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St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Visitor & Tourism Guide

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AONB: Chilterns
Nearby Cities: London. A little further away, try Cambridge and Oxford

Cathedral and Roman Verulamium Museum
Very easily accessible by train from central London, the market town of St Albans and the surrounding area are packed with things to do and see. From an ancient Roman city to an impressive cathedral, arguably the oldest pub in England to fascinating local museums, St Albans is a great base for a weekend break or longer holiday.

It's easy to discover St Albans' remarkable history on foot. We'd recommend starting at the cathedral. With its fusion of architectural styles spanning a millennia, St Albans' cathedral has the longest nave in England at 275ft or 85m. Its Saxon pillars and 13th century paintings, rare watching loft and Norman archways are a joy. Listen to, or attend, Evensong.

Roman Britain
Heading south west to the southern edge of the lake within Verulamium Park, you'll see Ye Olde Fighting Cocks which is reputedly the oldest pub in England. There are superb views of St Albans Cathedral from Verulamium Park in which you'll also find Roman town walls and the remains of a hypocaust, a section of the Hertfordshire Way and Verulamium Museum. The Park is the site of an important Roman town, Verulamium Museum tells its story. Across the road, explore the Roman Theatre past which ran the famous Roman road Watling Street. There's also a path to Gorhambury estate (open at the owner's discretion).

St Albans town
St Albans town has a wide and impressive central street. To its south, next to French Row, is St Albans Clock Tower. To the north east is the Museum of St Albans. Visit also the town's Organ Museum and its various churches.

We'd suggest you take some time to explore the town's story. From the martyrdom of Alban* to the Magna Carta, from the War of the Roses to the Dissolution of the Monasteries, St Albans' local history plays a prominent role in England's national history.

Local area
To the north west, visit ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and, beyond that, Woburn Abbey and Safari Park. If you're into walking, try a section of the The Ridgeway National Trail. To the west, explore the Gardens of the Rose and Waddesdon Manor. To the south west, we'd recommend Bekonscot Model Village and Hughenden Manor.

North east is Knebworth and to the east Hatfield House and Paradise Wildlife Park.

Day trips
The train to central London takes about 20 minutes. Around London St Pancras Station are British Museum and The British Library, Sir John Soane's Museum and Regent's Park. Whilst one can take the tube or a bus to the City of Westminster, we'd suggest you walk from St Pancras to the Westminster area. It takes about an hour walking at a gentle pace.

Outside London, we'd recommend day trips to Windsor and Henley-on-Thames, Cambridge and Oxford

*Who was St Alban?
Alban was a prominent Roman citizen of Verulamium who sheltered a Christian called Amphibalus. Amphibalus converted Alban to Christianity. Alban helped Amphibalus escape but his role in sheltering a Christian was discovered. Alban was tried in court where he delivered the words which are associated with the Saint millennia later: 'I worship and adore the true and living God who created all things'. Alban was executed on the spot where the cathedral now stands. He was the first Christian martyr in England.

Top 10 Recommendations

Top 10 Things To Do Selected from the best Things To Do in St. Albans we've listed our top 10.

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