The cathedral city of St Albans has a long history. It was the site of Verulamium, one of the major cities of Roman Britain, and there are Roman remains to be seen today.
St Albans City is the main station with a very frequent service and it is often simply called St Albans (without City). St Albans Abbey station is the terminus of a separate minor line from Watford Junction. The walking distance between the stations is 1 mile.
TI Town Hall, Market Place. Tel. 01727 864511.
St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It stands over
the place where St Alban, Britain's first Christian martyr, was buried over 1700 years ago.
The Cathedral's architecture is a blend of many periods and its great tower includes Roman bricks
salvaged from the ruins of Verulamium. Guided tours are available. Refreshments and meals are served
in the Abbot's Kitchen. There is no entry fee but a donation is suggested.
Open Daily 0830-1745 but occasionally access may be restricted for services or special events.
www.stalbanscathedral.org
Housed in the historic town hall, regularly changing exhibitions cover over 2000 years of local history
from the departure of the Romans to the present day, including contemporary artworks. Assembly Room with Georgian architectural
features, Courtroom and Cells. Café. Admission free.
Open Daily 1100-1700.
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Built between 1403 and 1412, the Clock Tower is the only medieval town belfry in England.
You can climb the 93 narrow steps to the top and enjoy magnificent views of St Albans.
Open Easter-Sep, SSu & BH 1030-1700.
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Built in 1892, this Midland Railway signal box is one of the few preserved boxes open to the public beside
a mainline railway. Demonstrations are given using the original lever frame. Museum of signal equipment.
Working signals in garden. Light refreshments. Admission free.
Open selected Sundays 1400-1700, see website for dates.
www.sigbox.co.uk
The Museum covers everyday life in Roman Britain with recreated Roman rooms. Many objects from the
Roman City of Verulamium are on display including some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters to
be seen in Britain. Café nearby in Verulamium Park.
Open M-F 1000-1630, Sat 1100-1530.
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Bus 320 from City Station forecourt (also City Centre) to St Michael's Street, 15 minutes journey.
M-S every 30 minutes, Sun hourly.
Operated by Arriva.
A modern building protects the 1800 year old hypocaust and its covering mosaic floor which were
excavated in the 1930's. The hypocaust is a Roman underfloor heating system. Admission free.
Open M-F 1000-1500, Sat 1100-1500.
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Remains of the Roman Wall built between AD 265 and 270 to defend the Roman city of Verulamium.
Open any reasonable time during daylight.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
A Local Nature Reserve with a variety of habitats created from old watercress beds beside the River Ver.
Open Daily 0700-dusk.
www.watercresslnr.org.uk
The only visible example of a Roman Theatre in Britain. It would have been used during religious
festivals and for armed combat and wild beast shows. Nearby excavations have revealed the foundations
of a Roman town house, secret shrine and a row of Roman shops.
Open Daily 1000-1700 (1600 Oct-Mar).
www.gorhamburyestate.co.uk
Bus see Verulamium Museum.
Seat of the Earl of Verulam and an impressive Palladian house, Gorhambury was built in the late 18th
century by the architect Sir Robert Taylor. It replaced Old Gorhambury House (see below). Guided tours.
Open closed for refurbishment, please check website.
www.gorhamburyestate.co.uk
Access is through the entrance to the Roman Theatre (see above), Gorhambury House is a further 1½ miles.
Remains of the original Gorhambury House include an elaborate entrance porch.
Open Daily 0800-1800 during daylight but check website for occasional closures.
www.english-heritage.org.uk |
www.gorhamburyestate.co.uk
Access is through the entrance to the Roman Theatre (see above), Old Gorhambury House is a further 2 miles.