St Albans

United_Kingdom

St Albans is an English cathedral city to the north of London, in the county of Hertfordshire. Its rich Roman and Medieval history mean it is much more worth a visit than the typical commuter suburb.

St. Albans Cathedral

The Wallingford Screen in the cathedral St Albans began in the Iron Age as the Catuvellauni settlement of Verlamio, renamed and developed by the Romans as Verulamium. Burned to the ground by the rebellious Iceni princess Boudicca during her rebellion, it was soon rebuilt. Ruins of portions of the Roman wall, the theatre and a hypocaust can be visited today. A resident of Verulamium named Alban became the first British martyr of Christianity, and thus St Albans became an important abbey and monastic centre in the Middle Ages. The cathedral, founded as the Abbey Church of the monastery on the site, is built partially of stones taken from the old Roman town. After the Reformation St Albans faded from prominence, becoming a typical Home Counties market town. Today it is a well-off suburb, with many workers commuting into London.

St Albans is packed with a rich history with something around nearly every corner.

The Romans left their mark on St Albans (Verulamium as they would know it). There is so much from this time that you can still see.

  • Roman remains in Verulam Park (with a nice view of the Cathedral) is the Roman Wall that was once the defensive wall of Roman Verulamium
  • Roman Theatre of Verulamium, Bluehouse Hill, AL3 6AE (By car: off the A4147 (Sat Nav AL3 6AE) By train: nearest station St Albans Abbey Station, +44 1727 835 035. Mar-Oct: 10AM-5PM, Nov-Feb: 10AM-4PM. A well-preserved stone theatre that lies the other side of the main road near the Verulamium Museum. From here you can walk up to the manor house of Gorhambury (home of the Earl of St.Albans) which is open Thursdays only, May-September, 2-5PM, and some special occasions. Adults £2.50, students and seniors £2.00, children (5-16) £1.50, under 5’s - free.
  • Verulamium Museum, St Michael's, AL3 4SW (by car: accessible via St Michael's Street or off Bluehouse Hill (the A4147) follow signs. By foot: about a 20-minute pleasant walk from the Town Centre. By train: about a 30-minute walk away from St Albans City Station (Thameslink) and 10-min walk from the St Albans Abbey Station (Abbey Flyer), +44 1727 751 810. M-Sa 10AM-5:30PM, Su 2-5:30PM, last admission 5PM. Tells the story of the Roman city of Verulamium (that was the third largest city of Roman Britain). The museum is home to some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters outside the Mediterranean, along with pottery and other artefacts. Within the museum they have recreated Roman rooms as well as having hands-on discovery areas. Some of the Sandridge Hoard of Roman gold coins are on permanent display. During the week there are often school groups, so try and schedule your visit for after the school day. Verulamium Museum is wheelchair-accessible. Adults £5.00, children (under 16s) £2.50, under 5s free, senior citizens and concessions £3.50, residents of St Albans District (with proof of residency) free, group and family discounts are available.
  • Hypocaust, Verulamium Park, AL3 4SW (by the football pitches in Verulamium Park. This 1800-year-old hypocaust and mosaic floor was uncovered during excavations in Verulamium Park in the 1930s. Although the Hypocaust is wheelchair accessible, it is off of a gravel footpath and up a bit of a hill. Free.

Roman remains in Verulam Park (with a nice view of the Cathedral) is the Roman Wall that was once the defensive wall of Roman Verulamium

Roman Theatre of Verulamium, Bluehouse Hill, AL3 6AE (By car: off the A4147 (Sat Nav AL3 6AE) By train: nearest station St Albans Abbey Station, +44 1727 835 035. Mar-Oct: 10AM-5PM, Nov-Feb: 10AM-4PM. A well-preserved stone theatre that lies the other side of the main road near the Verulamium Museum. From here you can walk up to the manor house of Gorhambury (home of the Earl of St.Albans) which is open Thursdays only, May-September, 2-5PM, and some special occasions. Adults £2.50, students and seniors £2.00, children (5-16) £1.50, under 5’s - free.

