United Kingdom » Watford

Watford is a Hertfordshire district situated in the northwest of London some 19 miles away. Two small rivers surround the district, one, the Colne, flowing from the north-east and passing through the lower part of the town; the other, the Gade, coming from the north-west, runs through the parks of The Grove (earl of Clarendon), and Cassiobury (earl of Essex), side by side with the Grand Junction Canal, and finally leaves the parish near Rickmansworth, where it joins the Colne.

The fresh official estimates put the population of Watford at 79,600. The Watford urban area, which includes much of neighboring Three Rivers, had a total population of 120,960 in the 2001 census, making it the 47th largest urban area in England.

Watford is a major regional centre for the northern Home Counties. It is the most westerly of these commercial centers and the only one in Hertfordshire. Hertfordshire County Council designates Watford and Steven age to be its major sub-regional centers, heading its list of preferred sites for retail development.

Historically Watford’s economy consisted principally of the print industry, Rolls Royce, and a number of small manufacturers. The print industry has diversified to include publishing and multi-media companies. The former Rolls Royce jet-engine factory is now Leavesden Studios – Europe’s largest indoor film studio.

Major companies who have their headquarters in Watford include Mothercare, Iveco Ford, the Hilton International Group and JD Wetherspoons.

The shopping is dominated by the Harlequin Shopping Centre. This centre is found at the heart of the town. This indoor shopping center is composed of 140 shops, restaurants and cafes.

The High Street, running through the town centre, is the main focus of activity at night having a high concentration of the town's bars, clubs and restaurants.