Discover St Albans – The Perfect City Break Near London

As mother nature dazzles with spectacular golds, reds, yellows and oranges, the beautiful city of St Albans offers the perfect autumn and winter getaway. From historic attractions and beautiful parks to engaging cultural events and seasonal entertainment, there is something to suit all ages and interests in this walkable city.

Meander its boutique shops set in Medieval buildings, devour an abundance of eateries and traditional pubs, take a stroll through its picturesque streets and discover its 1,000-year-old market. The Cathedral city is super convenient too, just a 20-minute train ride from London St Pancras, two train stations and positioned close to the M1, A1 and M25 plus excellent bus and coach connections, it’s perfect for a day trip.

If you decide to stay a little longer, accommodation ranges from affordable city lodgings to luxury hotels so there’s always a place to lay your head whatever the budget.

Here are 6 wonderful things to enjoy in St Albans…

Magical St Albans Cathedral 

The jewel of the city, St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. Step inside and you’ll find the Shrine of St Alban, Britain’s first saint and who the city was named after, which has been a focal point for visitors and pilgrims alike for over 1,700 years.

It has the longest nave of any cathedral in England at 85 metre long and visitors can climb 211 winding steps to the top of the spectacular Norman Tower where perhaps you’ll spot the tall buildings of the City of London.

Simply magical during the colder months, the Cathedral’s programme is packed with seasonal events and activities to enjoy including stunning candlelight concerts, creative workshops and awe-inspiring exhibitions. Its popular Live Nativity Trail on Saturday 13 December where actors portray characters from the Christmas story, brings the nativity scene to life for families and people of all ages. The fun and festive trail guides visitors around the Cathedral grounds, encountering shepherds, wise men, angels, innkeepers, and even a somewhat grumpy King Herod. (12 noon to 3pm) 

Also on 13 December is the hugely popular Carols on the Hour which is a fantastic opportunity to sing traditional Christmas Carols and hear music from different choirs.  It’s a great festive break from Christmas shopping and a lovely way to get a taste of Christmas at the Cathedral. (11 am to 5pm)

Sensational outside space 

Wrap up warm and embrace the beauty of the season with an invigorating walk, leisurely stroll, cycle or dog walk- St Albans is packed with picturesque, cobbled streets and has an abundance of gorgeous places to enjoy the fresh air.

Venture to Nomansland Common and Heartwood Forest for woodland or take The Alban Way trail, a flat and traffic-free disused section of the Great Northern Railway, ideal for cyclists and walkers.

Named after the Roman City on which it stands, Verulamium Park boasts over 100 acres of parkland just steps from the city centre with an ornamental lake, a rare Roman mosaic and hypocaust, cafe and more.

And just a five-minute walk from the city centre is Clarence Park, home to an old-fashioned band stand but you’re more of a sports enthusiast then Clarence Park is also the home of St Albans City Football Club which is always great buzz on match days.

‘Fill Your Boots’ eateries and pubs

After a long walk, there’s nothing quite like a hearty pub lunch with roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, a customary pint or a glass of red and a blazing open fire. Whether it’s The Cock Inn, The Peahen, The Boot, The Six Bells, The Lower Red Lion or Ye Olde Fighting Cocks (reputed to be one of England’s oldest pubs), there are plenty of traditional hostelries across St Albans where you can while away a winter afternoon in the company of good friends, excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere in front of the flames.

Or perhaps your taste buds fancy something a bit different? From Turkish to Chinese and Italian to Indian, you can eat your way around the world in St Albans. Explore the streets of the city and discover hidden gems and popular restaurants where passionate chefs create exotic dishes to guarantee an exciting taste experience for food enthusiasts.

Fine dining restaurants including Thompson St Albans and Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen offer award-winning, refined, flavour-filled dishes from the finest seasonal ingredients, matched with meticulous service.