Verulamium Museum, St Michael's, AL3 4SW (by car: accessible via St Michael's Street or off Bluehouse Hill (the A4147) follow signs. By foot: about a 20-minute pleasant walk from the Town Centre. By train: about a 30-minute walk away from St Albans City Station (Thameslink) and 10-min walk from the St Albans Abbey Station (Abbey Flyer), +44 1727 751 810. M-Sa 10AM-5:30PM, Su 2-5:30PM, last admission 5PM. Tells the story of the Roman city of Verulamium (that was the third largest city of Roman Britain). The museum is home to some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters outside the Mediterranean, along with pottery and other artefacts. Within the museum they have recreated Roman rooms as well as having hands-on discovery areas. Some of the Sandridge Hoard of Roman gold coins are on permanent display. During the week there are often school groups, so try and schedule your visit for after the school day. Verulamium Museum is wheelchair-accessible. Adults £5.00, children (under 16s) £2.50, under 5s free, senior citizens and concessions £3.50, residents of St Albans District (with proof of residency) free, group and family discounts are available.

Hypocaust, Verulamium Park, AL3 4SW (by the football pitches in Verulamium Park. This 1800-year-old hypocaust and mosaic floor was uncovered during excavations in Verulamium Park in the 1930s. Although the Hypocaust is wheelchair accessible, it is off of a gravel footpath and up a bit of a hill. Free.

Medieval times shaped the look of St Albans to the picturesque town you can see now.

  • Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. A cathedral which has the longest true nave in Britain. The Shrine of St. Alban is inside. There is no entry free, just a suggestion donation. Most weekdays there is a free Evensong concert at around 5PM. There are free guided tours M-Sa at 11:30AM, Sa 2PM, and Su-F 2:30PM. A shorter “highlights” tour runs daily at 1:05PM. Tower Tours run on some Wednesdays and weekends between May and October, and cost £8 per person. Approximately 4 times a year there is a candle-lit night-time tour. Tickets cost £10 per person and include a drinks reception before the tour. The building is referred both as the Cathedral and the Abbey... they are the same place, so don’t “do” one, then go looking for the other!
  • Clock Tower. This medieval tower was built in the early 15th century. You can climb the tower most weekends and bank holidays from Easter to September, open 10:30AM-5PM. Adults £0.80, children £0.40.

Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. A cathedral which has the longest true nave in Britain. The Shrine of St. Alban is inside. There is no entry free, just a suggestion donation. Most weekdays there is a free Evensong concert at around 5PM. There are free guided tours M-Sa at 11:30AM, Sa 2PM, and Su-F 2:30PM. A shorter “highlights” tour runs daily at 1:05PM. Tower Tours run on some Wednesdays and weekends between May and October, and cost £8 per person. Approximately 4 times a year there is a candle-lit night-time tour. Tickets cost £10 per person and include a drinks reception before the tour. The building is referred both as the Cathedral and the Abbey... they are the same place, so don’t “do” one, then go looking for the other!

Clock Tower. This medieval tower was built in the early 15th century. You can climb the tower most weekends and bank holidays from Easter to September, open 10:30AM-5PM. Adults £0.80, children £0.40.

  • Sopwell Ruins, Cottonmill Lane, AL1 2BY (A 10-min walk from St Albans Abbey Station. Ruins of a Tudor mansion built around 1560 by Sir Richard Lee. It was built on top of the medieval nunnery. It is a good spot for a family picnic and included in two Ver Valley walks. Surrounded by level grass but there is no path so may be unsuitable for those less mobile. Free.

Sopwell Ruins, Cottonmill Lane, AL1 2BY (A 10-min walk from St Albans Abbey Station. Ruins of a Tudor mansion built around 1560 by Sir Richard Lee. It was built on top of the medieval nunnery. It is a good spot for a family picnic and included in two Ver Valley walks. Surrounded by level grass but there is no path so may be unsuitable for those less mobile. Free.

  • St Albans South Signal Box. Su 2PM-5PM (selected days only). The largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK and one of the few preserved boxes that's open to the public. The site is fully accessible except for the long flight of steps to the upper floor of the signal box. For those unable to get upstairs a video of the upstairs workings can be shown downstairs. Accessible toilet and hand washing facilities available on request. By donation.

