St Albans has a wealth of attractions and plenty to see and do. Below is a list of the main attractions. Please note the external link (see Right) for disabled visitors to the St Albans pages of the popular DisabledGo website.
Abbey Gateway
The Abbey Gateway is the only building that remains of the Abbey of St Albans. Built in 1365, it was used for many years as a prison. It was the Liberty Gaol until 1868 and now forms part of St Albans school.
Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban
The Cathedral dominates the city's skyline from every approach. Its architecture is a blend of many different periods, and its great tower includes Roman bricks salvaged from the ruins of Verulamium. It is best known for the shrine of St Alban - Britain's first Christian martyr, which continues to attract pilgrims from far and wide. The Norman church replaced the Saxon monastery and the Victorian restoration began in 1832. Though controversial, Lord Grimthorpes restoration works in the 1880's ensured the Cathedral's survival.
Today, the Cathedral is a busy centre for church, cultural and civic events and is the mother church of the Diocese of St Albans serving Bedfordshire, Luton, Hertfordshire and part of the London Borough of Barnet. The "Café at the Abbey" is located in the Chapter House and is perfect for hot or cold lunches, or simply a cup of tea or coffee.
Cathedral facilities include a visitor centre and refectory, guided tours, induction loop, braille guides, special toilets for the disabled and a warm welcome for visitors of all ages. Opening hours: 0830 - 1745 hrs daily (no entry fee but a donation is suggested).
(Café open 0830 - 1630 hrs Monday to Friday, 1000 - 1630 Saturday, 1300 - 1600 Sunday)
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 860780
Email mail@stalbanscathedral.org.uk
Website www.stalbanscathedral.org.uk
Clock Tower
Built between 1403 and 1412 the Clock Tower is one of only two medieval belfries in England. Giving fine views of the Abbey, Roman Verulamium and the City, the tower with its fine bell has survived almost 600 years of use.
The Clock Tower was a political statement, enabling the town to sounds its own hours, and, until 1863, the Curfew. It also gave the alarm in case of "fire or fray" - its bell rang out for the first battle of St Albans during the War of the Roses in 1455.
The Clock Tower is owned by the District Council. It is opened by volunteers of the joint Clock Tower Committee of the St Albans Civic Society and the St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society.
Opening hours
10.30 - 17.00 hrs Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays from Easter to early September.
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 751810
Website www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
The de Havilland Aircraft Heritage (incorporating the Mosquito Aircraft Museum)
Located by Salisbury Hall, The Heritage Centre which celebrates its fiftieth year as Britain's first aviation collection, lies about half a mile south of junction 22 on the M25 near the London Colney Sainsburys (formerly Savacentre). The de Havilland Heritage has the main aim of preserving the products and memorabilia of the de Havilland World Enterprise. Today the museum has on display 20 types of de Havilland aircraft ranging from DH Moths to modern military and civil jets. The core of the collection is the unique Mosquito prototype, the only original WW2 prototype in the world.
The aim is to keep access to the exhibits informal, with visitors often allowed into some of the aircraft if supervised by guides. Although many of the aircraft may not fly again, the restorations are authentic and have as many of the systems operational as possible.
Opening hours
March - October
14.00 - 17.30 hrs Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
10.30 - 17.30 hrs Sundays & Bank Holidays
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 822051 (infoline) or 826400 (answerphone & fax)
Web: www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk
Butterfly World 2011
Butterfly World 2011 will be open from 8th April to 30th September. Set amongst 27 acres, it offers visitors the chance to appreciate hundreds of butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House, a butterfly breeding house, the insect study centre, 19 outstanding gardens by celebrated landscape designer Ivan Hicks, the Chrysalis Lake and beautiful wildflower meadows. Free car parking. Cafe, shop and plant boutique on site.
Location
Future Gardens, Miriam Lane, off Noke Lane, Chiswell Green. AL2 3DS
Prices
Adults £7, Children (under 16) £5.00,
Senior/Conc £6, Family (2 adult /2 child ) £20.00,
Groups (10+) adult £6, Conc £5, Child £4.00 (Under 3's Free)
Contacts
Telephone: (01727) 869203
Email: info@butterflyworldproject.com
Website: www.butterflyworldproject.com
Royal National Rose Society Gardens
Situated to the south of the City, the world-renowned Royal National Rose Society Gardens re-opened after a major refurbishment in 2007. Highlights include:
A 72 arch pergola with each pillar supporting climbing/rambling roses and companion plantings of clematis, lonicera and others.
3 new ponds containing a variety of fish and water loving plants.
Displays of the best of modern roses together with many varieties of old garden roses.
A grassed maze.
A border of Species roses.
A rose collection showing the history of the rose.
The newly planted Queen Mother rose garden.
2011 Opening Period: 11th June - 31st July - 7 days per week - 10am - 5pm. Please telephone, email or visit the website to check details before travelling. We are wheelchair friendly and can supply wheelchairs for your visit. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Contacts
Telephone: 0845 833 4344
Email: mail@rnrs.org.uk
Website: www.rnrs.org.uk
Gorhambury House
Seat of the Earl of Verulam, Gorhambury was built in the late 18th century by the architect Robert Taylor. The present building replaced old Gorhambury House built in the 16th century and the home of Francis Bacon, the philosopher and a writer. The present house contains a fine collection of family portraits.
