St. Albans
You might be forgiven for thinking that St Albans is full of parks. At the heart of the city amidst playgrounds, lake and leafy walks, you’ll find Roman Verulamium with its stunning mosaic and only Roman theatre visible in Britain.
Enjoy 100 acres of parkland sunshine, feed the ducks, then turn the corner - there’s one truly amazing cathedral looking down from above.
St Albans and history are one. Cromwell stayed at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Inn, a quaint, octagonal place said to be the oldest alehouse in England. The Campaign for Real Ale calls this city home.
The opening battle of the Wars of the Roses happened here; today the Royal National Rose Society Gardens colour the edge of town. Lose yourself in the medieval cobbled alleys of the Cathedral Quarter.
Top tip
Climb the Clock Tower’s 93 steps for superb views of the Roman and medieval town
Shopping time
If shopping is your thing, then St Albans lets you do it in style. The Maltings and Christopher Place put a modern spin on things with all the big name stores, then there are the half-timbered houses hiding shopping secrets - designer clothes, antiques, books, gifts. Wednesday and Saturday, don’t forget to check out the 170 market stalls in St Peter’s Street. St Michaels and Fishpool Street are great places to relax after your treasure trail.
Things to do
There’s so much English history here you might not know where to start. The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban is top of the must-see list. Trace for yourself the evolution and influences and wonder at the Shrine of St Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr.
Explore hands-on history at the award-winning Verulamium Museum and catch more city tales at the Museum of St Albans. Mechanical music is on the menu at the St Albans Organ Theatre, great offerings too at The Maltings Arts Centre and theatre, not to mention regular national shows at the superb Alban Arena.
Out of town, the kids will love the wildlife treats at Willows Farm Village and budding Biggles of all ages just can’t resist the Moths and Mosquitos at the De Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre at London Colney.