St. Albans

St. Albans is a city in the commuter belt north of London, England. Its vast centuries-old cathedral features medieval wall paintings. Nearby, Verulamium Park has ornamental lakes and the remains of the city's ancient Roman wall. Also here is the Verulamium Museum, displaying artefacts from the city’s Roman past, including mosaics and the Sandridge Hoard of gold coins. A 2nd-century Roman theatre stands nearby.
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Top attractions in St. Albans

St Albans Cathedral
1. St Albans Cathedral
4.8
(6193)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Free daily tours amid medieval artworks, plus trips up the tower in this landmark Norman cathedral.
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Beautiful on the outside and inside, very historic and a place a calm reflection to wander round. Free entry but lots of places where you can donate via tapping your card. Very friendly staff inside who recommended the parts of the cathedral to make sure we didn’t miss!
I live in London, and visiting this city and this cathedral was one of the most beautiful experiences I had over the weekend. It was truly enjoyable. St Albans Cathedral is absolutely stunning — it feels like every wall and door has a story to tell, as if they’ve witnessed countless events over the centuries. The atmosphere is peaceful yet powerful, and walking through the cathedral felt like stepping into history. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves architecture, history, or simply beautiful places.
A magnificent architectural with loads of history and story. We visited in a weekday thus not crowded at all. You will be embraced by a deep sense of peace and afford to slow down to appreciate the view around you. Worth a visit together with the town.
The sheer scale of St Albans Cathedral, a structure of profound history and weight, provided the perfect canvas for the Poppy Fields light installation by Luxmuralis last night. It was more than an event; it was a deeply moving, sensory experience designed for quiet contemplation and remembrance. The massive, soaring architecture of the Nave, usually bathed in the soft glow of natural light or high electric lamps, was utterly transformed by darkness and vibrant digital projection.
This an absolutely stunning building dating originally from the Norman period but with additions over the centuries. The place was a pilgrimage site long before the Norman's arrived and the tomb of St Alban is still a pilgrimage site today. The cathedral possesses the longest nave of any cathedral in Britain and there are a number of medieval frescoes still visible; fascinating even if somewhat faded.
Being there you imagine that the place is nearly 1000!!!!! Years old. Some buildings were built from the Romans bricks. It is the oldest and one of the most significant church in England. This church saw everything. Besides that, town is beautiful, going there you should have enough time. It is hard to find the parking lot.
Absolutely enjoyed my visit. A stunning place that showcases its long history through a mix of architectural styles. I just loved every single detail, from the floor and columns to the ceiling.
Enjoyed our visit there. They have a free guided tour of the cathedral which runs for about an hour; I strongly recommend it. The entry is free too!
Verulamium Park
2. Verulamium Park
4.7
(3146)
Park
Nature & Parks
100-acre green space featuring a lake with waterfowl, a playground, benches & sports facilities.
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It's a beautiful, extremely large park!! Verulamium Park is lovely for dog walks, taking the kids to the park, or even just nice to sit and have a picnic. People of all ages can come here. Some footpaths are underwater depending on the time of the year. The public toilets may possibly become flooded too, as it's very close to the lake. There are lots of nature and plenty of wildlife on the lakes. There is a coffee shop that sells hot and cold drinks, ice cream, doggie ice cream and treats, with some hot and cold food to eat. There's a museum at the edge of the park that has a lot of history of the area, which is nice. There is the oldest pub situated just outside the park which is an easy walk to get to (ye olde fighting cocks). It is all wheelchair accessible and has alot of pay and display parking on site.
A delightful park for walks. However, I gave it four stars because some footpaths are underwater so we can't use them. Overall, it is one of my favourite parks in St Albans. Pictures are from the summer and winter times.
Verulamium Park in St Albans is a delightful 100‑acre haven that effortlessly blends rich Roman heritage with modern leisure— from walking alongside ancient city walls and a hypocaust mosaic to watching swans glide across the ornamental lake . The park offers something for everyone: a thoughtfully themed modern playground, seasonal splash park, crazy golf, and outdoor gym for active fun . With well-maintained paths, picnic spots, and wildlife aplenty, it’s a serene escape or a vibrant family day out. While parking can be tight at peak times, the charm, history, and space on offer make it a top spot in the city—truly the perfect blend of nature, culture, and community. Highly recommended for all ages!
Calm, tranquil park in Saint Albans. Nice getaway. Museum on one end. Roman wall along one path. Playground. Lots of large green spaces and a small lake.
