We have tickets for WB Harry Potter in Watford on November 18th. My husband and son are big racing fans and would also like to visit the Silverstone Interactive Museum. I'm considering booking a hotel in Watford for the 17th and 18th, so we don't have to travel from London to that general area more than once. My questions are:
Has anyone been to the Silverstone Museum? If so, did you find it worthwhile? How long did you spend there?
What is the best way to get from Watford to the Silverstone museum? I checked Rome2Rio and it looks like a train and bus combo - wondering if anyone has done that and has insight or a better idea of how to get there.
Lastly, is there anything else to do in the Watford area? I'm not a huge racing fan and unless this is the best thing ever, I might want to spend that time doing something else.
Thanks in advance, Linda
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5866 posts
Lastly, is there anything else to do in the Watford area? I'm not a huge racing fan and unless this is the best thing ever, I might want to spend that time doing something else.
Even if you don’t find anything you want to do in Watford, it is only about 30 minutes from Watford Junction to Euston station, so you could easily head into London. Another option would be visit Bletchley Park from Watford Junction. This is also a short train ride.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33997 posts
If you're going to the Harry Potter by the Knight Bus from the front of Watford Junction station and the male family are taking the train to Northampton to connect to Silverstone you can't get a much more convenient hotel than the Watford Junction Holiday Inn Express, a 2 or 3 minute walk on a short footpath next to the tracks from the station. There's also a Holiday Inn nearby but not nearly as convenient. When I've stayed there I haven't noticed any train noise.
If they are going to Silverstone it would be worth their while working out the exact transportation well in advance. Northampton is certainly the nearest station, by far, but they could I suppose run buses from Milton Keynes Central or Wolverton.... best too check. And if the bus is from Northampton it is likely to be across a quite busy road in front of the station.
And check carefully where the stop is at Silverstone. Word to the wise - the village of Silverstone is several miles from racetrack and museum. The museum opened during covid and I haven't been despite being fairly nuts about F1 and BTCC and MotoGP, and other zippy machines. I understand it is very good, but perhaps to focussed on Red Bull for my comfort.
I guess that the museum might lay on a bus of their own which might simplify things..
As far as your solo days, if you are indeed at Watford Junction, there is a little train every 45 minutes or so to Saint Albans Abbey. St Albans has quite a few good things to see, including the ancient Abbey which is beautiful, unusual, and extremely historic. The Romans were in the town and left plenty of evidence. The older part of the town is scenic,
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33997 posts
Watford itself is an outer London suburban town with the requisite Primark and other middle to lower shops and a bit of an inner London urban feel without the good stuff. I stop there there to fill my car up at the Costco.
For a tourist, in my opinion, Watford itself doesn't offer a solo tourist a lot to keep them busy for a day.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33997 posts
I just looked at the Silverstone museum website - the only information they give for arrival is by car.
Maybe a taxi from the station? Not cheap, it is about 20 minutes on the A43 if the traffic gods are smiling.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the suggestions! The guys are now considering renting a car for the day to drive to SIM and back. I'm guessing they want to give driving in the UK a try outside of major urban areas. St Albans sounds lovely! I will definitely check it out.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4871 posts
You might also find out if the museum is always open, or if it closes for track days or automaker test sessions