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A information to the most effective issues to see and do in St Albans in southern England – written by two locals!
St Albans is a picturesque historic market city in Hertfordshire and lies on a hill above the left financial institution of the River Ver. It was referred to as Verulamium and was the third-largest metropolis in Roman Britain.
The town options many sights, together with a Cathedral, Historical Pubs, Roman Ruins and a Road Market that has been working for hundreds of years.
We have now lived simply exterior of this fabulous metropolis for years, and we like it! There may be a lot to see; we buy groceries there on a regular basis. Typically it’s good to go for a stroll and see the sights, and there are some nice pubs to get pleasure from for a fast drink or lengthy lunch.
The wonderful thing about St Albans is it’s very easy to get to:
- 20 minutes away on the prepare from London St Pancras
- 10 minutes on the prepare from Luton Airport (Luton Parkway).
- Near M1 (junction 6), A1 (M) and M25 (junctions 21A&22)
We all know the world very effectively, so we’ll discuss you thru the highest issues to do, the most effective locations to eat and the place to remain.
This put up was written by Sam from World Journey Explorers. Sam & Ashley are journey bloggers at World Journey Explorers, full of journey suggestions, opinions and guides within the U.Okay and overseas.
Prime Issues To Do In St Albans
1 – St Albans Cathedral
As you strategy St Albans Cathedral, you would possibly need to simply take a second to face in awe at the fantastic thing about the magnificent and large cathedral that dominates the Metropolis Centre.
The Nave of the Cathedral is the longest within the nation – 85 metres! As you stroll via, you will note all the things from lovely Norman and Gothic structure to medieval wall work.
The Cathedral Tower is among the oldest and largest in all of England, accomplished again in 1088. The spherical arches could be seen from everywhere in the metropolis.
They provide free every day excursions, which could be booked on-line: click on right here.
There may be additionally a café – Abbot’s Kitchen – proper subsequent to the cathedral, the place you may seize a sizzling drink and chew to eat throughout the day.
Native’s Tip – The cathedral is surrounded by grassland and is away from the hustle and bustle of town. It’s a very nice place (particularly in the summertime) to only sit down for some time, have a picnic and loosen up.
2. Verulamium Park
Verulamium Park is near St Albans Cathedral; you may take a leisurely stroll there from town centre. If you wish to head straight there, don’t fear; there’s a automotive park on-site.
It’s a very nice place to spend a while, they usually cater for everybody; households particularly will like it. There’s a youngsters’s play space, and in the summertime, they’ve a toddler splash park which is extraordinarily well-liked.
The park is unfold over 100 acres, and one of many fundamental options is a big decorative lake which you’ll stroll round. There are a great deal of birds on the lake, and ‘heron island’ helps one of many few heronries in Hertfordshire.
There are numerous strolling trails, some alongside the river Ver and while you’re exploring the park, you will note a number of the remaining Roman Wall of St Albans, which was constructed between AD265 and 270 to defend the Roman Metropolis of Verulamium.
Native’s Tip – Head to the park in November for a incredible fireworks show over the lake. They’ve music and meals stalls, and it’s a pleasant environment.
3 – St Albans Road Market
The road market in St Albans is believed to date again to the ninth century, and now it runs via town centre – from St Peter’s Road and Market Place. It’s a extremely busy and well-liked market.
There are over 160 stalls promoting meals, drinks, garments, homeware, native items and presents. It’s enjoyable to browse the stalls, after which the scent of one thing wonderful will catch you, so that you go and test it out, and you then spot one thing else, so that you take a look… it’s unending!
The market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30am–4:30pm.
On the 2nd Sunday of every month, St Albans maintain a Farmer’s Market on St Peter’s Road from 8am–2pm. If you may make it to 1, you gained’t be dissatisfied! They’ve native specialities together with cheese, fruit and veg, herbs, meat, muffins and bread.
You may seize scrumptious avenue meals to eat there after which, refreshments are equipped, and there’s additionally leisure to get pleasure from.
Native’s Tip – The markets are all exterior, so be sure you costume appropriately for the climate; there’s nothing worse than attempting to get pleasure from procuring if you’re freezing chilly!