Huge park. Lots of space to explore and decent water feature. Enjoyed visiting. Seemed quite popular and busy with tourists.
Verulamium Park in St Albans is a lovely mix of open green spaces, rich Roman history, and fun activities for all ages. You can stroll by the peaceful lake, explore ancient ruins like the Roman wall and mosaic floor, or enjoy the children’s playground and splash park. It is a great spot for families, picnics, and relaxed afternoons surrounded by nature and heritage.
Verulamium Park is great relaxing by water, we went there and unfortunately no more water fountains. At one end the water is filthy and smelly. Great spaces for picnic and a pint at ye olde fighting cocks one of the oldest pubs at the far corner of the park.
A really beautiful and spacious park with plenty of greenery. The place is full of birds, and fish in the lake, making it a peaceful spot to relax. There’s a children’s playground near a café, but it isn’t free. According to Google, there’s also a free playground somewhere in the park, but I didn’t get a chance to explore the whole area to find it.
Willows Activity Farm
3. Willows Activity Farm
4.4
(2004)
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
Attraction with farmyard animals, adventure play, funfair rides, tractor rides and indoor softplay.
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Fantastic Day out! There is so much to do and see! We loved the shows with the cow and the sheep. The sheep race was so entertaining! The mini golf was great fun! Welcoming staff and loads of toilets with disabled access! The children will love it. Lits of tables to eat your picnic. All the rides are free! I definitely recommend this venue for a great day out!
We had such a lovely day at Willows Activity Farm. The kids absolutely loved it — from feeding the animals to bouncing on the giant pillows and running around the Peter Rabbit play areas. There’s just so much for them to do, both indoors and outdoors, that we ended up staying most of the day without even realizing how fast it went by. Everything felt clean, safe, and well-kept, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The food was fine (a bit pricey, as expected at these places), but it didn’t really matter because the kids were having the best time. It’s clear that the place was designed with families in mind — it’s easy to get around with a stroller, there are plenty of toilets and shaded spots, and you never feel rushed. Perfect for young kids who love to explore and play. We’ll definitely be coming back — it’s one of those rare spots where the whole family leaves happy and tired in the best way.
Went for potato digging. It was such a fun experience for kids. We enjoyed rest of the day at the playground.
Absolutely amazing place to bring the kids. I think this is about our 7th year of coming here and each time gets better with something new being added. Loads of seating, loads of toilets, loads of lovely treats, loads of great activities for the kids and lovely clean animals. I’ll be sad when the kids don’t want to come anymore. Amazing value for money
We visited Willows Farm on a Sunday for the Pumpkin Festival, and it was a lovely family day out! The pumpkin patch was beautiful with lots of photo spots, and there was even a pumpkin carving area. Our daughter loved the pumpkin hunt around the farm and was thrilled with her little prize at the end. There’s so much for kids to do — bouncy castle, Peter Rabbit shows, tractor rides, feeding the animals, playgrounds, mini golf, and rides. You can easily spend the whole day there. The only downside for us was the food. We tried one of the food trucks near the pumpkin patch, but it was disappointing and overpriced. The buns were cold, and the burgers tasted like they’d been pre-cooked. We also skipped the hot chocolate after someone in front of us returned theirs. We then went to the indoor canteen, but it was very busy with long queues and packed seating, so we couldn’t get a meal there either. It was a cold day, so a nice warm lunch would’ve made the day even better. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and loved all the activities, but the food options really let it down. We’d happily come again for the fun, but next time we’ll definitely bring our own food!
UNWELCOMING PLACE IF THERE WAS 0 stars I would give. Discriminatary behaviour was demonstrated towards us by staff. Unwelcoming. No understanding towards children. My son who was over 90cm was denied access to areas that he was actually eligible for. Do not waste your money here. Also on weekdays majority areas are shut with one staff working and the shows do not run. I forgot to take photos on the day due to stress caused but attached photos of some closed attractions including “adventure playground” “carasouls” and “playground slides”
Grandparent’s paradise - a full day of entertainment for under 9’s. Great attraction good parking, well organised with really nice staff. If it’s dry there’s lots to do. Not so great in the wet. Indoor play area and soft play is a bit tired but the kids still love it. Toilets everywhere and good quality play equipment/bouncy castles. What’s not to like?
We recently spent a memorable day at Willows Activity Farm, and it truly exceeded our expectations! Visiting with two other families with children around 3.5 years old, we all had a fantastic time exploring the farm, especially with the added Halloween decorations and pumpkin patches for the season. Lucky for us, we enjoyed a sunny day—quite a treat for October in England—which made the visit even more enjoyable. Willows Activity Farm is packed with a variety of activities that kept the kids entertained from start to finish. 1.Animal Feeding: The kids were delighted to feed and interact with the farm animals, including goats and sheep. Feed is available to purchase, adding a fun hands-on experience for little ones eager to get close to the animals. 2.Piglet Race: This was one of the biggest hits! The kids loved watching the adorable piglets race around a small track, and the cheering made it all the more exciting. 3.Cow Milking Show: The cow-milking demonstration offers a great mix of entertainment and education, allowing kids to see where milk comes from. The setup is both informative and engaging for young children, making it a lovely learning experience. 4.Tractor Ride: A classic part of any farm visit, the tractor ride was a major highlight for the kids. It took us on a scenic loop around the farm, with plenty of interesting sights along the way. 5. Pumpkin Patch: Since it was Halloween, the pumpkin patches were wonderfully set up, allowing kids to pick their own pumpkins and take photos in a festive setting. Each child got to take home a pumpkin, which was a wonderful bonus! 6.Playgrounds and Inflatable Zone: There are several play areas with age-appropriate equipment for children, including swings, slides, and climbing frames. The inflatable play zone, with its bouncy castles and structures, was a huge hit as well and kept the kids engaged for quite some time. 7.Indoor Play Barn: A well-equipped soft play area inside provides a safe space for kids to play indoors. This is especially handy in case of rainy weather, and it offers a nice change of pace from outdoor activities. The farm’s facilities are excellent, which made it a stress-free day for all of us: • Food and Refreshments: With a food truck, café, and coffee shop, there are plenty of options for snacks and meals. The food is reasonably priced and family-friendly, making it easy to grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink throughout the day. • Clean Toilets: We were particularly impressed with the cleanliness of the toilets. They’re well-placed around the farm, so you’re never too far from one, and each was well-stocked and maintained, which is a real plus when visiting with young children. Ticket prices typically range from £20–£25 per person, with discounts available for online bookings. Special events, like Halloween, may impact ticket prices slightly, so checking the website for updated details is a good idea. Though it might seem a bit pricey at first glance, we felt that the wide range of activities and overall experience provided excellent value for money. The day felt like it was packed with entertainment and well worth every penny. Final Thoughts Willows Activity Farm is an outstanding destination for families with young children. The staff is friendly and attentive, the facilities are clean and convenient, and the range of activities offers something for every family member. The Halloween decorations added an extra layer of magic, and we’re already looking forward to visiting again for another seasonal event. In summary, Willows Activity Farm offers a wholesome, fun-filled day out that combines the charm of farm life with plenty of adventure and entertainment. Whether you’re local or coming from farther away, it’s well worth a visit for a day that’s sure to leave everyone smiling. We left with happy kids, a bundle of pumpkins, and wonderful memories. Highly recommended for any family looking for a special day out
Verulamium Museum
4. Verulamium Museum
4.6
(1211)
Archaeological museum
Museums
Educational museum of Roman life with recreated rooms, mosaics, interactive displays and gift shop.
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We were in St Albans for a few days. I didn't know what to expect as it's so close to London, a place I cannot abide. But it was SO beautiful. Very quaint and very English. The cathedral is wonderful with medieval wallpaintings still intact and two saints shrines. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. But the big surprise was the roman remains. In the middle of the park below the cathedral, in a small building, is a beautiful roman mosaic. Then we found the museum. Here are some fabulous mosaics, plasterwork and all sorts of other finds from the old roman town of Verulamium. I was particularly taken with the contents of a carpenters workshop. The hand tools were not dissimilar to those used today. Back outside, we found considerable lengths of the old roman walls. What a wonderful place.
A fascinating collection of Roman artefacts from the ancient city of Verulamium the ruins of which are located beneath modern Saint Albans. Also worth visiting is the preserved hypocaust ("hot air central heating channels") from a Roman Villa located across the park a short distance from the museum and also visit the amazing Roman theatre across the road from the nearby church.
Well maintained and a huge park with a play area, garden, golf course and cycling trails. The walking trails near the pond has to be looked in to as they were messed by duck poop. It has ample car parking but they do charge for it. It’s a great place for a family picnic or to hang around with family and friends.
Having been to Rome, Pompeii, and Pergamum among other places from Roman history this little museum is one of the best to be found. Spectacular mosaics and wall paintings. And more to visit outside in the surrounding park.
Verulamium Museum – St Albans I absolutely loved my visit to Verulamium Museum—an enchanting window into Roman Britain nestled right beside Verulamium Park. The museum is compact yet rich in treasures, offering a wonderfully immersive experience without ever feeling overwhelming . 🔍 Highlights Spectacular mosaics: The museum displays some of the finest Roman mosaics outside the Mediterranean—each intricate design beautifully preserved . Fascinating artefacts: From the glittering Sandridge Hoard of gold coins to the eerie lead coffin of "Postumus," every exhibit tells a compelling historical story . Recreated Roman rooms: Stepping into these reconstructed spaces, complete with authentic frescoes and domestic scenes, felt like travelling back in time . Interactive & family-friendly: Artefact handling, explorer trails, touchscreen elements, dress-up and children’s activities make it engaging for all ages . 👍 What stood out Exceptional presentation: Thoughtful layout with clear audio-visual aids that bring history to life . Stellar reputation: A Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice award winner and recipient of a top education award—credible recognition of its quality . Perfect-sized visit: You can enjoy a rich experience in just 1–2 hours, ideal for relaxed or family-friendly visits . 🌳 Plus More to Explore Right outside, Verulamium Park beckons with its Roman hypocaust, theatre, city walls and green trails—a great extension to your museum trip . --- Overall: A thoroughly delightful and informative experience—compact, captivating, and accessible. Highly recommended for history lovers, families, or anyone curious about everyday life in ancient Roman Britain. 👍 Rating: 5/5 — A hidden gem in St Albans that I’d happily revisit!
Aug25- History on Your Doorstep talk on Roman Verulanium, women and Boudicca. Fascinating lecture /visual screening work by a history/archeology graduand, Niamh. The Sr colleague too was so knowledgeable. Thoroughly enjoyed and got to walk round the museum after. Loses a star for the lack of parking necessitating several drives round waiting it hoping someone was leaving.
An excellent little museum with loads to offer. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and learned a lot about this historically significant partner the world. A rich variety of archaeology is on display, with lots of supporting information. Entry prices are reasonable, with a discount if you live locally. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilet facilities. Staff are friendly and helpful.
We thought it was great, cost £10, if like us you like anything Roman, didn't think it was a place for kids as they would get bored very easily. If you are early there is FREE parking at King Harry lane, basically behind the hypocaust. The Roman theatre costs an extra £3
De Havilland Aircraft Museum
5. De Havilland Aircraft Museum
4.7
(1486)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Aviation museum housing collection of restored WWII military and civil aircraft and engines.
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Well worth a visit.... plenty of exhibits and aircraft to see. Allow about 90 mins to leisurely walk around the hangars and view the aircraft outside. My personal favourite was walking through the cabin of the Comet and getting a close look at the cockpit. The museum is staffed by polite and informative volunteers. I have one minor negative though...i found the price of food and drink a bit steep.I purchased a ready-made ploughman's sandwich and small bottle of water...the cost was £7.20.(About the same as buying the items in a motorway service station.!) So if the boss of the museum is reading this maybe reconsider your cafe prices. But overall an excellent experience and i definitely recommend visiting this quaint and informative aviation museum. The date of my visit was 22/6/25.
If you are interested in aircraft, a visit to this museum is a must. Great exhibits, well displayed, friendly and helpful volunteers on hand to give you information. Three complete Mosquitoes on display, including the prototype. Plus many other types of aircraft, some of which you can enter. This is where the Mosquito was designed, and the prototype aircraft was built. A great museum!
Absolutely superb day out for myself and a few chums, as it’s centrally located to meet up. Wonderfully atmosphere here, with such knowledgeable staff, who have enthusiasm which is infectious. There’s so much here, I’ve visited a few times, and seen more on each visit. Excellent little cafe too, for a halftime snack. We were given a guided tour, which was excellent value, very comprehensive and enjoyable.
A fabulous museum and so well worth a visit. The friendliest, approachable and knowledgeable volunteers make all the difference. Quite different to the vast RAF museum down the road. The exhibits are cared for and the restoration work carried out is brilliant. The aircraft on display are superb, particularly the three Mosquitos. It’s also a pleasure to just wander around outside walking through planes like the Comet, the Dove and the 146 and after all of this to sit and joy the delights on offer in the cafe. A highly recommended visit for all aircraft/history/and all things aircraft related.
