St Albans

St Albans has been a tourist destination for 2,000 years. Today, people still flock to see its attractions. One word of advice: streets in St. Albans are tight, so if you can take public transportation, you'll want to do so.

St. Albans was first built and named 'Verulamium' by the Romans, and later renamed St. Albans after the first British Christian martyr who was executed for his beliefs in the third century AD. Today, the Roman heritage and imposing cathedral attract many visitors throughout the year. The Verulamium Museum allows you to discover the life and times of a major Roman city. The museum features magnificent mosaics, recreated rooms, and artifacts from the time. Hands-on discovery areas allow visitors to 'learn by doing' and touch displays give fascinating interactive information. If you can, try to make your tour on the second weekend of the month to see actors dressed in Roman Regalia demonstrating tactics and equipment of the Roman Imperial Army. The museum is open Monday through Saturday 10AM to 5:30, and Sunday 2PM to 5:30.

Just a short walk from Verulamium Museum is the Roman Theatre, which was built in 140AD. It is best preserved example of a its kind in Britain and was used originally for bear baiting and cock fighting. At the height of its development, it could hold 2,000 spectators. What's left is the foundations of the foundations of the theatre, and the many artifacts from the time. Nearby are the foundations of a Roman town house, a sacred shrine and a row of Roman shops. If you want a guided tour, you'll need to set it up before you go, but it is well worth the effort. The theatre is open from 10AM to 4PM, and admission price is £2.00 for adults.

The Abbey Church dominates the city's skyline on every main approach and has architecture from many different periods. Its tower, for example includes Roman bricks salvaged from the ruins of Verulamium. Once inside, you can visit the shrine to St. Alban, for which the town is named. The church is open daily from 8.30 to 17.45, but if you want a guided tour, you'll need to come by between the hours of 11.30 and 14.30.

A visit to St. Albans offers so much; excellent shopping, a range of evening entertainment, an annual events programme, and a multitude of pubs and restaurants as well as many hotels and guesthouses. Within easy access from the motorway network and just half an hour from London, come and discover St. Albans for yourself.

Children and adults alike will enjoy a visit to Willows Farm Village, where you can meet animals in Pets Corner or enjoy the flying displays of the Falconry Centre. Or, you can drop by the De Havilland Aircraft Heritage Museum, or stroll in the Gardens of the Rose the flagship gardens of the Royal National Rose Society.

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See a Map of St Albans