10 Best Things to Do in St Albans

St Albans Cathedral features magnificent architecture and spectacular stained glass dating back to Norman times. The cathedral is located near the intersection of Abbey Mill Lane and Romeland Hill. Saint Alban, who was known as Britain’s first saint, was buried on this site 1,700 years ago, and this area has since been a place of pilgrimage, prayer and reflection.

You can gaze upon the only 11th-century great crossing tower that's still standing. Among the most sought after sights are the exquisite stained-glass windows that wrap around the cathedral and date from between 1376 and 2006.

Verulamium Park is a 40-hectare park with a wide range of activities and historical importance. You can find the park located close to the city centre on Lake Iala. At the lake, you may enjoy a picnic while watching the waterfowl and dragonflies.

Younger visitors can feed the ducks and run around on the playground. The park is named after the Roman city of Verulamium on which it stands, and you can still see the city walls and outline of the London Gate.

Heartwood Forest covers a 347-hectare area that was once farmland but now contains more than 600,000 trees planted by volunteers, making it the largest new native forest in England. You can get to the forest by driving 4 kilometres northeast from St Albans on the B651. Nestled among the new woodland, there are dense patches of old bluebell woodland, hedgerows, wildflower meadows and open grassland.

You can explore the forest through a network of trails or wander through the beginning stages of a community orchard that is being planted by local children. Wildlife is abundant, and over 87 species of bird and 27 species of butterfly have been recorded here.

The Verulamium Museum is built on the site of one of the largest Roman cities in Britain and highlights the everyday life of the time. The museum is located in Verulamium Park. In the museum, you will find ancient artefacts and exquisite murals. You can tour recreated Roman rooms that feature intricate, large-scale models and collections of Roman gold coins.

Children will enjoy the hands-on discovery areas, dress-up clothes and activities. The gift shop sells a wide variety of items including books, jewellery and decorative pieces.

Redbournbury Watermill and Bakery features a mill that was used to grind flour as early as the 11th century and continued to operate until the 1950s. In the 1990s, the property was restored into a functioning mill complete with a bakery and museum. In the museum, guests can use step ladders to explore 4 floors, and records of the rebuild can be viewed on a commemorative brick nestled in the southern wall.

The bakery was built in one of the barns on-site, and here you can purchase freshly baked bread. Modern baking equipment was added, but the outside of the building remains untouched.

Sopwell Nunnery is the sight of a Benedictine nunnery built in 1140, but what you now see here are the ruins of the Tudor mansion that was built over the top of it in 1560 by Sir Richard Lee. If you are travelling by train, you can get to the ruins with a short 15-minute walk from the St Albans City Train Station.

As you stroll around the property, you will see remains of the gatehouse, kitchen and parts of 2 wings of the home. The River Ver runs alongside the property, and beautiful flower meadows are spread throughout during spring and summer, making it a perfect spot for a picnic.

Willows Activity Farm has more than 300 farm animals and 40 activities, shows and attractions for children to enjoy. You will find the farm just 2 minutes from Junction 22 off the M25. You can meet the animals, ride on Tristan the Runaway Tractor, watch children’s shows and enjoy funfair rides and acres of adventure play.

Even in cold or rainy weather, there is still tons of fun indoor adventure and soft play. The farm offers special events including February Frolics, Easter Egg and Bunny Hunts, an A-maize-ing Maze in the summer, free pumpkins during the Pumpkin Festival and Santa’s Grotto at Christmas.

The St Albans Farmers Market features fresh, locally grown food with a vibrant and entertaining shopping experience. The market can be found in central St Albans on St Peter’s Street. Local offerings include handmade cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, top-quality meat and game raised on local farms, freshly baked pastries and bread and locally made crafts.

You can sample street food and enjoy live entertainment while you shop. Yoga classes and additional activities are offered on occasion, so be sure to check their weekly vendor list to see the participants.