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City in southern Hertfordshire, England
Photo: Przemysław Sakrajda, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
For other places with the same name, see St. Albans.
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It was the defensive wall of Roman Verulamium.
A well-preserved stone theatre that lies the other side of the main road near the Verulamium Museum. From here you can walk up to the manor house of Gorhambury (home of the Earl of St.Albans) which is open Thursdays only, May-September, 2-5PM, and some special occasions.
Tells the story of the Roman city of Verulamium (that was the third largest city of Roman Britain). The museum is home to some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters outside the Mediterranean, along with pottery and other artefacts. Within the museum they have recreated Roman rooms as well as having hands-on discovery areas. Some of the Sandridge Hoard of Roman gold coins are on permanent display. During the week there are often school groups, so try to schedule your visit for after the school day. Verulamium Museum is wheelchair-accessible.
Verulamium Park Hypocaust
This 1800-year-old hypocaust and mosaic floor was uncovered during excavations in Verulamium Park in the 1930s. Although the Hypocaust is wheelchair accessible, it is off of a gravel footpath and up a bit of a hill.
Its 84-metre-long nave is the longest of any cathedral in Britain. Featuring a shrine to Britain's first saint, St Alban, who is said to have sheltered a priest fleeing Roman persecution. There is no entry free, just a suggestion donation. Most weekdays there is a free Evensong concert at around 5PM. There are free guided tours M-Sa at 11:30AM, Sa 2PM, and Su-F 2:30PM. A shorter “highlights” tour runs daily at 1:05PM. Tower Tours run on some Wednesdays and weekends between May and October, and cost £8 per person. Approximately 4 times a year there is a candle-lit night-time tour. Tickets cost £10 per person and include a drinks reception before the tour. The building is referred both as the Cathedral and the Abbey... they are the same place, so don’t “do” one, then go looking for the other!
This medieval tower was built in the early 15th century. You can climb the tower most weekends and bank holidays from Easter to September, although the tower may have to close unexpectedly in bad weather. During the climb, you are able to see the workings of the clock and learn about some of its history. There is also a view from the top. Plaques in the surrounding area give more historical context.
Sopwell Nunnery, Sopwell Priory, Lee Hall
Ruins of a Tudor mansion built around 1560 by Sir Richard Lee. It was built on top of the medieval nunnery. It is a good spot for a family picnic and included in two Ver Valley walks. Surrounded by level grass but there is no path so may be unsuitable for those less mobile.
English Heritage
Open nearly every day of the year and at “any reasonable time”, excluding all Saturdays in winter when the road is closed the public.
Built in 1627 of brick.
The original town hall, restored and now acting as a museum and art gallery. The highlight of the museum is the original court room and cells. A café, shop and toilets are also available.
The largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK and one of the few preserved boxes that's open to the public. The site is fully accessible except for the long flight of steps to the upper floor of the signal box. For those unable to get upstairs a video of the upstairs workings can be shown downstairs. Accessible toilet and hand washing facilities available on request.
Mosquito Museum
The only museum in the world where you can get close up to 3 iconic DH Mosquito Aircraft including the unique prototype, where it was designed and built.
picturesque street leading to St Michaels Village
This pretty street with a mixture of houses, some thatch roofed and some half-timbered makes for a charming area to have a wander around. St Michaels Bridge takes you over the River Ver. Two traditional pubs and Kingsbury Mill (now the waffle house) are located here. Look out for the "Hertfordshire Puddingstone" found at the front of the mill. The street has the feel of an old English village.
City centre theatre which hosts a range of events - from local theatre and dance groups to shows on the national comedy circuit.
An annual summer festival of comedy in St Albans city centre, featuring some of the biggest names on the London and national circuits.
An independent single screen Art Deco cinema. Showing a broad selection on film titles each month, including new releases & classics.
A small theatre built and run entirely by members. The resident production company being the Company of Ten. The theatre has visiting professional and amateur groups which helps provide a truly diverse programme of events throughout the year. Wheelchair accessible with disabled toilet.
The Maltings Arts Theatre is a lively, buzzing fringe venue in the centre of St Albans providing high quality performances at affordable prices and a platform for the best local creative talent.
Contains theatre organs, punch-card cafe organs and other instruments. It opens every Sunday afternoon, when visitors have the opportunity to see and hear the fascinating instruments.
An enormous stretch of greenery lying to the south of the city centre. There is a lake in the middle, and the River Ver flows to the side. To get here, walk from the Chapter House entrance of the Cathedral through the Orchard to the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub, then over the little bridge. Alternatively walk down George Street from the Clock Tower, turning left onto Romeland, and then through the millennium old Abbey Gateway, then follow the road down the hill to the pub and bridge. From the park, you can easily walk to the Verulamium Museum.
A medium-sized park. It contains the stadium for St Albans City FC in addition to a cricket pitch and pavilion, tennis courts, and bowling green.
The largest (858 acres) continuous new native forest in England
A cycle path that runs from St Albans, close to St Albans Abbey railway station and the site of Roman Verulamium, through Fleetville and Smallford to Hatfield, ending close to Hatfield railway station. The route follows the former Hatfield to St Albans railway line.
The St. Albans Tourist Information Centre has information about a large number of guided walking tours in St. Albans. These tours are led by trained guides. Most tours now start at the clock tower due to the old town hall being closed for redevelopment.
Excellent French restaurant, with a little garden in the back.
Kingsbury Water Mill
St Michael's Place serves sweet and savoury waffles, in a converted watermill (worth a quick visit in its own right). Very busy for lunch during holiday times so prepare to queue.
A trendy Japanese noodle restaurant in the town centre. Prices are moderate (£10-15/person) and the staff are well trained and friendly.
