St Albans City and District is a place of pleasure where you can take in the historic charm of the city streets, relax in its stunning open spaces, or take time to explore the magnificent countryside and villages that are only minutes away. Whether it’s a relaxing stroll, a longer walk or a cycle ride through the countryside, there is a range of short trips waiting for you, on which you can discover the treasures of St Albans and the surrounding district.
Towns, Villages and Hamlets
Beyond the city of St Albans there is plenty to explore, stretching from the pretty commuter town of Harpenden in the north to the surprisingly green Bricket Wood in the south, including Bricket Wood Common which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The area offers a wealth of villages, good pubs, beautiful walks, historic churches and family attractions such as Shaw’s Corner and the de Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre.
Harpenden
Harpenden, five miles north of St Albans, has a spacious High Street with interesting shops and a variety of pubs and restaurants. Harpenden boasts fine open spaces. Rothamsted Park hosts a variety of sporting activities and the Common features ponds, picnic areas and a nature trail. Harpenden also has an Information Point based at the Town Hall. The Harpenden Farmers’ Market takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Tel: 01582 768278
Web: www.harpenden.gov.uk
Redbourn
Redbourn, named after the River Red, retains its country village atmosphere with shops and ancient pubs. Just behind the High Street lies the Common, site of Hertfordshire’s first recorded cricket match in 1666. The lovely old church of St Mary is set in picturesque Church End and the restored Redbournbury Watermill is open on selected days combining the chance to study industrial heritage while sampling cream teas.
London Colney
London Colney to the south of the city lies on the old coaching route from London. The historic centre of the village is along the River Colne, which passes under the seven-arched bridge built by James Hill and Francis Carrack in 1775. The church and village green provide a peaceful setting in contrast to the nearby shopping centre, one of the largest in the UK.
Sandridge
The pretty village of Sandridge, with historic St Leonard’s Church, lies between St Albans and Wheathampstead. Around one mile to the north is Nomansland Common. This was one of the areas frequented by Lady Katherine Ferrers, the notorious ‘Wicked Lady’ highwaywoman who was to meet her end near this spot.
Wheathampstead
Wheathampstead, one of the District’s most attractive villages, has a history dating back to pre-Roman times. The Devil’s Dyke, in places 32 feet deep and 100 feet across, lies to the southeast of the village. The High Street features the Bull Inn which dates back to the thirteenth century. Wheathampstead has a Farmers’ Market on the third Sunday of each month.
Date of last review: 28 August 2008