City Walks start outside the Old Town Hall in Market Place and take from an hour to an hour and a half. Tickets should preferably be obtained in advance from the Tourist Information Centre inside the Old Town Hall, but may also be purchased from the Guide on duty. No specific advanced booking is required for individual walks EXCEPT the Halloween Ghost Walks which are by prebooked ticket only. Otherwise, tickets purchased can apply to any walk. Please click on the External Link on the right (St Albans Tour Guides) to take you to the 2009 City Walks Timetable.
The Walks
Historic St Albans
Covering 1200 years in about 90 minutes, this excellent walk gives an overview of the most important people, buildings and events in St.Albans from the Monastic to the modern.
Pubs & Chapels
St.Albans was a centre for the brewing of ale and beer, having a truly remarkable number of inns and alehouses catering for the medieval visitor and trader. Following the Reformation the town became a centre for religious dissent. This walk combines the sacred and the profane in a tour of both existing and former sites.
The War of the Roses
Although two battles were fought in St.Albans in this dynastic struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York, this walk concentrates on the first one,which took place in and around the market place. Hear about the reasons why, the personalities involved and the outcome. There's even a Shakespearean connection! Come and join the battle - no armour needed!
An Amble in the Shambles
This delightful walk round the ancient market place and its alleyways is suitable for absolutely everyone as it is in a small level area that is packed with history and interest. What more can we say - it's a little gem!
From Fishpool Street to St. Michael’s
A one thousand year old route that follows George Street, Romeland and Fishpool Street to picturesque St. Michael’s Village, with its elegant houses, Saxon Church and the superb Verulamium Roman Museum. It is quite a challenge to guess the ages of the houses in fascinating Fishpool Street – join the guide and see for yourselves!
Monks, Mysteries & Mischief
Monks were an incredibly diversified and talented band of brothers - theris was a powerful, self sufficient community on whom many others depended but occasionally human failings and weakness would creep in. To find out more, join us on a visit to their world.
Crime & Punishment
Local crimes ranged from murder in the Cathedral to theft worth two pence,and the punishments were often disproportionately harsh. This walk will take in the 1831 Courtroom, the two buildings that were prisons in times past and point out the site of such niceties as the stocks and the pillory. Not to be missed for the stout-hearted!
The Street War Memorials
The ten street war memorials within the Abbey Parish are unique in the U.K. and are the focus of a profoundly moving walk. Hear the stories behind a few of the 110 names of those who died, from the poor to the priveledged, but all from one small area. This walk is always on the nearest Sunday to November 11th as well as on the 11th itself. Ticket sales will be donated to The Royal British Legion
Ghostly Goings-On
An extremely popular and atmospheric walk that introduces some of the ghosts of St.Albans and relates their sad stories. We can’t guarantee whom you might see – only where you might find them, for they do exist! This walk is not suitable for very young children.
Victorian St.Albans
A walk that takes us from the medieval to the age of steam, the railway, factories and even the pioneering days of cinema (hear about the first ever film advertisement!). This was the age of massive expansion for the town, including a new prison, whose front entrance will be recognisable to all fans of “Porridge”.
Aristocrats, Paupers and Philanthropists
This enjoyable stroll round the St.Peter's area features the great and the (sometimes!) good of St.Albans and the various buildings and charitable institutions they generously gave to the city. Their stories are all quite fascinating - but then some WERE among the most powerful people in the Kingdom!
Town, Crown and Cloister
St.Albans Abbey was founded by one king and destroyed by another nearly 750 years later,and many monarchs have meddled in the middle! The sometimes uneasy relationship between the crown,the town and the abbey features on this free walk for both Residents First Weekend and Heritage Weekend,and is a combined venture between the City and Cathedral Guides to link the inside and the outside of the Abbey Church with the town.
Arrangements for Private Groups
Our group booking service operates throughout the year. You can choose any of our walks or a combination, or separate talks/slide presentations. A group can be any size and we allocate guides on the basis of one per twenty visitors. Our fees vary with the number of guides and there are discounts for students and school parties. We can also supply guides for coach tours.
For further information & party bookings, contact: Tourist Information Centre, The Old Town Hall, Market Place, St.Albans, Herts AL3 5DS Tel: 01727 864511 e-mail: tic@stalbans.gov.uk
City of St Albans Tour Guides
The City of St Albans Tour Guides were founded in 1964. A training programme is undertaken by guides, covering both historical knowledge and practical guiding techniques. Many St Albans guides have trained to the National Blue Badge standard.
In exceptional circumstances our programme may be subject to change. Please check with the Tourist Information Centre: 01727 864511