St Albans is a small city in the county of Hertfordshire, England. Home of Britain’s first Saint and with an incredible amount of Roman and medieval history you’ll find no shortage of things to do in this affluent commuter city.

St Albans is a special piece of my own history too. I went to school here, learnt to drive here and spent many hours sitting with friends under The Clock Tower.

Thanks to it’s small size you can pack a lot into your time here. Here’s my pick of the top 10 things to do in St Albans.

1. The Abbey

Known to locals as “The Abbey”, St Albans Cathedral is the reason St Albans has city status. With much of its architecture dating from Norman times as well as further additions in the 14th and 19th centuries, it’s a truly beautiful cathedral that should be top of your list when visiting St Albans.

2. The Abbey Gateway

Built in the 14th century the Abbey Gateway was part of a Benedictine Monastery and is now the last remaining building of the monastery. It has an interesting history including being used as a 16th century prison and the focal point of the 1381 Peasant’s Revolt, and it now forms part of St Albans School. You can walk right underneath it and down pretty Abbey Mill Lane which will lead you directly into Verulanium Park.

3. Verulanium Park

Just down from The Abbey, Verulanium Park sits on the site of the Roman City of Verulanium. Set in 100 acres of parkland with a lake, a playground and views of The Abbey, Verulanium Park is a peaceful place to sit on a bench and watch the world (and the ducks) go by.

4. Roman History

Inside Verulanium Park are the remains of the Roman Walls of St Albans. Built in the 3rd century to defend the city of Verulanium, parts of the wall still reach 4 metres high. Keep exploring and you’ll find the remains of towers, bastions and the foundations of London Gate. Also located inside the park is the Verulanium Museum which displays a plethora of Roman artifacts and ancient treasures that were discovered in the area.

5. The Clock Tower

Fast forward several hundred years and you have The Clock Tower, an early 15th century belfry right in the middle of the city. Believed to be the only remaining medieval town belfry in England and with a 600 year old bell, The Clock Tower is an iconic landmark of the city. You can go inside and climb the steep winding stairs to the top for views across the city and beyond.

6. Tudor History

You only have to walk around the city centre to see more evidence of its Tudor past. Just down from The Clock Tower is George Street, with a number of charmingly wonky black and white Tudor buildings. Now a Thai restaurant but once known as the Tudor Tavern and with hundreds of years of history as an inn, 28 George Street is my favourite Tudor building in St Albans.

7. Historic Pubs

Speaking of historic inns, there are plenty on offer in St Albans but only one claims to be the oldest pub in England – the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. Located right next to The Abbey and Verulanium Park, it’s a cosy place to stop for a pub lunch or a pint of ale.

8. The Markets

St Albans has a rich history of market trading which it continues today. There are several markets held throughout the week including a farmers market and vintage market. For market times and dates click here.

9. Shopping

Speaking of shopping, you are spoilt for choice with city centre shopping areas such as The Maltings. If you need even more retail therapy, the nearby town of London Colney has the massive Colney Fields retail park anchored by M&S and Sainsbury’s.

10. Afternoon Tea At Sopwell House

How could I leave an afternoon tea off of this list. The best in St Albans is Sopwell House, a luxury Georgian country house hotel just outside the city centre.

Getting To St Albans

Serving its commuters well with 20 minute trains into London St Pancras, St Albans is very easy to get to by train.

Well located if you’re driving too, sitting just north of the M25 and sandwiched between the A1(M) and the M1 motorways.

If you’re staying in the area a little longer why not venture down Coopers Green Lane until you reach Welwyn Garden City where there is plenty more to do. Read my full guide to Welwyn Garden City here.

Where To Stay

For accommodation choices in St Albans have a look at these.

Cover photo credit Ian Capper, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.