For sweet treats and stop-offs, get your tastebuds tingling at wonderful bakeries dotted throughout the city centre. Try Proto Artisan Bakery brimming with the most delicious twists of Real Sourdough Bread such as Cranberry & Walnut and Jalapeno & Cheddar and baked goods like Cinnamon Knot and Sea Salt Brownie or savour yummy waffles, crepes, milkshakes and chocolates at speciality outlets such as viral sensation, Waffle Wands.

To help discover the best eating and drinking in the city, a new Food & Drink Map has been created by St Albans City Centre BID listing 120 locations including the finest dining on offer.

Sing and Be Merry! 

Become fully immersed in the fascinating history of hostelries. From November, St Albans Museum + Gallery presents Inns and Alehouses in Victorian St Albans, an exhibition inspired by the 1884 song The City Pubs, composed by ‘Baron’ Martin and first performed at the annual dinner of the St Albans Licensed Victuallers’ Association.

The lively composition, which listed the many pubs, inns and taprooms of the city (some still open today), provides a fascinating glimpse into a time when St Albans boasted nearly one hundred commercial drinking establishments. The exhibition explores the diverse venues that shaped social life in the late nineteenth century—from bustling beerhouses to traditional taverns—shedding light on the reasons behind their success or decline as the city moved into the twentieth century. (28 Nov – 15 March)

Unmissable film, theatre and panto!

Film fans should head to the Art Deco Odyssey Cinema which dates to 1908 and shows an incredible range of titles which can be enjoyed from plush seats with your choice of drinks, snacks and delicious food plates. And with a full festive programme, from new releases to Christmas classics, it’s the perfect place for a festive flick! 

OVO’s critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns this year at two brand-new venues including the enchanting walled Vintry Garden, overlooking the Cathedral in St Albans. This open-air unique festive experience will immerse audiences in the spirit of Christmas past, present and yet to come. The magical 60-minute performance, written and directed by Mark O’Sullivan is guaranteed to delight, amuse, and move both children and adults alike.  (05 – 30th December, St Albans)

Pantomime is a great British Christmas institution and St Albans’ award-winning panto attracts audiences from all over the UK looking for some festive fun. This year’s show is Aladdin, which runs from December 05 until 31 at The Alban Arena. 

It promises to be the biggest and most spectacular family pantomime yet, with lavish sets, hilarious jokes, and fun for the whole family. Starring TV legend STEVE McFADDEN as the boo-able baddie, and returning as the fabulous Dame Dolly is St Albans’ favourite, BOB GOLDING. To book the panto visit Alban Arena | St Albans | Everyone Theatres.

Spectacular shopping and markets

St Albans is a wonderful shopping destination where old meets new with charming independent boutiques offering cutting-edge and unusual items set in beautiful, Medieval buildings and three large shopping areas playing host to well-known brands. 

Support small businesses at the award-winning St Albans Charter Market established over 1,000 years ago. On every Wednesday and Saturday, shop for everything you could possibly want and enjoy the buzz and energy of the legendary market through the quirky cobbles streets that are at the heart of the St Albans story.

The Second Sunday Market specialises in local food and drink and sustainable arts and crafts while at St Albans Vintage Market you can find all manner of antiques, vintage, brocante and architectural salvage. St Albans Vegan Market brings a huge variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and loads more.

And with extra market days in December in the lead up to Christmas, you can shop for festive gifts alongside all your regular purchases.

Enjoy sackfuls of magic and merriment at the popular  St Albans Christmas Cracker festival on November 16. The free street event for the whole family with food, arts and crafts stalls, live music and festive lights is the perfect way to kick-off the festive shopping season. (11:00 to 17:00)

Where to stay in St Albans

Accommodation ranges from small and intimate bed and breakfasts to large hotels with many running their own seasonal programme of events including festive parties, music and comedy nights and delicious food and drink tastings. Visit the stunning St Michaels Manor Hotel, luxurious Sopwell House and the Victorian Grade II listed Torrington Hall or try the White Hart Hotel & Restaurant and the Hilton’s Samuel Ryder Hotel, both in the city-centre. 

St Albans is waiting to be explored, discover more at www.enjoystalbans.com.