St Albans, England Tourist Attractions
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The old market town of St Albans lies on a hill above the left bank of the small River Ver, 2mi/3km north of the London circular road (M25). The town attracts particular interest because of its abbey and the old Roman settlement of Verulamium. St Albans is a very sports oriented town with one of the oldest indoor skateparks, a local football club, rugby and hockey leagues.The town owes its name to St Alban, a Roman mercenary, who was converted to Christianity by St Amphibalus and who suffered a martyr's death in 304. His relics were discovered in 793 when Offa, King of Mercia, founded a Benedictine monastery here; this has been the diocesan church of Hertford and Essex since 1872. At the time of the War of the Roses two decisive battles occurred here in 1455 and 1461 between the House of Lancaster, represented by the red rose, and the House of York, with the white rose.
Market Place
Standing in the center of the old town of St Albans is the clock tower, built between 1403 and 1412 and providing a fine panoramic view. The market place and town hall (1829) are reached a little further on. Continue north from here along St Peter's Street to Hatfield Road, site of the new St Albans Museum, which documents the town's history from its beginnings to the present day. Turn east from Hatfield Road along Camp Road to reach the Organ Museum with its magnificent collection of mechanical musical instruments, old music boxes and barrel-organs.
Abbey Church
The Abbey Church has seen many changes to the original structure which was built in the 11th C. Of the original building, only the tower remains.
Fighting Cocks Inn
To reach the Fighting Cocks Inn, supposedly Britain's oldest inn, leave the St Albans Cathedral in a southwesterly direction and cross the former cathedral garden. Behind this cross the small River Ver to see the former Roman camp of Verulamium.
Verulamium & Roman Wall
The first settlement on the site of Verulamium arose in about A.D.45. It was the first Roman municipium in Britain and, at the same time, its third-largest town. The ruins of this and a later settlement were used in Norman times as building material for St Alban's monastery. Excavation work undertaken from 1930 to 1940 unearthed the remains of a fortress, a Roman theater and a mosaic floor with a hypocaust heating system. Other finds are displayed in the adjoining Verulamium Museum in St Michael's Street.The Roman Wall itself can be seen for free.
St Michael's Church
Next to the St Albans museum on the site of the ancient forum stands the trim St Michael's Church, which features a Norman nave containing the tomb of the philosopher Francis Bacon (1561-1626). Bacon is also commemorated here by a monument.
Kingsbury Water Mill Museum
St Albans' Kingsbury Water Mill is located on the bank of the Ver opposite St Michael's Church. Built in the 16th century, the water mill has been restored true to the original and is now used as a museum and to stage art exhibitions as well as a restaurant.
Gardens of the Rose
The Gardens of the Rose are located at the headquarters of the Royal National Rose Society. This garden has the most comprehensive rose gardens in England, with over 30,000 modern and old rose bushes.
Hatfield, England
About 7mi/11km east of St Albans and close to the old market town of Hatfield (pop. 25,150) stands Hatfield House. A collection of pictures, furnishings and historic armour feature 400 years of Cecil family history.This small town was developed as a local center after WW2 devastated London. The parish church has a striking tomb of Lord Burghley's son Robert Cecil, who was the first Earl of Salisbury. There is also a working watermill in Hatfield which produces flour. Adjoining is the miller's house which contains the Mill Green museum.
Hatfield House
This imposing Jacobean manor house is surrounded by beautiful parkland and was designed at the beginning of the 17th century by Robert Lyminge for the Earl of Salisbury. The magnificent interior contains valuable period furniture, paintings and 17th century tapestries.Hatfield House is one of the largest and most impressive Jacobean mansions in England.
South Mimms
South Mimms is located near St Albans and Hatfield. There are a number of mountain biking routes that branch out from the town. During WW II, Queen Wilhelmina lived in exile in South Mimms.
International Organ Festival
The International Organ Festival and competition takes place every two (odd-numbered) years in early July.Ten days of events include orchestral, choral and chamber concerts, recitals, art exhibitions and lectures. The repertoire ranges from traditional to neo-modern.Venues including the cathedral, various churches and the St Albans School are used to facilitate the many daily events.
Old Gorhambury House
Old Gorhambury House is the remains of an Elizabethan mansion. Old Gorhambury House was built between 1563-1538 by Sir Nicholas Bacon, Queen Elizabeth's Lord Keeper. The remains include a two-storey porch with parts of the hall, chapel and clock-tower.
Hemel Hempstead, England
Hemel Hempstead (pop. 77,695) is on the Gade river 23mi/37km northwest of London. Hemel Hempstead has the Jarman Park Leisure centre offering an ice rink, ten pin bowling, water park and a cinema with 8 screens.
London Coney, England
London Coney is located three miles southwest of St Albans. It is home to the oldest aviation museum in England.
London Colney - De Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre incorporating the Mosquito Aircraft Museum
The oldest aviation museum in Great Britain, this site has more than just the three Mosquitoes in its collection. Also to be found are a Venom, a Vampire and a Queen Bee. This is the oldest aircraft museum in the UK.
Map of St Albans Attractions
Map - St Albans
