Top 10 things to do in St albans
Exploring Charm: The St Albans Guide You Wish You Had Sooner
Posted by Craig | Updated May, 2024 | 12 Min Read Time
At a glance
- If your planning a visit to St Albans City then this guide highlights the 10 of the top things to do while your here
In this article, you’ll find the following:
- The hidden gems of St Albans which no one talks about
- The ancient nunnery which is iconic to the City of St Albans and its secret whereabouts
Fun fact: St Albans boasts one of the oldest pubs in Britain, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, which claims to have been established in the 8th century
Every thought about visiting an old Roman town? Well nows the time!
Top 10 Things To Do In St Albans
St Albans is a beautiful city with a rich history and plenty to offer visitors. But what if you’re on a budget and looking for free things to do in St Albans? Look no further! In this blog, we’ll be sharing the top 10 free things to do in St Albans, so you can enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank.
From exploring historic landmarks to enjoying nature walks, there are plenty of free activities in St Albans that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. We’ll be sharing insider tips and hidden gems that you won’t find in your typical guidebook, so you can experience the city like a local.
Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s rich history, exploring its beautiful parks, or simply soaking up the local culture, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your walking shoes and your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore St Albans with less than the cost of a mcdonalds!
Number 1: St Albans Cathedral
Let’s start with St Albans Cathedral as it’s one of the oldest cathedrals in England and is steeped in history. The cathedral dates back to the 11th century and has been a site of Christian worship for over a thousand years. It is located in the heart of St Albans and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religion.
The cathedral is home to some of the finest mediaeval wall paintings in the world, as well as stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the cathedral’s history, architecture, and art, and can even climb up the tower for stunning views of the city.
The cathedral is open to visitors every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day. Admission is free, although donations are welcome to help maintain the building and support its ongoing work. Guided tours are available for a fee, and visitors can also attend services and concerts throughout the year.
For information and where to find the cathedral click here.
Number 2: Verulamium Park
Verulamium Lake is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in St Albans. The lake is located at the bottom of holywell hill, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and beautiful white swans. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, or simply sit and watch the wildlife.
One of the highlights of Verulamium Lake is the stunning view of St Albans Cathedral. From certain points around the lake, visitors can see the cathedral rising up in the distance, creating a beautiful and peaceful backdrop to the natural surroundings.
Verulamium Lake is a must-visit for anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful outdoor space in St Albans. With its stunning views, rich wildlife, and welcoming community, it’s an incredible asset to the city.
For a full map of the park click here.
Number 3: Heartwood Forest
Heartwood Forest is a beautiful and unique woodland located in St Albans. The forest is home to a variety of trees, including oak, ash, and hornbeam, and is particularly famous for its stunning displays of bluebells during the spring.
The best and most popular time of year to visit Heartwood Forest is during the spring, when the bluebells are in full bloom. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the forest and admire the beautiful blue flowers, which create a stunning blue blanket across the forest floor.
When visiting Heartwood Forest, visitors should park at the forest car park, which is located off the B651 road. From there, visitors can take one of the many walking trails through the forest, which are well-marked and easy to follow.
Heartwood Forest is a must-visit for anyone looking for a beautiful and peaceful outdoor space in St Albans. With its stunning displays of bluebells, rich wildlife, and enchanting forests, it’s a unique place within the city.
For useful information click here.
Number 4: Verulamium Museum
Verulamium was a Roman city many years ago that was founded around 50 AD. It was an important centre of trade and commerce during the Roman period, and it quickly grew into a bustling hub of Roman Britain.
Today, you can explore the ruins of Verulamium and learn about the history of the city at the Verulamium Museum. The museum is home to a wide range of exhibits and artefacts from the Roman period, including pottery, jewellery, and coins.
You can also take a leisurely stroll through Verulamium Park, which is located on the site of the Roman city. The park is a beautiful and a peaceful place to relax, many of us enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
If you’re interested in visiting the Verulamium Museum, ticket prices are £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for children, and £5.50 for concessions. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, with last admission at 4.30pm. There is plenty of parking available at the museum, and you can take advantage of the many walking trails around the park.
Verulamium museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of St Albans and the Roman period. With its fascinating exhibits, stunning ruins, and beautiful park, it makes verulamium a must visit while in St Albans.
Visit the offical website click here.
Number 5: St Albans Market
If you’re looking for a fun and lively place to shop and explore in St Albans, you should definitely check out the St Albans Market! The market has a long and rich history, dating back to the 9th century, and it continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8.30am to 5pm, and it’s located on St Peters street, in the heart of the city. There are plenty of parking options nearby, including the Maltings car park and Christophers place which is conveniently located right next to the market.