A real jewel of a museum located on the outskirts of London. It’s full of history, with fascinating navigation and communication gadgets. They have the original Mosquito prototype, wooden fuel tanks, communications and navigation artifacts, a fuselage from the famous Comet—and even the piece that failed. I learned so much during this visit (and I thought I knew it all!). The staff at the museum are extremely friendly and eager to guide you and share countless stories about De Havilland aircraft. Many are former workers from the factory. I highly recommend it for any aviation enthusiast.
Fantastic museum with many amazing exhibits, aeroplanes, interactive activities and even a working Merlin engine! Wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable staff, lots for all ages to enjoy, plenty of aircraft to sit in and explore and a great gift shop and cafe. Visited with X4 boys ranging 9 to 18 and they all loved it. "Treasure hunt" style quiz available for kids and a great second hand book selection. Would recommend!
Wonderful place! Friendly, informative people there happy to chat and everything is done to make you welcome. Love the exhibits and good to see restoration in action.
Great museum- we loved the Comet Experience Tour - guides were so knowledgeable. Innovation and forward thinking, intelligent design all on display here
The Clock Tower
6. The Clock Tower
4.6
(324)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
15th-century secular belfry featuring a 19th-century clock & a viewing area reached via 93 steps.
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I enjoyed the view from the top after climbing 93 steps. The staircase is very tight so if you're claustrophobic, it may not be ideal for you. But worth giving it a try for the view.
It is worth the stairs for the best view in town, but be aware it is a very narrow spiral staircase.
We were very lucky to be up the clock tower at an exact hour and I was very impressed. If you like history, if you like to see how things work and how they used to work, you will love this just as much as I did. It's only £2/person and you get to also enjoy the top view from the tower. The way up is narrow and quite steep but so worth it. The two gentlemen volunteering at the entrance were so nice and I will definitely visit again. If you are happy with your experience, at the end you can make a very much appreciated donation towards keeping the tower open for the public. Strongly recommend! 10/10
The Clock Tower was built between 1403 and 1412, and is believed to have been completed in 1405. It has been claimed to be the only remaining medieval town belfry in England. Its construction has been seen as a protest against the power of the local abbey to regulate time-keeping in the town. The Tower was built close to the site of the Eleanor cross. Twelve Eleanor crosses were constructed throughout eastern England under the orders of King Edward I between 1291 and 1294 in memory of his wife Eleanor of Castile. The site of each cross marks the nightly resting place of Eleanor's funeral procession. Unfortunately, it was shut on the day we visited.
Did an impromptu trip up tower. £2 each. Seemed to be staffed by friendly volunteers. Limited space so they have to moderate the entry . Very narrow staircase - don’t forget to duck!
The clock tower is an impressive landmark that is definitely worth a visit. Its architecture is stunning and the clock itself is a marvel. The tower is located in a bustling area with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon. The view from the top is breathtaking and offers a unique perspective of the city. Overall, I highly recommend checking out the clock tower if you're in the area.
Lovely views at the top and really interesting history. There are 93 steps that are quite steep and narrow... however you can stop at each floor to read history or to let people pass up/down. The volunteers were very informative and fun, would definitely recommend.
It is quite cramped and narrow inside and you have to leave bags at the security desk, but the views are good.

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Heartwood Forest
National forest
Nature & Parks
Walks through a peaceful plantation of new oak, birch & willow trees, plus wildflower meadows.
National Trust - Shaw's Corner
Temporarily Closed
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Irish playwright's country home from 1906 to 1950 now run by National Trust with exhibits about him.
Redbournbury Watermill & Bakery
Bakery
Museums
Burston Garden Centre
Garden center
Nature & Parks
Garden centre for plants and gardening supplies, plus pet-care products, a restaurant and food shop.
Aylett Nurseries
Garden center
Nature & Parks
Centre selling gardening supplies including plants, tools and outdoor furniture, with a cafe.
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre
Leisure center
Fun & Games
A swimming pool and gym with fitness studios, table tennis, badminton courts and an on-site bistro.
St Albans Signal Box
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Museum
Art Galleries
St Albans Market
Market
Food & Drink
St Albans Organ Theatre
Museum
Specialty Museums

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