, and reflect the diverse people it serves.
With events ranging from Shakespeare to stand-up comedy, there’s something for everyone at the Palace. Further, the theatre hosts community groups, such as a ‘Knit and Chat’, that can provide great opportunities for older people to socialise.
The performances at the theatre change frequently and you can find out what’s on through their website. Attending is a great way to support local arts, as well as an enjoyable way to fill your retirement!
6. Attend a Session at Bhaktivedanta Manor
Bhaktivedanta Manor was established by spiritual leader His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta with the help of Beatle George Harrison. It’s a temple dedicated to the followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) faith, but is open for all to visit.
During trips to the temple, you can wander the gardens, observe the religious worship, or browse the Manor shop. Further, yoga classes are hosted here that can help elderly people to relax and maintain physical health.
Regardless of interest in the religious teachings, the Manor features peaceful gardens and is a beautiful local landmark for all to explore.
7. Discover Local History at Watford Museum
Located in the former offices of the Benskins Brewery, the Watford Museum is dedicated to the remembrance of the town’s past. A trip here is a fantastic way to learn and connect with the history of the community.
It’s an eighteenth century, listed building, filled with exhibits exploring local stories. The star is a gallery focused on Watford FC, which even includes Elton John memorabilia!
The museum has wheelchair access, baby-changing facilities, and helpful staff, meaning it’s suited to visitors of all abilities. It opens from Thursday to Saturday each week throughout the year.
Finding a Care Home in Watford
With its fantastic attractions and closeness to London, you may feel Watford is the right place for you, or a relative, to retire. If you are considering a move to the town, you should consider browsing the available care homes in the area.
With many people from London and the South East choosing to retire here, Watford has a wide selection of homes for the elderly. To help you make the right choice, Lottie has reviewed and recommended the best facilities around.
You can read Lottie’s top picks in our guide to care homes in Watford.
Here are two of the best care homes in Watford that we offer:
We’re on a mission to support individuals and their loved ones throughout each stage of their later living journey. For more information, check out everything Lottie has to offer.