Opening hours
14.00 - 17.00 hrs Thursday only, May to September
(Groups at other times by special appointment)
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 854051
Kingsbury Watermill
Close to Verulamium Park, the present building was constructed in the 16th Century on the site of a mill which was mentioned in the Domesday Book. The water of the river Ver turns its beautifully restored wheel, and visitors can see the milling machine and a selection of farming implements. Outside the museum is an example of Hertfordshire 'Puddingstone'.
Opening hours
10.00 - 18.00hrs daily (17.00 hrs November to Easter)
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 853502
Website: www.kingsburywatermill.co.uk
Museum of St Albans
At the Museum of St Albans you can discover the fascinating story of our historic cathedral city. The rise of St Albans from a market town and coaching centre to a modern commuter city is told through lively displays using the museum's collections. Special exhibitions are held regularly and the museum has a wildlife garden and pond. Facilities include toilets and car parking.
Opening hours
Open all year
10.00 - 17.00 hrs Monday to Saturday
14.00 - 17.00 hrs Sunday (Free Admission)
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 819340
Website www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Redbournbury Watermill
Redbournbury mill is a fully restored 18th century working watermill on the River Ver just north of St Albans. The mill produces and sells stoneground organic flour. The recently opened bakery produces a variety of bread from the mill's organic flours. The river and surrounding countryside are a haven for wildlife and is an ideal stop-off for walkers and cyclists. Attractions include milling demonstrations, an Oil Engine and other exhibits.
Opening hours
Every Sunday afternoon throughout the year from 1430 - 1700hrs (Winter 1430 - 1630hrs).
Bakery open Saturday mornings.
Other special open days (contact for details).
Open for private groups and tours by arrangement (contact for details)
Contacts
Telephone (01582) 792874
Email redbrymill@aol.com
Website www.redbournmill.co.uk
Redbourn Village Museum
The Silk Mill House houses this Village Museum, with a gallery for photographic and art exhibitions as well as displays of the early and later history of the village in other exhibition rooms.
Opening hours
Open all year
14.00 - 17.00 hrs Saturday
14.00 - 17.00 hrs Sunday
Contacts
Telephone (01582) 793397
Email redbournhistory@virgin.net
Website www.redbourn.org.uk
Roman Theatre
Just a short walk from Verulamium Museum is the Roman Theatre, the only visible example in Britain. It was linked to two temples dedicated to Romano-British gods and would have been used primarily at times of religious festivals but also for armed combat and wild beast shows. Its fine acoustics were perfectly suited to musical and dramatic performances. Close by are the foundations of a Roman town house, a secret shrine and a row of Roman shops.
Opening hours
10.00 - 17.00 hrs daily (10.00 - 16.00 hrs in winter)
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 835035
Website www.romantheatre.co.uk
St. Albans Organ Theatre
A permanent playing collection of mechanical musical instruments, cafe / dance organs, player pianos and theatre pipe organs. Live performances are given, together with a commentary.
Opening hours
14.00 - 16.30 hrs Sundays
Concerts given monthly - Saturdays 19.45hrs (contact for further details)
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 873896 / 869693
Email info@stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk
Website www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk
St Albans South Signal Box
Built in 1892, closed by British Rail in 1980 and restored in 2008, it is the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the country and the only one preserved where it used to work. There are regular demonstrations of signalling using the 44 lever frame and Midland Railway equipment; visitors are encouraged to 'have a go' at changing the signals and passing a train from Harpenden to Napsbury.
Opening hours
(check website for details)
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 836131
Email info@sigbox.co.uk
Website www.tlr.ltd.uk/sigbox
Verulamium Museum
Award-winning museum, displaying beautiful objects from the Roman City of Verulamium, featuring super mosaics and re-created Roman rooms giving the visitor an opportunity to discover the life and times of a major Roman city. Legion X1111, a re-enactment group, occupies the galleries on the second weekend of each month explaining the tactics and equipment of the Roman army.
Opening hours
Open all year
10.00 - 17.30 hrs Monday to Saturday (last admission 17.00hrs)
14.00 - 17.30 hrs Sunday (last admission 17.00hrs)
Contacts
Telephone (01727) 751810
Website www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Willow Farm Village
Willows Farm Village offers an incredible rural retreat. Meet the farmyard animals, enjoy the daily programme of shows and events. Leave plenty of time for all the adventure play activities and Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn Entertainment, education and fun for the whole family.
Opening Hours
Farm Village opening hours - Open Daily 10.00 - 17.30
Farm Shop opening hours – Open Daily 10.00 - 17.30
Contact Details
Willows Farm Village
Coursers Road
London Colney
St.Albans
Hertfordshire
AL2 1BB
Telephone: 0870 1299718
Fax 01727 822365
Email info@willowsfarmvillage.com
Website www.willowsfarmvillage.com
Date of last review: 29 December 2011