About St Albans
St Albans, Hertfordshire’s only city, located some 22 miles north of central London, has been welcoming visitors from far afield for over 2,000 years. It retains a distinctive character, with many reminders of its rich and varied past.
In Roman Britain, St Albans was called Verulamium and was Britain's third largest Roman City. The small river that runs through the city is called the River Ver. The Roman history of the City is preserved by the Verulamium Museum, which also includes the Hypocaust and Roman Theatre. St Albans Museum tells the story of St Albans from the departure of the Romans to the present day.
The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban, which dominates the city’s skyline, is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It stands over the place where Alban, the first martyr, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1700 years ago.
The St Albans of today is based upon the medieval town which grew up around the Abbey. The city centre, where speciality boutiques and independent retailers rub shoulders with major stores and international names. Twice weekly market held since the 1500s. And with over 120 restaurants, coffee shops and public houses within the city centre, residents and visitors are spoilt for choice. The city is compact and easy to explore on foot while close to the heart of the city is Verulamium Park, 100 acres of tranquil parkland.
St Albans City and District has an abundance of leisure and cultural opportunities with a lively cultural calendar and a vibrant and varied range of arts and entertainment. Verulam Golf Course in St Albans is the original home of the Ryder Cup.
St Albans City Station serves London St Pancras International (fastest timetabled journey time 18 minutes), Luton and Gatwick airports and the south coast.