Itinerary idea: discover the charm of historic St Albans

Steeped in history dating back over 2,000 years, the cathedral city of St Albans in Hertfordshire boasts beautiful architecture, stunning parks and fabulous shopping and eateries. Easy to explore on foot and with picture perfect streets at every turn, groups can spend hours here.

Formerly known as Verulamium, this is a city packed with Roman history with artefacts and well-preserved mosaic flooring in a museum within walking distance from city centre.

Here’s what you could pack into a day…

10am: Step into Market Place and absorb the vibrant atmosphere of the city centre. Quaint streets and medieval buildings house independent shops, while shopping areas play home to well-known brands. The St Albans Charter Market, established over 1,000 years ago, sells everything from fresh produce to gifts, clothing and more. Regular visiting markets contribute to the spirit of the city with St Albans Vegan Market, St Albans Farmers Market and St Albans Vintage Market offering all you need from antiques and architectural salvage to healthy eats and locally hand-crafted goods.

11am: Visit St Albans Museum + Gallery, a world-class centre for arts and culture, set over three floors and showcasing more than 2,000 years of history. This magnificent Georgian building has been restored and preserved and includes a courtroom with dock and judges chair, plus subterranean cells where defendants were once held. Groups are welcome to enjoy cutting edge art installations, historic exhibitions and fascinating events sharing local, national and world treasures.

12pm: Head along Market Place, through historic Waxhouse Gate, past the Vintry Garden and you’ll find the impressive St Albans Cathedral standing on the site where Alban, Britain’s first Saint, was martyred over 1,700 years ago. Learn about the story of Alban, discover two beautifully restored medieval shrines and see illuminated wall hangings. Group tours can be arranged even tailored to group interests. 

Nearby, the Clock Tower (open seasonally) is the only surviving medieval town belfry in England, so it’s worth climbing the 93 steps to the top for bird’s eye views.

1pm: Time for lunch! There is a huge choice of restaurants and cafes welcoming groups. The Hub On Verulam is a great option with an open kitchen and plenty of space to relax. 

2.30pm: Now for some fresh air. Head along George Street, through Abbey Gateway, past St Albans School, one of the oldest private schools in the world and Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, one of several pubs laying claim to being the oldest in England, to Verulamium Park.

Named after the Roman City of Verulamium, the park boasts over 100 acres of parkland, an ornamental lake, remains of an ancient Roman wall and a Roman mosaic and hypocaust which is free to visit. Don’t miss St Michael’s Church which is one of three Saxon churches in the city retaining tenth-century window and doorway openings.

3.30pm: Also in the park, visit award-winning Verulamium Museum which displays beautiful objects from the Roman City of Verulamium, superb mosaics and re-created  rooms showcasing the life and times of a major Roman city.

5pm: To end the day, walk through St Michael’s Village to St Michael’s Manor Hotel, a large townhouse hotel, set on five acres of beautiful gardens with a lake. Stop for a drink, nibbles or stay for dinner and reflect on the adventures of your day.