The local branch of the popular pizza restaurant chain.
Tasty selection of Indian food, and winner of a few awards.
A popular Indian restaurant located in the old liberal club building
Part of a small chain of pizza restaurants selling stone baked pizzas. Other meals, such as chicken, are also available. Nonnos can get very cramped and busy but collection or delivery is available.
Brilliant bread and pastries
Pick your own salads, herbs, fruit and vegetables.
Britain's oldest pub that still runs today. It dates back to the 8th century with the pub you can see today built in the 11th century. Full of history cock-fighting used to take place in the main bar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the octagonal half-timbered structure was once a medieval dovecote. The old building is full of charm with low ceilings, a bread oven next to the main fireplace, nooks and crannies. There is a nice beer garden in the back. Serves pub grub food.
has a large range of Ales and a large beer garden
Snug
King John of France was detained here after his capture at the battle of Poitiers in 1356
quieter with a large number of board games for a rainy day
Built as a coaching inn.
Was The Horn Reborn
A pub and live music venue. Has a selection of original bands, tribute acts, cover bands, acoustics and comedy. Ticket may be required. Pub grub is also available.
A pub owned and operated by the hertfordshire brewery Mad Squirrel. While only having their own beers on tap they usually have a large number, around 25, with a good variety in types of beer. Has a small beer garden with views of the cathedral and also serves pizzas.
with log fire, board games and suntrap garden. They serve home cooked style food everyday (with a BBQ menu in the summer)
a Victorian Fullers pub
Bunch of Cherries
Dirty Duck
A delightful local in the outlying hamlet of Tyttenhanger.
A countryside pub with vintage and Lotus Car meet ups
is the quiet local's pub where in 1972 the first CAMRA branch was formed.
The Campaign for Real Ale hosts its annual beer festival every September. The festival has hundreds of real ales on offer along with real ciders and bottle conditioned beers. A Beer Tokens system is used so you get served quicker at the bar. A refundable glass (£3) is required.
It brews beers for the Farmer's Boy Pub and other outlets. They offer brewery tours with samples, taste lecture and Q&A with the brewer.
An independent retailer of craft, traditional and foreign bottled beer with tasting rooms. They hold regular Beer Nights (informal tasting evenings) drinking a curated selection of brews.
From £65 per night including breakfast.
Hotel in Grade II Building
Well located in St Michaels’ Village, approximately 10-minute walk from the city centre. Close to the Verulamium Museum. There is a good restaurant, and nice grounds. Rates from £145 to £265 per night.
Upscale hotel and spa in a 300-year-old mansion. From 1900 it was the home of Prince Louis of Battenberg, where he raised a distinguished family: one daughter became Queen of Sweden, one grandson is Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Most visitors have a great time, but there are occasional poor experiences, too many for this price range. No children under 12 or dogs.
Large rooms in a Victorian mansion
A timbered old coaching inn.
St Albans Charter Market
St Albans market is one of the World’s longest running street markets being founded by Abbot Ulsinus, the sixth abbot of St Albans, in circa 860. In 1553, Edward VI sold the right to hold the market on Wednesdays and Saturdays to a group of local merchants and landowners and the letters patent recording the sale also incorporated the borough of St Albans which continues to run the market to this day. You will find a range of items from food, cloths, gifts and plants to electrical items at this bustling market. A food section of the market can be found in Market Place selling sweet and savoury bakes, hot and cold food and street food.
With local farmers, growers, and producers as well as local crafts traders this is a vibrant and entertaining shopping experience.
An antiques and vintage market with collectibles, furniture, and artwork.
Maltings Shopping Centre
This pedestrian shopping centre has a variety of shops, eateries and service establishments. It has approximately 50 establishments on two levels. Its largest shops are Wilko and T K Maxx. The Maltings is also home to the local public library and to the Maltings Arts Theatre. On its east side is a multi-level 800-space car park. The car park is much of the time extremely crowded.
More for the arcade (that leads to the Abbey) than the shops.
An independent bookshop with a focus on old and rare books, although newer books are also available.
A comic shop with a good selection of current issues and a basement with a sizeable collection of back issues. Graphic novels, trading cards and RPG rulebooks are also available, among other pop culture items.
Games Workshop St Albans
A typical Warhammer store selling all of the usual products (miniatures, paints and other items for the Warhammer table-top game). There are also regular build paint play sessions, particularly for children and teenagers. The manager and other staff are also very friendly and helpful.
A chain bookshop with a substantial selection of books across all genres, including a large children's' section. There is a café on the first floor, along with non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy and young adult books.
By train
There are two railway stations in St Albans.
By bus
Local routes from locations throughout Hertfordshire, including:
By air
London Luton Airport is less than 10 miles north of St Albans city centre. Luton has plenty of routes from mainland Europe, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Ibiza, Tel Aviv, Tenerife and Zürich.
On foot
Most buses stop in St Peter's Street, the main shopping area, with a short walk to some shops.
By Shopmobility
Borrow a scooter or wheelchair from St Albans Shopmobility. The charity is based at Drovers Way Car Park, AL1 3JE (+44 1727 819339).
By bike
Beware, the St Stephen's Hill, Holywell Hill and Verulam Road are very steep. The St Peter's Street can become congested, particularly at peak times and daytimes, with lots of bus traffic.
By bus
Most buses call at St Peter's Street. There are bus routes to most neighbourhoods in St Albans. Plan your journey on the Intalink website: https://www.intalink.org.uk/services
By taxi
Most bus routes end in the late-evening. Be prepared to pay for a taxi if you need to travel between St Albans and Bushey, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Potters Bar or Watford.
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