Saint Albans Hotels

History

The Celtic Catuvellauni tribe had a settlement at Prae Hill a little to the west of present day St Albans, but it was as the Roman city of Verulamium, the second largest after Londinium, that the site really begins to grow in importance. After the Roman occupation, the medieval town developed around the foundations of St Albans Abbey, where the original draft of Magna Carta was drawn up. The Abbey Church became the parish church during the 16th century and a cathedral in 1877. The road that runs from the Abbey to the famous St Albans school, down towards the River Ver is called Abbey Mill Lane, where you can see the palaces of the Bishops of St Albans and Hertford, and The Fighting Cocks, which is one of the oldest pubs in England. Amongst the many notable old buildings and sites in St Albans, the early 15th-century Clock Tower is one of only two such designs in the country.

Restaurants and Cafés

From St Albans hotels, you'll discover a real diversity of great places to eat and relax, from fine dining to friendly cafés and lovely old pubs. Lussmanns is a highly recommended and award-winning choice, with strong emphasis on the best of British and real sustainability. Try The Foragers at The Verulam Arms to experience superb wild food menus and seasonal treats. For an artisan-style coffee shop in the heart of St Albans, sample the fresh homemade food and warm atmosphere at bakehouse on Heritage Close, right opposite the Clock Tower.

Festivals and Events

A town with such deep roots has more than its fair share of traditional events as well as modern festivals. Whichever season you choose to visit there will be something going on! Near the beginning of May, there is the medieval tradition of Beating the Bounds, where members of the community walk the boundary of St Albans, and literally beat certain key points along the route with willow wands. The procession, led by the Mayor, follows the town's boundary as defined in 1327. In late May, traditionally over the Bank Holiday weekend, you can enjoy the colour and spectacle of the nearby Hertfordshire County Show, with its proudly displayed animals of all shapes and sizes, wonderful local produce and entertainment. Midsummer sees a weekend celebrating the town's Saint. The Alban Pilgrimage includes a unique carnival of puppets representing the life and fate of St Alban, with much of the area's amazing past also depicted. The procession through the centre to St Albans Cathedral includes Roman chariots, centurions, lions, roses and executioners in an explosion of colour and history. There is also an Alban Street Festival at the same time, complete with performance arena, music stages, food, drink and plenty more.

Party and nightlife in St Albans

St Albans offers an impressive array of nightlife options to cater to every taste. Located within the bounds of Hertfordshire, St Albans possesses a rich mix of bars, clubs, and venues offering both cherished classics and trendy hotspots.

The streets around the famous market place are lined with night time hotspots, including St Peters Street. This vibrant area is home to many of St Alban's top-tier bars, pubs and clubs. Establishments such as The Peahen and The Boot, both widely known for their extensive drink offerings and relaxed ambiance, can be found in this bustling area. Punchin’ Palooka, on the other hand, is a popular destination for those with a taste for mixology and creative concoctions. Its stylish and inviting atmosphere has earned it a reputation as a top pick for cocktail enthusiasts.

An essential part of the nightlife scene is represented by the many concerts and live music venues, such as The Horn. Known as a pivotal platform for burgeoning bands and artists, it regularly hosts live music events spanning multiple genres.

For those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, The Mermaid is a cherished local gem. Known for its extensive range of local ales and ciders, it's a wonderful place for those who appreciate the breadth of the UK's brewing tradition.

An exploration of the nightlife in St Albans remains incomplete without a mention of the area's many pubs. Refurbished buildings such as The Verulam and The Lower Red Lion contain not just a vast selection of drinks but also carry historical significance within the area.

Go shopping in St Albans

Situated in the heart of Hertfordshire, St Albans offers a diverse range of shopping experiences that caters to various preferences and budgets. Notable for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, shopping in St Albans presents the opportunity to immerse oneself in a truly unique retail environment.

At the epicentre of St Alban's retail scene is the Christopher Place shopping centre, an established hub for the fashion conscious. Lined with established brands and independent boutiques, it exudes an ambience of style and sophistication. From high-end designer labels to up-and-coming local designers, there's something to suit every fashion taste.

In addition to its higher-end shopping, St Albans is also graced with a selection of markets and charity shops that offer a wealth of bargains. The local market, held every Wednesday, Saturday and the second Sunday of each month, is a long-standing tradition and offers a great selection of goods at affordable prices. Meanwhile, the city's charity shops offer an environmentally-friendly shopping alternative where second-hand treasures can be found.

When it comes to souvenirs, there are a number of items intrinsically linked to St Albans that make for excellent keepsakes or gifts. Unique ceramics, woven items and artwork by local artists are especially popular. Notably, the city is known for its Roman artefacts and historical association, so replicas of these make for fascinating and memory-provoking souvenirs.

Furthermore, St Albans is home to niche speciality shops that are a testament to the city's commitment to preserving tradition. The local bookshops offer a hand-picked selection of reads, and vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the selection in the city's reputable record stores.

Must-sees in St Albans

St Albans, a historic city in Hertfordshire, offers a mix of antique charm and modern delights. From its busy markets to its lush green parks and ancient architecture, this city has something to offer for everyone. Visitors wandering through its streets are transported back in time.

One of the most iconic landmarks in St Albans is the magnificent St Albans Cathedral. This impressive structure, dating back to the 11th century, is a masterpiece of Norman architecture. As visitors step inside, they are greeted by the stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings that adorn the walls, then take in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the magnificent architecture of this historical gem.

For a taste of the city's rich history, head to the Verulamium Museum. This award-winning museum showcases the remains of the old Roman city of Verulamium, which once stood on the site of present-day St Albans. Explore the fascinating exhibits, including pottery, mosaics and weapons and learn about the daily lives of the Romans who inhabited this area over 2000 years ago.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of green spaces in St Albans. Verulamium Park, with its picturesque lakes and tranquil pathways, is a popular spot for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic. For a more adventurous experience, head to the nearby Heartwood Forest, where the more active can hike, cycle, or even go horseback riding through acres of ancient woodland.

Those in search of some retail therapy need look no further than St Albans' markets. The historic Charter Market, held every Wednesday and Saturday, offers an array of local produce, crafts and antiques. For a taste of the local cuisine, head to the St Albans Farmers' Market, held on the second Sunday of every month, where shoppers will find a variety of fresh, locally grown produce.

For a glimpse into the city's past, take a walk along the Verulamium Park Roman Wall. This 3rd-century wall, once part of the defensive fortifications of the Roman city, is now a popular walking trail with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors walk along the wall, imagining what life would have been like in this ancient city.

Before leaving St Albans, travellers should make sure to visit the Clock Tower, a 15th-century landmark and the only remaining medieval town belfry in England. Climbing to the top leads to breath-taking views of the city and a chance to learn about the history of this iconic structure.

As the day comes to an end, holidaymakers can treat themselves to a delicious meal at one of St Albans' many restaurants. With a variety of cuisines to choose from, including traditional English fare and international cuisine, they are spoiled for choice. They can then end the evening with a glass of wine at one of the city's cosy pubs, relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere.