This historic English city preserves Roman ruins and a grand Norman cathedral. Small shops line the medieval streets where Britain's first Christian martyr once lived.
St Albans, 20 miles northwest of London, brings together 2,000 years of British history. You can climb the Clock Tower, England's only medieval town belfry, walk through the Roman Theatre dating from 140 AD, or admire the Norman arches of the 11th-century Cathedral. The city's twice-weekly market has run continuously since 948 AD, and today you'll find local farmers, craftspeople, and food vendors filling the medieval streets alongside independent shops and restaurants.
Getting to St Albans
St Albans sits just off the M1 and M25 motorways, making it easily accessible by car. Trains from London St Pancras reach St Albans City station in 20 minutes, while the Abbey Line provides local connections to Watford Junction. Regular buses connect St Albans to surrounding towns including Watford, Harpenden, and Luton.
Museums and Culture
At the Verulamium Museum, you'll see everyday objects from Roman Britain, including mosaics and wall paintings discovered in local excavations. St Albans Museum + Gallery occupies the Georgian Town Hall, with exhibits telling the city's story through artifacts and art. The Signal Box Museum, located in an 1892 railway signal box, contains original Victorian railway equipment, and volunteers demonstrate how railway workers controlled train movements.
Roman Remains
The ruins of Roman Verulamium, once Britain's third-largest Roman city, spread across today's parkland. The Roman Theatre, dating from 140 AD, is the only visible example in Britain and hosts summer performances. You can examine the hypocaust heating system and a mosaic floor showing Roman engineering skills. Sections of the original city walls still stand in Verulamium Park.
St Albans Cathedral
The Cathedral rises above the city with England's longest nave. The shrine of St Alban, Britain's first Christian martyr, contains over 2,000 recovered pieces. Roman bricks from Verulamium form parts of the walls, which display medieval wall paintings alongside Norman arches and pillars. In the Cathedral's library, you'll find rare manuscripts and early printed books.
Markets and Shopping
Every Wednesday and Saturday, more than 150 market stalls line the city center streets, continuing a tradition from 948 AD. Vendors sell fresh produce, street food, crafts, and clothing. For additional shopping, walk through The Maltings and Christopher Place, where independent boutiques operate alongside national retailers.
Parks and Nature
Verulamium Park covers 100 acres, incorporating a lake and Roman ruins, with paths connecting different areas. The River Ver, a chalk stream, flows through the park, supporting water voles and brown trout. Clarence Park, opened in 1894, contains its original Victorian bandstand, sports fields, and formal gardens.
Nearby Excursions
A short drive takes you to Shaw's Corner, where playwright George Bernard Shaw lived and wrote. You can tour Gorhambury House, a Palladian mansion connected to philosopher Francis Bacon. The de Havilland Aircraft Museum, Britain's oldest aviation museum, houses three rare Mosquito aircraft among its collection.