4 – Sopwell Nunnery
It’s believed that the nunnery was the place Anne Boleyn took refuge following her return from France and the place her secret marriage to King Henry VIII came about.
The medieval nunnery dates again to 1140, and again in 1560, Sir Richard Lee (advisor to King Henry VIII) purchased the land, demolished the nunnery and constructed a home.
The ruins are all that stay of the Tudor home / mansion, and the seen stays embody the gatehouse, one wing on an H-shaped construction, the adjoining cross-wing and a kitchen on the again.
The best method to get to the ruins is from Cottonmill Lane. It’s between Prospect Highway and Outdated Sopwell Gardens. Parking on Cottonmill Lane is proscribed, however there’s a public carpark a couple of minutes away. You too can stroll to the ruins on the Ver Valley Stroll alongside the river.
Native’s Tip – Within the spring/summer season, it’s nice to stroll alongside the river Ver, see the flower meadows after which cease on the ruins for a picnic. It’s a pleasant degree inexperienced house across the ruins – however there isn’t any path.
5 – Historical Clock Tower
The Historical Clock Tower was accomplished by 1405 and it’s the one medieval city belfry in England. It has survived over 600 years of use and stands proudly on the Excessive Road.
The tower was significantly necessary; it allowed the city to sound its personal hours and, till 1863, the curfew. The bell was sounded in circumstances of fireside or fray and even rang out for the battle of St Albans throughout the Battle of the Roses in 1455.
The 600-year-old bell and tower face the Abbey’s Tower and gives incredible views throughout St Albans and much into Hertfordshire’s countryside.
It’s 64 ft excessive and has 5 flooring, together with the roof. There are 93 slender steps to the highest of the clock tower, and from Easter to the top of September, you may pay £2 to enter and climb it.
Native’s Tip – If you’re not capable of climb the tower your self, you may take a digital tour.
6 – Verulamium Museum
Verulamium Museum is situated by the doorway to Verulamium Park, so you possibly can mix the 2. It’s constructed on the location of one of many largest Roman cities in Britain and is full of historic treasures.
There are recreated Roman rooms, large-scale mosaics, hands-on discovery areas, and touchscreen databases. It’s additionally dwelling to the Sandridge Hoard, which options 159 Roman Gold cash.
On most Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm, they maintain talks on: Mosaics, Iron Age, Meals and Drink, Gods and Goddesses and far more.
Native’s Tip – The Courtroom contained in the museum has been totally restored, and you may seize a chew to eat / espresso on the eatery inside. Our advice – dwelling fruit scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam.
7 – Redbournbury Mill
Should you love strolling, then it is a nice little stop-off. If you’re strolling alongside the river Ver, it takes you previous this 18th-century restored water mill.
To get there, it’s 2 miles north of St Albans, simply off the A5183. If you’re strolling, you look out for a brown vacationer signal on the finish of Redbournbury Lane. If you’re driving, then pop AL3 6RS into your sat nav.
The working mill produces a spread of stoneground natural flours made principally from domestically grown grains.
It’s located in idyllic rural environment, with water meadows to the north and south. While there you may go to the museum, mill store and bakery. They’ve milling demonstrations, an oil engine, and different reveals too.
Native’s Tip – The domestically produced honey is wonderful and is snapped up shortly; should you see some while there, seize it while you may! It’s effectively value it.
8- Heartwood Forest
Heartwood Forest is in Sandridge, which is round 2 miles away from St Albans. There may be loads of parking accessible within the automotive park on the entrance to the forest.
The 347-hectare web site was agricultural land, and the Woodland Belief turned it into a brand new native forest; it’s the largest steady native forest in England.
Should you go in Spring, you will note the ground of the traditional woodlands rework into a carpet of aromatic bluebells. You may stroll via the shaded areas, they usually have created paths via the woods to keep away from anybody strolling on the bluebells.
You may stroll for miles round Heartwood, they usually have a community of paths that can assist you round. This can be a good spot to discover by bike, horse or on foot. They’ve 3 marked trails which take you to totally different areas of the forest.