At the market, you’ll find a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to clothing and jewellery. There are also plenty of food stalls, so you can grab a bite to eat while you look around.
Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or just want to soak up the atmosphere of this historic market, there’s something for everyone at the Market.
For more information click here.
Number 6: The Roman wall of St Albans
The Roman wall in St Albans is a must-see landmark for anyone interested in history. Built around 2000 years ago, it was an important part of the city’s defences during the Roman period.
Today, you can still see the remnants of the wall, which stretch for miles around the city. It’s a living piece of history that’s sure to captivate your imagination, and there are plenty of walking trails that will take you around the wall including along the river Ver and Sopwell train line, so you can explore the many historic sites and landmarks that are located along the way.
To find out more visit English Heritage.
Number 7: The Clock Tower
If you’re looking for a unique perspective on St Albans, you should definitely check out the clock tower! The tower is a true landmark of the city, and it offers breathtaking views from the top that are sure to take your breath away.
Once you climb to the top of the tower, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of St Albans that you won’t find anywhere else. You can see the city from a completely different angle, and you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty and history of this wonderful city in a whole new way.
The clock tower is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to take in the stunning views, the clock tower is the perfect place to do it.
So why not plan a visit to the clock tower today and experience the beauty of St Albans from a whole new perspective?
For ticket prices and opening times visit the offical website.
St Albans is home to the only surviving medieval clock tower in England, which was built between 1403 and 1412.
Number 8: Sopwell Nunnery
If you’re interested in history, you should definitely check out Sopwell Nunnery in St Albans! The nunnery was founded in the 12th century, and it was an important religious site during the mediaeval period.
Today, you can still see the remnants of the nunnery, which include the ruins of the church and the cloister. It’s a peaceful and serene place to visit, and it’s a great way to experience the rich history of St Albans.
When you’re there, be sure to take a walk around the grounds and explore the many historic sites and landmarks that are located in the area. You can also learn more about the history of the nunnery by taking the time to read the plaque as you enter onto the field from cottonmill lane.
For more information on the history click here.
Number 9: St Albans Museum and Gallery
St Albans is a city that’s steeped in history, and one of the best places to experience that history is at the St Albans Museum Town Hall. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building that was once the town hall.
Inside, you’ll find a wealth of exhibits and artefacts that tell the story of St Albans and its people. From Roman artefacts to mediaeval treasures, the museum has something for everyone.
One of the highlights of the museum is the courtroom, which has been restored to its original Victorian-era design. You can step back in time and experience what it was like to be a defendant or a witness in a Victorian court case.
Another must-see exhibit is the St Albans Hoard, which is a collection of over 14,000 Roman coins that were found in a field near St Albans in 2012. The coins are on display in the museum, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the Romans in St Albans.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to check out the museum’s art gallery, which features works by local and national artists. There’s also a cafe on site, where you can grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee while you take in the exhibits.
St Albans Museum Town Hall is a destination for anyone interested in history, art, or culture. Go ahead and plan your visit today!
For more information visit offical website
Number 10: Clarence Park
Clarence Park is a beautiful public park located in the heart of St Albans. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it’s easy to see why.
The park features a wide range of amenities, including a large playground, a skate park, and a half sized basketball court.
One of the highlights of Clarence Park is the bandstand, which hosts regular concerts and events throughout the summer months. It’s a great place to relax and listen to some live music while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
If you’re looking for a place to have a picnic, Clarence Park is the perfect spot. There are plenty of benches and tables throughout the park, and you can enjoy your lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Overall, Clarence Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting St Albans. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, this park has something for everyone.
Find out whats on click here.
Hope You Enjoyed The Read
St Albans is a city that’s full of history, culture, and natural beauty, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich Roman history, taking in a concert at Clarence Park, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes in the city centre, St Albans has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ve highlighted just a few of the many free attractions that St Albans has to offer, from the St Albans Museum Town Hall to Clarence Park. But there’s so much more to see and do in this vibrant city, and we encourage you to explore it for yourself.
So why not plan a visit to St Albans today and experience everything this wonderful city has to offer? Whether you’re travelling alone, with family, or with friends, you’re sure to have a great time. That’s it for now and we can’t wait to see you in St Albans in the very near future!
Craig Smith
The founder of CJ Smiths Construction Company for over 14+ years and a proud citizen of St Albans City.