St Albans South Signal Box. Su 2PM-5PM (selected days only). The largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK and one of the few preserved boxes that's open to the public. The site is fully accessible except for the long flight of steps to the upper floor of the signal box. For those unable to get upstairs a video of the upstairs workings can be shown downstairs. Accessible toilet and hand washing facilities available on request. By donation.

It is worth taking time to explore and discover St Albans.

  • Fishpool Street, picturesque street leading to St Michaels
  • St Albans is home to three markets that are worth an explore. The Charter/Traditional market which is the world’s longest running street markets, the Farmers market for locally produced products and the European style Christmas market. More details below in the Buy section.
  • The St.Albans Festival runs for two weeks in late June, and features a series of events in and around St. Albans.
  • St Michaels Street. This pretty street with a mixture of houses, some thatch roofed and some half-timbered makes for a charming area to have a wander around. St Michaels Bridge takes you over the River Ver. Two traditional pubs and Kingsbury Mill (now the waffle house) are located here. Look out for the "Hertfordshire Puddingstone" found at the front of the mill. The street has the feel of an old English village.

Fishpool Street, picturesque street leading to St Michaels

St Albans is home to three markets that are worth an explore. The Charter/Traditional market which is the world’s longest running street markets, the Farmers market for locally produced products and the European style Christmas market. More details below in the Buy section.

The St.Albans Festival runs for two weeks in late June, and features a series of events in and around St. Albans.

St Michaels Street. This pretty street with a mixture of houses, some thatch roofed and some half-timbered makes for a charming area to have a wander around. St Michaels Bridge takes you over the River Ver. Two traditional pubs and Kingsbury Mill (now the waffle house) are located here. Look out for the "Hertfordshire Puddingstone" found at the front of the mill. The street has the feel of an old English village.

St Albans has appeared as the backdrop in many films and TV shows. As you explore the city you may recognise some places.

  • Birthday Girl with Nicole Kidman as a St Albans bank clerk was set entirely in St Albans and the surrounding area
  • First Knight with Richard Gere and Sean Connery used St Albans Cathedral for a wedding scene
  • Incendiary with Ewan McGregor used St Albans Cathedral and the city station
  • Johnny English with Rowan Atkinson used St Albans Cathedral as a double for Westminster Abbey
  • Mike Bassett England Manager with Ricky Tomlinson used St Albans to double as Norwich (locations included the town hall)

  • Foyles War with Michael Kitchen filmed scenes in Fishpool Street
  • Holby City has filmed at St Albans City Station
  • Inbetweeners with Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison and James Buckley the field trip episode was filmed by the town hall
  • Inspector Morse with John Thaw and Kevin Whatley scenes where shot at Ye Old Fighting Cocks and St Albans Cathedral
  • Life Begins with Caroline Quentin & Alexander Armstrong filmed at various places around St Albans including Market Place & French Row
  • Midsummer Murders with John Nettles filmed a scene at St Albans School
  • Porridge with Ronnie Barker the opening titles used the old prison gate house in Victoria Road
  • The Apprentice with Lord Sugar had the introduction and ‘walk of shame’ exit sequences (series four onwards) filmed at the Viglen HQ building in St Albans.

  • Morethan: In 2013 Morethan dedicated a whole advert to St Albans

There is lots to do in St Albans whether its just for a short few hours, day trip or longer holiday.

  • Old Gorhambury House. Free and open nearly every day of the year and at “any reasonable time”, excluding all Saturdays in winter when the road is closed the public.
  • The St Albans Organ Theatre. Contains theatre organs, punch-card cafe organs and other instruments. It opens every Sunday afternoon, when visitors have the opportunity to see and hear the fascinating instruments.

Old Gorhambury House. Free and open nearly every day of the year and at “any reasonable time”, excluding all Saturdays in winter when the road is closed the public.

The St Albans Organ Theatre. Contains theatre organs, punch-card cafe organs and other instruments. It opens every Sunday afternoon, when visitors have the opportunity to see and hear the fascinating instruments.

