Photo: Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership

Located just outside London, the Abbey Line is perfect for exploring a little further than the capital.

Looking for a magical day out? Begin your journey at Watford Junction with its bustling town centre, interesting museums and the world-famous Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter. A short 16 minute train ride will bring you to the end of the line at the historic St Albans boasting a stunning cathedral, Verulamium Museum and the only medieval town belfry in England.

This route is supported by Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership. Learn more about community rail & this growing grassroots movement through Community Rail Network.

Highlights

Fancy some fresh air? Catch the train to one end of the line and make the return journey on foot along the award-winning Abbey Line Trail

Discover the secrets of filmmaking at the Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Explore the Verulamium Museum and delve deep into the history of St Albans

Find out more

Local line website

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Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

From London M1 exit at junction 5, take the A41 exit to M25/Aylesbury/Watford.

If travelling via the M25 come off the M40 and follow signs for 25/Birmingham/Oxford/Beaconsfield. At junction 1A, exit onto M25 towards M1/M11/Watford and at junction 19, take the A41 exit to Watford.

Parking is available at Watford junction station (fee applies).

London Euston to Watford Junction.

London Kings Cross to St Albans City Station and then connectivity shuttle to St Albans Abbey Station.

From Kensington Olympia to Watford Junction stations use the London Overground or Southern trains.

Local bus services

Bus 321 and 724 Watford town to St Albans town

Route

Watford - St Albans

Cost

£5.90 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

16min

Distance

6.5 miles | 10.5 km

Time from London

0:17 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Immerse yourself in the stunning Hertfordshire countryside and take the train from London Euston to Watford Junction. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times) and the journey takes approximately 17 minutes.

Attractions along the Abbey Line include:

Abbey Line Trail

Follow this nine-mile walk from Watford Junction Station to St Albans Abbey Station enjoying the beautiful countryside of the Colne and Ver Valleys. Individual sections are way marked to and from each railway station, so you can choose to do the whole walk or just sections using the train to return.

Journey time – pick up the trail outside each station along the Abbey Line

Watford Museum

Discover the history of the area in this interesting town museum.

Journey time – 20 minute walk from Watford Junction station

Herts Fire Brigade Museum

See fire service memorabilia from throughout the ages.

Journey time – 20 minute walk from Watford Junction station

Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Go behind-the-scenes of the Harry Potter film series, located at the Studios.

Journey time – catch the shuttle bus from outside Watford Junction station to drive you the short 15 minute journey to the Studios. Please note, a valid booking confirmation or Studio Tour ticket is required to board the shuttle bus service.

St Albans South Signal Box

Built in 1892, this Midland Railway signal box contains a 44 lever frame dating from 1904 or before. It is the largest such box in preservation, and one of the few boxes open to the public next to a busy operational main line.

Journey time – 19 minute walk from St Albans Abbey station

St Albans Cathedral

Stunning architecture from a blend of many different periods, its great tower includes Roman bricks salvaged from the ruins of Verulamium.

Journey time – 9 minute walk from St Albans Abbey station

Verulamium Museum

An award-winning museum displaying beautiful objects from the Roman City of Verulamium.

Journey time – 19 minute walk from St Albans Abbey Station

For more information about Watford please click here.

For more information about St Albans please click here.