St Albans

St Albans is only fifteen minutes from Luton Station. It is a city with an enormous historical heritage. From Celtic times it was known as Verlamion which means "the settlement above the Marsh". It later became Verulamium after the Roman conquest and was one of the largest Roman towns in Britain.After the departure of the Romans the town became a market settlement. It has seen conquests by Boudicca, The Peasants revolt in 1381 and the Civil War.

The Cathedral as seen from Verulamium Park

Today the city is a modern thriving place within commuting distance to London. Unfortunately like so many places it sadly looses some of its historical charm to dull modern architecture particularly near the station, but the historical sites that remain are well worth a visit!

St Albans Cathedral

French Row shambles

Traditional English pubs

Verulamium Museum

Roman wall remains

Roman gatehouse remains

The Gatehouse in Roman times

Bird life in Verulamium lake

Medieval Clock Tower

The best things about St Albans

Some of the pubs are very quaint and traditionally English. There are many beautiful cottages particularly on route to the park which itself is enormous and very clean. There are interesting shops selling things from antique clocks to crafts and unusual furnishings.
Its impossible to miss the Tourist Information office as it is the most dominant white building in the center of the high street!

One of the most interesting guides to the town's history is written on a chalk board outside an off-license on the road from the station!

The worst things about St Albans

The Traffic!
St Albans is not a very pedestrian friendly place, because it is so close to the M1 and M25 the streets are always busy especially the high street. The traffic lights take ages to change and often there are problems on the M1 which brings more traffic into the city. The station is also a mile away from the town center forcing you to cross six busy roads so it is probably better to get a taxi or bus from the station.
The Multings which is the main shopping area really lets the city down because it is so dull!

Links

www.stalbans.gov.uk for more information on St Albans

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk for information about the Museums

Home Country and Parks Nearby Attractions History Museums Libraries St Albans Harpenden Camden Town Market

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Stockwood park

Click here to visit the Stockwood park phototour!

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