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A cathedral city in the heart of the English countryside, St Albans is a place rich in history and culture. Located in the county of Hertfordshire, it was originally a Celtic settlement that became one of the largest Roman towns in Britain.
This history is still very much a part of this lively city, which boasts an original Roman amphitheatre, mosaics and a family-friendly museum. Located within commuter distance to London, St Albans is the perfect city for those who want to settle down while still being connected to the capital.
Transport links
What transport links does St Albans have?
Sitting just 25 miles from central London, St Albans is a well-connected commuter city whose main station is connected through the ThamesLink line. Trains to St Pancras can take as little as 20 minutes, and Gatwick Airport is directly linked on the main line. St Albans is also closely located to the major M1 and A1 roads.
Things to do
What is there to do in St Albans?
There are two main museums in St Albans; the St Albans Museum and Gallery, which shows historic items and memorabilia from the city’s history, and the Verulamium Museum, which focuses on its Roman roots. There are also a number of theatres, which showcase a number of things from comedy and music to wrestling.
St Albans is also surrounded by beautiful countryside perfect for long walks and family days out. The Verulamium Park leads along the River Ver and makes for an excellent walk if you don’t want to travel too far from the city.
Shopping & dining
Are there good shops and restaurants in St Albans?
When it comes to shopping and dining, St Albans offers an appealing blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The city’s High Street and surrounding lanes are lined with a strong mix of independent boutiques, artisan purveyors and familiar chains, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing for everything from unique gift items and fashionable clothing to home décor and books.
On the culinary front, the city punches well above its size. From global street-food stalls on market days and buzzing cafés for brunch to sleek restaurants offering seasonal menus, there’s something for just about every occasion. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxed coffee and cake, a family-friendly meal, or an elevated dinner out, you won’t be disappointed.
What are the most renowned schools in St Albans?
St Albans has a reputation for being an extremely desirable area for schools, as it boasts a high amount of top-rated state schools within the small city, such as Oakwood Primary School, Skyswood Primary & Nursery School and Wheatfields Infant and Nursery School (located near Marshalswick) for primary. Whilst there are examples like Beaumont School, St Albans Girls’ School and Sandringham School (also located near Marshalswick) for secondary.
Ones that are rated Outstanding by Ofsted include:
A fun fact about St Albans is that it’s named after Britain’s first Christian martyr, Saint Alban. He was executed there in Roman times, and the city grew around the site. St Albans Cathedral actually stands where he’s believed to have been buried.
Why our agents love St Albans
St Albans has such an easygoing charm. The cathedral gives it loads of character, and Verulamium Park is perfect for switching off. The market adds life, and there’s always a good mix of cafés and pubs. It feels historic but not stuck in the past, just a really balanced, pleasant place to be.
What’s great about St Albans is how it blends history with everyday life. You’ve got Roman ruins, the cathedral, and then loads of modern spots to eat and drink. It’s lively without feeling chaotic, and everything’s walkable. There’s always something happening, but it still manages to feel calm and welcoming.
St Albans just feels like a nice place to exist. The streets are full of character, the parks are great for a break, and the town centre has everything you need. It’s busy enough to be interesting, but not overwhelming. There’s a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy.