  • Verulamium Park. An enormous stretch of greenery lying to the south of the city centre. There is a lake in the middle, and the River Ver flows to the side. To get here, walk from the Chapter House entrance of the Cathedral through the Orchard to the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub, then over the little bridge. Alternatively walk down George Street from the Clock Tower, turning left onto Romeland, and then through the millennium old Abbey Gateway, then following the road down the hill to the pub and bridge. From the park, you can easily walk to the Verulamium Museum.

Verulamium Park. An enormous stretch of greenery lying to the south of the city centre. There is a lake in the middle, and the River Ver flows to the side. To get here, walk from the Chapter House entrance of the Cathedral through the Orchard to the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub, then over the little bridge. Alternatively walk down George Street from the Clock Tower, turning left onto Romeland, and then through the millennium old Abbey Gateway, then following the road down the hill to the pub and bridge. From the park, you can easily walk to the Verulamium Museum.

  • Alban Way (cycle path). A cycle path that runs from St Albans, close to St Albans Abbey railway station and the site of Roman Verulamium, through Fleetville and Smallford to Hatfield, ending close to Hatfield railway station. The route follows the former Hatfield to St Albans railway line.
  • St. Albans: Let's Walk, St. Albans City & District Council, Tourist Information Centre, The Old Town Hall, Market Place, St. Albans, Herts AL3 5DJ, +44 1727 864511. The St. Albans Tourist Information Centre has information about a large number of guided walking tours in St. Albans. These tours are led by trained guides. Most tours now start at the clock tower due to the old town hall being closed for redevelopment. £5 for adults, £2 for children (5-15 years old).

Alban Way (cycle path). A cycle path that runs from St Albans, close to St Albans Abbey railway station and the site of Roman Verulamium, through Fleetville and Smallford to Hatfield, ending close to Hatfield railway station. The route follows the former Hatfield to St Albans railway line.

St. Albans: Let's Walk, St. Albans City & District Council, Tourist Information Centre, The Old Town Hall, Market Place, St. Albans, Herts AL3 5DJ, +44 1727 864511. The St. Albans Tourist Information Centre has information about a large number of guided walking tours in St. Albans. These tours are led by trained guides. Most tours now start at the clock tower due to the old town hall being closed for redevelopment. £5 for adults, £2 for children (5-15 years old).

  • The Odyssey, 166 London Road, AL1 1PQ (By foot: a 15-min walk from town centre. By car: on London Road (A1081). By train: nearest station St Albans City Station. An independent single screen Art Deco cinema. Showing a broad selection on film titles each month, including new releases & classics.
  • Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, AL1 2DL (By car: off Holywell Hill use Sat Nav AL1 2DL. By train: nearest station is St Albans Abbey Station just across the road from the theatre, +44 1727 857861. A small theatre built and run entirely by members. The resident production company being the Company of Ten. The theatre has visiting professional and amateur groups which helps provide a truly diverse programme of events throughout the year. Wheelchair accessible with disabled toilet.
  • The Maltings Art Theatre, Level 2, 26 The Maltings, AL1 3HL (on Level 2 of the Maltings Shopping Centre next to the Library, +44 333 666 3366. The Maltings Arts Theatre is a lively, buzzing fringe venue in the centre of St Albans providing high quality performances at affordable prices and a platform for the best local creative talent.

The Odyssey, 166 London Road, AL1 1PQ (By foot: a 15-min walk from town centre. By car: on London Road (A1081). By train: nearest station St Albans City Station. An independent single screen Art Deco cinema. Showing a broad selection on film titles each month, including new releases & classics.

Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, AL1 2DL (By car: off Holywell Hill use Sat Nav AL1 2DL. By train: nearest station is St Albans Abbey Station just across the road from the theatre, +44 1727 857861. A small theatre built and run entirely by members. The resident production company being the Company of Ten. The theatre has visiting professional and amateur groups which helps provide a truly diverse programme of events throughout the year. Wheelchair accessible with disabled toilet.

