Car Hire Garston

This charming suburban village seamlessly blends with Watford whilst maintaining its own distinct identity, perfectly positioned at the famous Dome Roundabout where the A41 crosses St Albans Road (A412). With excellent connectivity to the M1 at Junction 5 and the M25 nearby, Garston exploration couldn’t be easier. You’ll experience pleasant summers with temperatures reaching around 20°C and mild winters hovering around 4°C, making it an ideal base for year-round adventures.

Garston provides that perfect balance between suburban convenience and village character. The area boasts good recreational amenities including parks and sports facilities, plus proximity to the Grand Union Canal towpath offering pleasant walks towards Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead.

Attractions In Garston

Modern convenience defines this bustling suburban hub, where major retail parks and entertainment complexes serve as gateways to both Watford’s urban attractions and the serene walking trails of nearby Cassiobury Park.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

This world-renowned attraction on Studio Tour Drive in nearby Leavesden holds the distinction of being the most popular destination in all of Garston, earning an exceptional 4.7 rating from over 2,700 visitors. The magical experience transports you directly into the fantastical world of Harry Potter through authentic sets, props and costumes. We find the sensory experience truly moving, though we do expect heavy traffic during peak times and premium pricing for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Diagon Alley

Open daily with weekday hours from 9:30 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 8:30 AM to 10 PM, this full-scale recreation forms part of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour experience. The wonderfully detailed shops feature atmospheric lighting and animated props that make you feel as though you’re stepping directly into the films. You’ll be amazed by the architectural details and shop windows, particularly during seasonal decorations when snow transforms the magical street into a winter wonderland.

Harry Potter Set

Located on Long Meadow in Leavesden, this immersive experience requires a commitment of 4+ hours to fully appreciate the incredible sets and props. The tour showcases iconic locations like the Great Hall alongside costumes and special effects demonstrations. You’ll discover the secrets behind film production and experience the world of Hogwarts up close, creating memories that match exactly what you remember from the films.

Hogwarts Bridge

This impressive film attraction in Leavesden offers insight into the remarkable construction and special effects work behind the Harry Potter films. Even visitors who aren’t Potter fans find themselves amazed by the craftsmanship and attention to detail. The bridge provides excellent photo opportunities and connects you to other fascinating attractions nearby, making it a must-see regardless of your film preferences.

4 Privet Drive

Part of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, this immersive recreation of the Dursley house captures two memorable scenes frozen in time perfectly. You’ll witness the flying letters scene and Aunt Marge’s inflation firsthand, creating the feeling that you’re genuinely part of the story. The back room provides additional information about set design, showcasing the remarkable attention to detail that characterises the entire film series.

Ready to explore the surrounding areas? Here are the closest locations for your car hire adventures:

• Bricket Wood
• Watford
• Bushey
• Radlett
• Kings Langley
• Chorleywood
• Apsley
• London Colney

Hogwarts Castle

This stunning scale model represents the jewel in the crown of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, featuring dramatic colour-changing illumination that highlights every intricate detail. You could spend several minutes marvelling at the craftsmanship on any single side of the castle. The atmospheric music and lighting effects that transition between day and night create an unforgettable ambience, particularly during the Christmas season when full snow decorations enhance the magical atmosphere.

Knight Bus

This impressive full-size replica features complete interior detailing that matches exactly what appears in the films. The attraction provides fascinating insight into the film’s production values, though visitors often wish they could board the famous purple bus. The Knight Bus connects perfectly with other outdoor attractions like The Burrow and Professor Sprout’s greenhouse, creating a comprehensive magical experience.

The Forties Experience

Located on Clouston Avenue in nearby Bushey, this wonderful living museum showcases life during the world wars through passionate volunteers with extensive knowledge and experience. The museum features multiple rooms and exhibits, including a model railway shed, army jeep rides and an authentic air raid bunker experience. You’ll also find a café serving coffee and cake, plus special seasonal events including Father Christmas visits during the Christmas period.

Lady Capel’s Lock 74

This historical waterway landmark represents an important piece of local canal heritage, located at the intersection of Rickmansworth and Chandler’s Cross. The lock connects to the wider Grand Union Canal system and provides insight into the area’s industrial and transportation history. The peaceful waterside location offers excellent opportunities for canal walks and understanding the role waterways played in regional development.

Sugden House

Sugden House is a highly significant example of post-war Modernist architecture and is Grade II listed. Designed by the influential architects Alison and Peter Smithson for engineer Derek Sugden, it was completed in 1956 and is regarded as one of their most successful domestic commissions. It represents an early, yet subtle, expression of the New Brutalism style, utilising London stock brick and concrete. The house is notable for its thoughtful design and largely original condition, reflecting the Smithsons’ unique vision.

Watford Miniature Railway

Weekend rides from 11 AM to 5 PM at Cassiobury Park provide charming family entertainment along a 10¼-inch gauge track. The railway, operational since 1959, offers scenic journeys through the park lasting approximately six minutes. The station sits conveniently near the playground and paddling pools, with excellent car parking facilities and both card and cash payment options accepted for this delightful nostalgic experience.

Cheslyn House & Gardens

Daily visits from 9 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon reveal these beautifully maintained botanical gardens on Nascot Wood Road. The peaceful sanctuary features winding paths, elegant statues, quiet benches and a charming koi pond. You’ll discover art exhibitions from local artists, though be aware that parking spaces are quite limited, so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot.

Albans Wood

This beautiful nature preserve welcomes visitors around the clock, providing excellent walking opportunities through varied woodland terrain. The adjacent leisure centre features an amazing playground and public toilets for convenience. The peaceful environment offers hours of exploration and you’ll find local amenities, including an Esso garage nearby for refreshments during extended visits.

Peace Garden

Situated within Stanborough Park, this tranquil garden space provides a serene environment for reflection and relaxation away from busier park areas. The garden’s peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for quiet contemplation and nature appreciation. The location connects seamlessly with other park facilities, creating opportunities for extended visits combining active recreation with peaceful garden enjoyment.