Must See

Verulamium Museum, St Michael’s Street, AL3 4SW

This award-winning museum displays beautiful objects from Verulamium, the third largest city of Roman Britain. See some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters outside the Mediterranean, and discover the life and times of a major Roman city.

stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Roman Theatre, Bluehouse Hill, AL3 6AD

Just a short walk from Verulamium Museum are the remains of a Roman theatre with a stage rather than an Amphitheatre – the only example of its kind in Britain. Nearby are the foundations of a Roman town house, a sacred shrine and Roman shops

gorhamburyestate.co.uk

The Roman Mosaic & Hypocaust, Verulamium Park, AL3 4SW

Discovered during excavations in the 1930s, this mosaiced floor of a large Roman townhouse also showcases a hypocaust – an ancient underfloor heating system and a marvel of Roman engineering.

stalbansmuseums.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW:

The Romans believed perfection was the preserve of the gods. They sometimes deliberately added mistakes to their mosaics to ensure they were not treading on their toes.

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, AL1 1BY

St Albans Cathedral stands over the place where Alban, Britain’s first saint, was buried over 1,700 years ago. Surrounded by beautiful parkland, the Cathedral is a treasure trove of history providing tours, events and activities for all ages.

stalbanscathedral.org

St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Peter’s Street, AL1 3DH

This is a world-class centre for arts and culture at the heart of one of Britain’s most historic cities. Set over 3 floors are state-of-the-art gallery spaces which showcase over 2,000 years of priceless heritage. Also displayed are contemporary artworks – sharing local, national and world treasures with visitors.

stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Verulamium Park, AL3 4SW

Over 100 acres of parkland in the City centre, are named after the Roman City of Verulamium, on which it stands. The River Ver that flows through the park is a rare chalk stream, which feeds the ornamental lake, home to a wealth of waterfowl.

enjoystalbans.com

©Angelo Hornak

LOCAL TIP:

Next to the newly refurbished playground is the Inn on The Park, a family and dog friendly cafe with great food and ample outside space.

MUST SEE

Charter Market, St Peter’s Street, AL3 5DJ

Established over 1,000 years ago, the colourful market is one of the largest in the South East. Discover an enormous variety of quality goods from fresh local produce to gifts, clothing, crafts and more.

enjoystalbans.com

©Ren Behan

Clock Tower, High Street, AL3 4EL

Completed by 1405, the Clock Tower is the only surviving medieval town belfry in England. Today, you can climb the 93 steps to the top of the Tower and enjoy magnificent views of the City and Cathedral. Visitors are warned that the spiral staircase is steep and narrow.

stalbansmuseums.org.uk

©Cecelina Tornburg

Historic Pubs

As St Albans was a day’s ride from London by horse and carriage, many Inns opened to satisfy demand for a night’s lodging and refreshments. There are still dozens of pubs around the city, many offering real ales (as you’d expect in the home of CAMRA) and delicious food - including Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, the oldest pub in the UK.

enjoystalbans.com

DID YOU KNOW:

Our Charter Market dates back to at least 1553. In 1834 a man named Faulkner offered his wife for sale in the Market Place for the equivalent of 12p!

The Gorhambury Estate, AL3 6AE/AL3 6AH

Old Gorhambury was completed in 1568 by Sir Nicholas Bacon and although little remains today, visitors can still visualise its previous grandeur. Impressive Gorhambury House was later built and highlights include a 17th century painted glass window. Both homes are accessed from scenic Gorhambury Drive.

gorhamburyestate.co.uk

Sopwell Nunnery, Cottonmill Lane, AL1 2BY

Visit the ruins of Sir Richard Lee’s Tudor country house, built on the site of a 12th-century nunnery. The site is an ideal spot for a family picnic, with adjacent wildlife meadow and the River Ver rare chalk stream.

stalbansmuseums.org.uk

St Michael’s Village, St Michael’s Street, AL3 4SP

Nestling at the west end of Verulamium Park, the village is home to St Michael’s Church, built on the site of Verulamium’s basilica and one of the most significant surviving Anglo-Saxon buildings in the county. Kingsbury Watermill, a working 16th-century watermill overlooking the River Ver, is home to The Waffle House.

©Cecelina Tornburg

LOCAL TIP:

Tucked away are some great pubs including The Portland Arms, The Six Bells and Great Northern Pub & Kitchen. Or try the Reading Rooms in nearby Wheathampstead.

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