Who was St Alban? Briefly he lived in the Roman city of Verulamium during the 3rd century. He gave shelter to a Christian priest and being influenced by the priest's teaching he became a Christian. Alban got into  trouble with the authorities for hiding the priest (the priest escaped). He was bound and taken before a judge who said that he should receive the punishment the priest would have had had he been caught - seeing as Alban had become a Christian. Alban refused to surrender his faith and was ordered to death and duly executed by beheading. Such is faith in our Lord.

St Albans is an ancient city having enjoyed over 2000 years of occupation by us in one form or another. Plenty of history here. Museums, coaching inns, churches, Roman history...

Hotels in St Albans

Take a guided walk of historic St Albans from outside the Tourist information centre on St Peters Street. Phone for dates on 01727 864511

The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban is a must. You can't miss the Abbey Church as you enter St Albans. It is a potpourri of architecture even bricks from the ruins of Verulamium are incorporated into the great tower. Shrine for St Alban - Britain's first Christian martyr has created a place for pilgrims from many places. There are  induction loops, braille guides and special toilets for the disabled.

Open from 8am to 5.45 all year. Information 01727 860780. Might be a good idea to phone ahead to check there are no events taking place to restrict your visit. For further information

Verulamium Museum and Roman Town. This is a museum of everyday life in Roman Britain. It is on the site of one of the major cities in Roman Britain. Here you will find recreated Roman rooms, hands-on discovery areas, Roman mosaics and wall plasters. Every second weekend of the month there is a demonstration (by Roman soldiers) of tactics and equipment of the Roman Imperial Army. Open all year 10am-5.30pm Mon - Sat. 2.00pm-5.30pm Sundays. 

The Museum of St Albans tells the story of this popular medieval market town. Open all year 1000 - 1700 Mon-Sat. 1400-1700 Sunday. Verulamium and other museums in St Albans

A short walk from the Verulamium Museum is the remains of the Roman theatre. Banked seating facing the stage. Built around AD130. Web

The clock tower is one of only two medieval belfries in England. Built c1410 and has had many uses - sounding of the hours and giving the alarm should it be needed. It is manned by volunteers. Phone for hours 01727 751826

Kingsbury Watermill is close to Verulamium Park. It was once the Abbot's malt mill.  Visitors can see the milling machine and watch the restored waterwheel paddling the River Ver. You can get a cup of tea and visit the gift shop. Car parking. Tel 01727 853502

Further out of town there is the de Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre at Salisbury Hall near the London Colney Savecentre.

Willow Farm Village at London Colney featuring lots of animals, adventure play and lots of activities.

Redbourn Village Museum with its links with the Bowes-Lyon family.

Events which take place each year: