Things To Do
in Bushey

Bushey, Hertfordshire sits just northwest of London, offering a leafy, village-like atmosphere with a strong community feel. The town centers on a traditional High Street, flanked by green spaces such as Bushey Park and the historic Bushey Museum & Art Gallery. Excellent rail links put central London within easy reach, making this a convenient base for day trips to Watford and beyond.

Visitors will find a mix of parks, heritage sites, and family-friendly pubs in a largely residential setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploration of Bushey's Historical Sites
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Bushey Museum, where you can learn about the local history and culture. Enjoy a stroll through the museum's charming gardens while appreciating the historical architecture surrounding the area. Don't forget to try a delightful breakfast at a nearby café.

afternoon
:

After your museum visit, take a leisurely walk through the verdant Bushey Park, where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and perhaps spot local wildlife. Grab lunch at one of the park’s quaint bistros, offering a variety of dishes. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the local shops and galleries in the bustling High Street.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the local theatre for a performance that showcases talented local artists. Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant, savoring traditional British cuisine. Cap off your night with a peaceful walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the quiet charm of Bushey.

day 2
Art and Culture Immersion
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Bushey Arts & Crafts Community, where you can engage with local artists and maybe even take a workshop. Enjoy a coffee while admiring the unique pieces of art displayed throughout the space. The morning is perfect for getting inspired by the creativity that surrounds you.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby café, visit the stunning St. James' Church, known for its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere. Spend some time in reflection or meditation within the church grounds before heading to a nearby art gallery. You'll discover a variety of exhibitions that showcase both local and international artists.

evening
:

In the evening, enjoy an art-themed dine-in experience at a local restaurant that celebrates Bushey's artistic heritage. Look for live music events or open-mic nights at local pubs, where you can enjoy authentic local entertainment. Wind down at a peaceful spot, reflecting on the day's artistic discoveries.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
💧Bottle of water$1-2
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$90-180
🚌Weekly public transport pass$25-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to London and easy rail access
  • Green spaces and family-friendly atmosphere
  • Limited nightlife in Bushey itself
  • Can require travel to nearby towns for more restaurant variety

Places to Visit in Bushey

Visit one of these nice places.

Bushey Park Lake at Sunset

A tranquil lake framed by trees and walking paths, ideal for reflection shots and wildlife photography.

St. James the Great Church spire

A picturesque church with a tall spire and a well-kept churchyard, perfect for architectural photography.

Bushey War Memorial and High Street facades

Stone façades and the memorial provide classic town-scape photographs in quiet evening light.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bushey

Bushey’s cuisine reflects a typical suburban mix of classic British staples, pub fare, and a growing selection of international options. Expect traditional roasts, fish and chips, and casual dining alongside Indian and other international cuisines.

Bushey Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fish and chips

Crispy battered fish with chips; widely available at pubs and chippies in Bushey and nearby Watford.

Must-Try!

Sunday roast

Roast meat with vegetables, yorkshire pudding and gravy, offered at many pubs especially on Sundays.

Pie and mash

Classic British pie meals and mashed potatoes, available in traditional pubs and local eateries.

Afternoon tea

A traditional light bite with tea, scones, and pastries, common at cafes and hotels in the area.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Watford Market

A traditional market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and street food stalls on designated days.

Hertfordshire farmers' markets

Seasonal markets in nearby towns where you can buy local honey, cheeses, and seasonal produce.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bushey experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with autumn and winter being the wettest periods. Spring brings milder days and increasing daylight, while autumn offers colorful foliage. Snow is possible but not common.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing

Always queue in order for shops, buses, and trains; respect personal space and wait your turn.

Politeness

Use polite greetings like 'hello' or 'please' and 'thank you' in shops, pubs, and cafes.

Pubs and alcohol

In pubs, you typically order at the bar; table service is less common. Mind your noise levels late at night in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Bushey is generally safe with typical urban/suburban precautions. Keep an eye on belongings in busy areas, use well-lit paths at night, and be cautious when cycling on shared paths. In an emergency, dial 999; for non-emergencies, contact NHS services or local GP practices.

Tipping in Bushey

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated in restaurants if service is not included; 10-15% is typical. Card payments are widely accepted, and contactless is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours, generally warm weather with occasional thunderstorms; ideal for park picnics, lakeside strolls, and outdoor dining.

Autumn

Mild to cool days with colorful foliage; great for scenic walks in parks and countryside around Bushey.

Winter

Cool to cold weather with shorter days; cozy pubs, festive lights, and occasional frost or light snow.

Spring

Blooms across parks and gardens; longer days and wildlife activity make it perfect for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife Guide

Bushey at Night

Bushey’s nightlife is low-key, centered on traditional pubs and casual cafes. For more vibrant options, nearby Watford and Edgware offer pubs, cocktail bars, and occasional live music venues within a short ride.

Hiking in Bushey

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Aldenham Reservoir Walks

Scenic trails around the reservoir with water views and birdlife.

Whippendell Wood Trails

Forest trails near Watford offering varied difficulty and shade.

St Albans countryside walks

A short drive away, gentle hills and countryside scenery.

Airports

How to reach Bushey by plane.

London Heathrow Airport

Major international airport about 15-25 miles from Bushey, with express rail and road connections.

London Luton Airport

International airport around 30-40 miles away; accessible by rail and road via central London.

London Stansted Airport

Northeast of London, several miles away; reachable by train from central London and connections to Hertfordshire.

Getting Around

Walkability

Bushey has a walkable town center with good pedestrian links in the core area; longer trips to parks or nearby towns are better by bike or public transport; public transport serves key points to central London and Watford well.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Bushey, drawn by good schools and parks.

Professionals

Commuters who work in London or the Watford area.

Retirees

Quieter, family-friendly neighborhoods with community groups and clubs.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Football is the most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and easy access to nearby stadiums.

Cricket

Cricket is popular in parks and local clubs during the summer.

Tennis

Local tennis clubs and courts are available for casual and competitive play.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Bushey is usually light to moderate; peak times around Watford and the main commuter routes can bring congestion. Public transport includes trains to London Euston and Watford Junction, plus buses and taxis; driving is convenient for day trips to the countryside.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bushey.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers will find plentiful options in pubs and curry houses; look for meat-free mains, veggie sides, and dairy-friendly choices; in many places, you can request meat-free versions of classic dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by the NHS with local GP practices; the nearest major hospital is Watford General Hospital, and there are urgent care services in the area. Walk-in clinics and pharmacies are common in the Bushey corridor.

Discover United Kingdom

Read more in our United Kingdom 2025 Travel Guide.

United Kingdom Travel Guide