The Maltings Art Theatre, Level 2, 26 The Maltings, AL1 3HL (on Level 2 of the Maltings Shopping Centre next to the Library, +44 333 666 3366. The Maltings Arts Theatre is a lively, buzzing fringe venue in the centre of St Albans providing high quality performances at affordable prices and a platform for the best local creative talent.

The main shopping street in St Albans is St Peters Street which has a selection of usual high street stores. Market Place with its more oldie worldly feel is often used in pictures to depict St Albans with the Cathedral tower in the background.

  • St Albans Traditional Street Market. W Sa 8:30AM-5:30PMish. St Albans market is is one of the World’s longest running street markets, with almost unbroken continuance since the late 1200s. It gained its Royal Charter in 1553 and goes back as far as the 9th century. You will find a range of items from food, cloths, gifts and plants to electrical items at this bustling market. On Wednesdays a food section of the market can be found in Market Place selling sweet and savoury bakes, hot and cold food and street food.
  • St Albans Farmers Market. 8AM-2PM on the second Sunday of every month. With local farmers, growers and producers this is a vibrant and entertaining shopping experience.
  • St Albans Christmas Market. Runs annually from late November to Mid December. Market takes place in and around the walled Vintry Garden next to St Albans Cathedral. It is based on a European-style Christmas Market.

St Albans Traditional Street Market. W Sa 8:30AM-5:30PMish. St Albans market is is one of the World’s longest running street markets, with almost unbroken continuance since the late 1200s. It gained its Royal Charter in 1553 and goes back as far as the 9th century. You will find a range of items from food, cloths, gifts and plants to electrical items at this bustling market. On Wednesdays a food section of the market can be found in Market Place selling sweet and savoury bakes, hot and cold food and street food.

St Albans Farmers Market. 8AM-2PM on the second Sunday of every month. With local farmers, growers and producers this is a vibrant and entertaining shopping experience.

St Albans Christmas Market. Runs annually from late November to Mid December. Market takes place in and around the walled Vintry Garden next to St Albans Cathedral. It is based on a European-style Christmas Market.

  • The Maltings, 28 The Maltings, AL1 3HL (in St. Albans city centre; bounded on north by Victoria Street and on west by St. Peters Street, +44 1727 844226. M-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM. This pedestrian shopping centre has a variety of shops, eateries and service establishments. It has approximately 50 establishments on two levels. Its largest shops are Wilko and T K Maxx. The Maltings is also home to the local public library and to the Maltings Arts Theatre. On its east side is a multi-level 800-space car park. The car park is much of the time extremely crowded.
  • Christopher Place Shopping Centre, Upper Dagnall St, AL3 5DQ, +44 1727 832889.

The Maltings, 28 The Maltings, AL1 3HL (in St. Albans city centre; bounded on north by Victoria Street and on west by St. Peters Street, +44 1727 844226. M-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM. This pedestrian shopping centre has a variety of shops, eateries and service establishments. It has approximately 50 establishments on two levels. Its largest shops are Wilko and T K Maxx. The Maltings is also home to the local public library and to the Maltings Arts Theatre. On its east side is a multi-level 800-space car park. The car park is much of the time extremely crowded.

Christopher Place Shopping Centre, Upper Dagnall St, AL3 5DQ, +44 1727 832889.

St.Albans has a wide variety of restaurants and pubs serving food, though nothing of particular excellence. The Hot Cross Bun (the Alban Bun) originates from St Albans, where Brother Thomas Rocliffe, a 14th Century monk at St Albans Abbey, distributed the bun to the local poor on Good Friday, starting in 1361. The Alban bun is available from the Abbots Kitchen (St Albans Cathedral) during the run up to Easter. There are lots of places around St Albans suitable for a picnic when the weather is fine. A good alternative to bringing a picnic and carrying it round with you is buying a supermarket meal deal (Tesco/Boots in the town centre & Sainsburys to the south of Verulamium Park).

