Find Romance in St Albans

6 Reasons to Visit this Valentine's  

(January 2024) Beautiful St Albans is the perfect destination for a Valentine's getaway. This historic Hertfordshire Cathedral city is bursting with character and boasts fantastic food and drink, stunning parks, picturesque streets, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and incredible accommodation making it the perfect place for romance.

Whether you come for a night or longer, charming St Albans is easily reached in just 20 mins by train from London St Pancras International and by road by A1, M1 and M25.

So, if you're planning a proposal, hope to create lasting memories, or simply intend to spoil that special someone, here are 6 reasons to choose St Albans to let love blossom this Valentine's Day.

Unique History

This picture-perfect city is packed with reminders of its rich heritage dating back more than 2000 years. Marvel at magnificent St Albans Cathedral built using Roman bricks and a spectacular landmark of the city. Meander past St Albans School, one of the oldest public schools in the world where Professor Stephen Hawking was a student, and wander to pretty St Michaels Village where you can take a pew in St Michaels Church, one of the most significant surviving Anglo-Saxon buildings in the county. Capture the romance with a cute selfie in a city where the perfect backdrop is round every corner. 

Culture Vultures

St Albans has a thriving arts and entertainment scene. Check out the listings at the Alban Arena, a top entertainment venue with a huge choice of shows. Snuggle up and watch a romantic movie at the Art Deco Odyssey Cinema featuring an incredible range of titles and serving a wide choice of drinks and snacks. Visit St Albans Museum + Gallery, a world-class centre for arts and culture with an inspiring programme of exhibitions and drop by Verulamium Museum to discover some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plaster outside the Mediterranean.

Shopping Spree

If shopping is your pleasure, there are shops aplenty to suit all tastes and budgets. Wander the pretty streets and treat your loved one to a special gift or search for souvenirs of your romantic getaway. The city is packed with independent shops, charming boutiques and well-known brands where you can find everything from jewellery to art and designer pieces to collectables.

If you visit on market day you will enjoy the buzz and energy of being outside in the community while shopping for everything you could possibly want.

Top Food & Drink

When it comes to food and drink, you'll be spoilt for choice with over 100 restaurants, bistros, coffee shops and cafes to suit every taste. You're never far from top-notch dining with many restaurants offering a delicious Valentine's menu. Try The Ivy St Albans Brasserie with its stylish interiors and cool ambiance or delightful Italian restaurant Per Tutti where you can impress that special someone with exquisite dishes packed with Mediterranean flavours.

The city also boasts a wonderful pub scene many housed in beautiful historic buildings with roaring fires where you can cosy up with your beau. Or reserve a seat in one of the city's classy wine bars, the perfect place to start or end a romantic evening. 

Parks & Recreation

Just steps from the city centre sits magnificent Verulamium Park, ideal for a romantic stroll with its stunning lake and abundant wildlife. Wander past the remains of the Roman Wall built to defend the Roman city of Verulamium and marvel at the Roman Mosaic and Hypocaust discovered during excavations in the 1930s. Clarence Park is a 25-acre park just a short stroll from the centre with pretty flower beds, sports facilities and historic bandstand. Or venture a little further to Heartwood Forest, the largest continuous new native forest in the country and a great place to enjoy nature and wide-open space.

And So, To Bed

A 'must' for a romantic getaway is a beautiful place to stay. Boutique hotel The Samuel Ryder Hotel St Albans, tapestry Collection by Hilton is a great choice in the city centre with a stylish cocktail bar and desirable guestrooms. Luxury hotel Sopwell House, set in 12 acres of picturesque Hertfordshire countryside offers superb rooms plus great facilities including a spa, a cocktail bar, an Asian restaurant and brasserie. St Michael's Manor is full of character with its own lake, where you can be sure of exemplary service and wonderful dining for an unforgettable stay.

The city also has great value options including the Premier Inn and Travelodge both in the centre of the city so you can be sure of a convenient and comfy sleep after a day exploring. 

Plan your visit at www.enjoystalbans.com and stay for a day, a weekend or longer.

Image Captions: 

Main Image - Wander the picturesque streets of St Albans hand-in-hand ©Cecelina Tornberg

Image 1 - Take a romantic stroll in pretty Clarence Park, St Albans ©Cecelina Tornberg

Image 2 - Lady Chapel, St Albans Cathedral ©Toby Shepheard Photography

Image 3 - Snuggle up at the Art Deco Odyssey Cinema ©Odyssey Cinema

Image 4 - ©The Samuel Ryder Hotel St Albans, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Image 5 - Dine with your Valentines at Per Tutti in St Albans ©Toby Shepheard Photograph

Image 6 - Take time out together in stunning and historic Verulamium Park, St Albans ©Cecelina Tornberg

Image 7 - Treat your loved one at Wharton Goldsmiths on George Street ©Toby Shepheard Photography

Image 8 - Indulge at Sopwell House Spa ©Sopwell House

About St Albans

• St Albans is a must-visit UK destination. A historic gem of an English Cathedral City, the stunning cathedral is the oldest place of continuous Christian worship in the country
• The city's colourful history and heritage can be seen in the beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque buildings that look spectacular all year round
• Formerly known as “Verulamium”, this is a city packed with Roman history with high quality roman artifacts and well-preserved mosaic flooring in a museum within walking distance from city centre
• A premier shopping destination outside London, St Albans is home to an array of innovative independent retailers and big brand names
• The city is a 'Mini London' for foodies with a plethora of old pubs, award winning restaurants and top chefs- plus Britain's oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
• Enjoy lots of green, open spaces and parks- making St Albans a family-friendly destination
• Easily accessible by road and train, St Albans is conveniently located close to the M25, M1 and A1(M) and just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London.

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