Native’s Tip – We love strolling in Heartwood forest, and we regularly prolong the stroll out of the forest and all the way down to the Depraved Woman Pub in Nomansland, St Albans. Nice environment and meals.
9 – St Michael’s Church
St Michael’s is an historic church which has drawn pilgrims and guests for over a millennium. It was constructed over the location of the basilica (the headquarters of Roman Verulamium). It’s believed that Alban was tried for being a Christian at St Michael’s earlier than he was executed exterior of the city partitions.
The oldest components of the current church date again to earlier than the Norman Conquest, and it’s the most extant Anglo-Saxon constructing in Hertfordshire.
Essentially the most well-known parishioner of the church was Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626). He was the Lord Chancellor of England within the time of King James I. He was additionally an Writer, Lawyer, Statesman and Thinker.
Francis Bacon owned the close by Gorhambury, and when he died, he was buried at St Michael’s. The monument devoted to him was erected in 1630.
Native’s Tip – St Michael’s remains to be an working church, so it’s open for guests and personal prayers from 9am-5pm, and on Sundays, they’ve a full service.
10 – Have a drink in Ye Olde Combating Cocks
Ye Olde Combating Cocks was reportedly established again in 793AD and is regarded as one of many oldest pubs in England. The constructing itself dates again to the eleventh century.
It will get its title as a result of cock combating came about in the principle bar within the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
The pub is octagonal formed and is cosy inside with an open fireplace. There may be seating exterior, too, they usually maintain free mic periods and different musical occasions.
The pub is situated on Abbey Mill Lane and is a stone’s throw from Verulamium Park.
Native’s Tip – Get there early to seize a seat by the hearth, or attempt to reserve it prematurely. You may’t beat an open fireplace on a chilly winter’s day!
Locations To Eat
There are many eateries to select from in St Albans, however a few our favourites are:
The Prae Wooden Arms
It’s simply exterior of town centre, on Backyard Home Lane. An enormous conventional pub serving British meals, cask ales and wine. We have now been there for a roast dinner a number of instances and would extremely advocate it. There are many seats exterior for the summer season and well-kept lawns and backyard too.
Per Tutti
“Per Tutti” means for everybody, they usually actually do cater for everybody. It’s a family-run, award-winning Italian restaurant. It’s situated on Hollywell Hill, so it’s fairly close to the cathedral. You might be made to really feel welcome, and there’s a heat and pleasant environment. Additionally, the meals is scrumptious!
Issues to do in St Albans at Night time
If you’re in search of advantageous eating, a romantic meal or perhaps only a cheeky drink or two, St Albans has it lined. With an abundance of bars and eating places within the city and surrounding areas, it makes for a fantastic night time out.
Should you benefit from the cinema and desire a distinctive expertise, try The Odyssey Cinema on London Highway.
The cinema dates again to 1908, and sadly, it fell right into a derelict state. In 2010 an area marketing campaign raised cash to revive the cinema again to the Thirties period.
The massive single display screen has 426 seats in complete, and the cinema boasts 2 totally stocked bars. One within the lobby and one within the downstairs seating space – each of which stay open all through the movie.
They present a big selection of titles every month, together with new releases, international movies and classics.
The place to Keep in St Albans
Sopwell Home
Sopwell Home is a 4* Georgian Nation Home Resort nestled in 12 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside.
Situated 1 mile away from St Albans metropolis centre, you’re close to to all the things you want, but when the climate is sweet, you’re feeling like you’re within the Mediterranean.
The principle Mansion constructing has 112 visitor rooms, together with household and balcony suites. All rooms have entry to the 14.5-metre swimming pool, 2 vitality swimming pools, a sauna and steam rooms.
There’s a separate gated space containing unique Mews Suites set in superbly landscaped gardens and a complete host of advantages for these suites.
With spa amenities, big grounds to discover, comfy rooms and wonderful meals, it’s effectively value a keep if you’re within the space.
Learn Extra
Greatest Locations to Go to within the South of England
Locations to Discover within the Midlands, England
Are there any extra nice issues to do in and round St Albans in England? Scroll all the way down to share within the feedback!