  • The Waffle House. Su-W 8:30AM-6PM, Th-Sa 8:30AM-8PM. St Michael's Place serves sweet and savoury waffles, in a converted watermill (worth a quick visit in its own right). Very busy for lunch during holiday times so prepare to queue.
  • Wagamama, Unit 6, Christopher Place, +44 1727 865122. M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10PM. A trendy Japanese noodle restaurant in the town centre. Prices are moderate (£10-15/person) and the staff are well trained and friendly.
  • Pizza Express, 11 Verulam Road, +44 1727 853020. Su-W 11:30AM-11PM, Th-Sa 11:30AM-midnight. The local branch of the popular pizza restaurant chain.
  • Côte Brasserie, 3 High Street, AL3 4ED, +44 1727 858587. M-F 8AM-11PM, Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 9AM-10:30PM. Excellent French restaurant, with a little garden in the back.
  • Cafe Rouge, chain restaurant on Holywell Hill; the building is a former seed hall used by Samuel Ryder who donated the Ryder Cup, a golf trophy played for between the United States and Europe As with most UK cities, there are plenty of curry houses
  • Devdas, St. Peters Street, AL1 3DQ, +44 1727 730830. Tasty selection of Indian food, and winner of a few awards.
  • Veer Dhara, 81 St. Peters Street, AL1 3EG, +44 1727 847070. Centrally located on the high street, Veer Dhara serves good quality versions of old favourites in nice surroundings. Lunch menu from £6.

The Waffle House. Su-W 8:30AM-6PM, Th-Sa 8:30AM-8PM. St Michael's Place serves sweet and savoury waffles, in a converted watermill (worth a quick visit in its own right). Very busy for lunch during holiday times so prepare to queue.

Wagamama, Unit 6, Christopher Place, +44 1727 865122. M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10PM. A trendy Japanese noodle restaurant in the town centre. Prices are moderate (£10-15/person) and the staff are well trained and friendly.

Pizza Express, 11 Verulam Road, +44 1727 853020. Su-W 11:30AM-11PM, Th-Sa 11:30AM-midnight. The local branch of the popular pizza restaurant chain.

Côte Brasserie, 3 High Street, AL3 4ED, +44 1727 858587. M-F 8AM-11PM, Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 9AM-10:30PM. Excellent French restaurant, with a little garden in the back.

Cafe Rouge, chain restaurant on Holywell Hill; the building is a former seed hall used by Samuel Ryder who donated the Ryder Cup, a golf trophy played for between the United States and Europe

Devdas, St. Peters Street, AL1 3DQ, +44 1727 730830. Tasty selection of Indian food, and winner of a few awards.

Veer Dhara, 81 St. Peters Street, AL1 3EG, +44 1727 847070. Centrally located on the high street, Veer Dhara serves good quality versions of old favourites in nice surroundings. Lunch menu from £6.

St Albans has the largest number of pubs in one square mile in England (and the EU). On Friday and Saturday nights, most bars and pubs are full, and may have bouncers on the door checking ID. Closing times vary between 11PM and 2AM, so ask when you're at the bar what time 'last orders' is. There are plenty of very nice country pubs nearby St Albans, although you'll need your own transport to get there. On sunny days, plenty of people drink in Verulamium Park. This is allowed in certain areas. There are signs where alcohol is prohibited. Tesco on St Peter's Street is generally cheaper than off-licences.

St Albans has an large range of pubs and bars given its relative size, most of which offer a selection of food.

  • Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, 16 Abbey Mill Lane, AL3 4HE, +44 1727 869152. Britain's oldest pub that still runs today. It dates back to the 8th century with the pub you can see today built in the 11th century. Full of history cock fighting used to take place in the main bar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the octagonal half-timbered structure was once a medieval dovecote. The old building is full of charm with low ceilings, a bread oven next to the main fireplace, nooks and crannies. There is a nice beer garden in the back. Serves pub grub food.
  • St Michael's Village is one of the oldest areas of St. Albans, and features some lovely old pubs including the Six Bells, the Rose and Crown and the Lower Red Lion.
  • Other recommended pubs include The Boot next to the Clock Tower, The Blacksmith Arms which has a large range of Ales and a large beer garden, and The Goat which is quieter and has a large number of board games for a rainy day.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, 16 Abbey Mill Lane, AL3 4HE, +44 1727 869152. Britain's oldest pub that still runs today. It dates back to the 8th century with the pub you can see today built in the 11th century. Full of history cock fighting used to take place in the main bar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the octagonal half-timbered structure was once a medieval dovecote. The old building is full of charm with low ceilings, a bread oven next to the main fireplace, nooks and crannies. There is a nice beer garden in the back. Serves pub grub food.

St Michael's Village is one of the oldest areas of St. Albans, and features some lovely old pubs including the Six Bells, the Rose and Crown and the Lower Red Lion.

Other recommended pubs include The Boot next to the Clock Tower, The Blacksmith Arms which has a large range of Ales and a large beer garden, and The Goat which is quieter and has a large number of board games for a rainy day.

  • The Farmer's Boy, 134 London Rd, AL1 1PQ, +44 1727 860535. This traditional local pub with log fire, board games and suntrap garden. They serve home cooked style food everyday (with a BBQ menu in the summer).

The Farmer's Boy, 134 London Rd, AL1 1PQ, +44 1727 860535. This traditional local pub with log fire, board games and suntrap garden. They serve home cooked style food everyday (with a BBQ menu in the summer).

  • The Horn, Victoria Street, AL1 3TE (Near St Albans City Station, +44 1727 853143. A pub and live music venue. Has a selection of original bands, tribute acts, cover bands, acoustics and comedy. Ticket may be required. Pub grub is also available.
  • Club Batchwood, Batchwood Drive, AL3 5XA (By Batchwood golf course/tennis club, +44 1727 856596. F Sa 11PM-4AMish. Local nightclub just outside St Albans town centre to the north-east in Batchwood Hall. Clientele mainly 18-24 year olds.

The Horn, Victoria Street, AL1 3TE (Near St Albans City Station, +44 1727 853143. A pub and live music venue. Has a selection of original bands, tribute acts, cover bands, acoustics and comedy. Ticket may be required. Pub grub is also available.

Club Batchwood, Batchwood Drive, AL3 5XA (By Batchwood golf course/tennis club, +44 1727 856596. F Sa 11PM-4AMish. Local nightclub just outside St Albans town centre to the north-east in Batchwood Hall. Clientele mainly 18-24 year olds.

St Albans is home of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) head office. The Farrier's Arms, in Lower Dagnall Street, is the quiet local's pub where in 1972 the first CAMRA branch was formed. CAMRA has over 185,000 members around the world.

  • St Albans Beer & Cider Festival, Alban Arena, AL1 3LD. Runs for four days in September. The Campaign for Real Ale hosts its annual beer festival every September. The festival has hundreds of real ales on offer along with real ciders and bottle conditioned beers. A Beer Tokens system is used so you get served quicker at the bar. A refundable glass (£3) is required. Free CAMRA members & non members £3 or £5.

St Albans Beer & Cider Festival, Alban Arena, AL1 3LD. Runs for four days in September. The Campaign for Real Ale hosts its annual beer festival every September. The festival has hundreds of real ales on offer along with real ciders and bottle conditioned beers. A Beer Tokens system is used so you get served quicker at the bar. A refundable glass (£3) is required. Free CAMRA members & non members £3 or £5.

  • Verulam Brewery, 134 London Rd, AL1 1PQ (at the back of the Farmer's Boy, +44 1727 860535. It brews beers for the Farmer's Boy Pub and other outlets. They offer brewery tours with samples, taste lecture and Q&A with the brewer.
  • Beer Shop, 71 London Road, AL1 1LN, +44 1727 568030. An independent retailer of craft, traditional and foreign bottled beer with tasting rooms. They hold regular Beer Nights (informal tasting evenings) drinking a curated selection of brews.

Verulam Brewery, 134 London Rd, AL1 1PQ (at the back of the Farmer's Boy, +44 1727 860535. It brews beers for the Farmer's Boy Pub and other outlets. They offer brewery tours with samples, taste lecture and Q&A with the brewer.

Beer Shop, 71 London Road, AL1 1LN, +44 1727 568030. An independent retailer of craft, traditional and foreign bottled beer with tasting rooms. They hold regular Beer Nights (informal tasting evenings) drinking a curated selection of brews.