30 Jan 2024
Tags: luxury travel, city break, tourism, Attractions, Cathedral City, Historic city, what's on, festivals, Events
(January 2023) The Cathedral city of St Albans in Hertfordshire is a top-place to visit with incredible history, beautiful architecture, stunning parks, fabulous independent shopping and enticing eateries. All year round there is lots to do with entertainment, exhibitions, fantastic festivals and marvellous markets, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you live locally or are visiting for a day or longer, soak up the vibrancy of this wonderful city, just 20 minutes from London and with easy access from the M1, A1 and M25.
Discover all you need and more at EnjoyStAlbans.com and make the most of your visit to sensational St Albans.
Year-Round Event Programmes…
Impressive St Albans Cathedral stands on the site where Alban, Britain's first Saint, was martyred over 1,700 years ago and with special events running throughout the year, there's always something to enjoy. Stand-out events include Peace Doves on until 13 February, an art installation by Peter Walker Sculptor, in which 10000 paper doves will hang from the magnificent Norman Tower. The Alban Pilgrimage on 22 June is an impressive procession of 12ft tall carnival puppets and the re-enactment of events which led to St Alban's execution at the hands of the Romans. Plus, don't miss the Fireworks Spectacular at Verulamium Park which raises thousands of pounds for local charities.
St Albans Museum + Gallery is a world-class centre for arts and culture, set over three floors and showcasing over 2,000 years of momentous history. Inspiring and intriguing exhibitions and events run throughout the year including Rana Begum: Ordered Form curated by UH Arts and Culture focusing on the acclaimed artists geometric works created over the past three years and Becoming Us: African Caribbean St Albans exploring the role of the African Caribbean community in St Albans over the past 80 years. In summer a colourful exhibition The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Artists will reveal the story of the talented artists who played such an enormous part in the success of the much-loved books.
The Alban Arena is a top entertainment venue with a huge choice of shows including musicals, tribute acts, comedians, dance, opera, kids' entertainers and the ever-popular Christmas panto. Next year there will be big name performances by Romesh Ranganathan Ben Fogle, Sarah Milican, Anton Du Beke, Simon Reeve and lots more.
St Albans Tour Guides run captivating walks for visitors and locals to enjoy- all guides are qualified within the Institute of Tourist Guiding, have comprehensive knowledge of the city and a love of sharing local history.
The Art Deco Odyssey Cinema dates to 1908 and shows an incredible range of titles which can be enjoyed from plush seats with your choice of drinks, snacks and delicious food plates.
Theatre production company OVO create captivating, imaginative and surprising new versions of classic plays and stories. Their open-air summer festival from 31 May to 8 September sees productions performed in the atmospheric setting of the Roman Theatre of Verulamium while at other times they perform at The Maltings Theatre in the city centre. Don't miss a special performance at St Albans Cathedral of their brand-new, four-star adaptation of Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet” in February 2024.
Special Events…
Join the fun of the annual St Albans Pancake Day Race where teams of four compete in walking and running pancake flipping races. Come down and cheer on your favourite!
City Centre, Shrove Tuesday 2024
St Albans Festival of Film will be a weekend celebrating British Film and TV History presented by Renown Pictures and Talking Pictures TV with celebrity hosts and guests, stalls and exclusive show offers – look out for Neil Brand, Britt Ekland, Rick Wakeman….and Hartley Hare!
The Alban Arena, 16-17 March 2024
Hertfordshire County Show is Herts largest outdoor event. With showjumping, equine classes and livestock competitions, entertainment and amazing stunts, the show is loved by everyone whether you're an enthusiast, competitor, or excited spectator. Shop 'til you drop with independents showcasing their delightful products- with over 450 stalls there's something for everyone to enjoy from delicious local produce to craft liqueurs, to garden accessories to beard oils!
25-26 May 2024 The Showground, Redbourn
St Albans International Organ Festival will celebrate the winners of its 60th Anniversary Competition held in 2023. A special gala concert will take place at St Albans Cathedral where last year's winners are expected to perform.
8 June 2024
Foodies Festival returns to St Albans for a weekend celebrating music, food and drink with live bands, cooking demos by top chefs, artisan market, feasting tent, kids' activities and more.
Oaklands College, 31 May-1Jun 2024
The award-winning annual festival SustFest provides inspiration on how to live more sustainably through engaging events and activities held by groups, organisations and businesses across St Albans, Harpenden and the villages. A new EXPO event at the Alban Arena on 7-9 June will be a fun, informative and thought-provoking weekend bringing together leading figures in sustainability alongside active community groups.
7-16 June 2024
St Albans Folk Festival is a weekend of events including a day of dance, music in local pubs and other venues and a festival concert plus an annual concert in the Roman Theatre at Verulamium.
June 14-16, 2024
The Alban Festival promises to be fun for all with live music from local musicians, arts, crafts, games and activities, entertainment, street food and shopping from a well-loved selection of traders.
June 2024. Organised by SADC.
St Michaels Folk Evening returns to St Michaels Village for a wonderful celebration of live music, dancing in the street plus food and drink. Head down and join the welcoming community for a memorable evening.
Wednesday 3 July 2024 St Michaels Street
St Albans Comedy Garden promises the ultimate remedy this summer with five nights of stupendous open-air stand-up comedy in the glorious surroundings of Verulamium Park. Starring the finest comedians of the moment
July 2024, Verulamium Park
Hosted by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, Pub in the Park is coming to St Albans for an action-packed weekend to celebrate food and music. Dance to live bands and enjoy amazing food created by award winning restaurants and top chefs in a stunning park setting.
6-8 September, Verulamium Park
St Albans Feastival promises to be an incredible foodie experience where the central streets in the city centre will be filled with food and drink stalls, street entertainment, bars with live music, art and crafts activities, cookery demonstrations, and fun for all ages.
September 2024, Central St Albans. Organised by SADC.
CAMRA's St Albans Beer and Cider Festival will be serving up thousands of pints of beer, ciders and perries from all round the world plus there will be live music, phenomenal street food and snacks promising four days of fun.
25-28 September 2024
Joy comes to St Albans with the hugely popular Gin & Jazz Festival. A fantastic showcase for retailers and hospitality venues who open their doors for late night shopping. With live Swing Jazz music, fabulous food, and of course- gin bars, this free event is a brilliant buzz for all.
October 2024, Central St Albans
Head to the city-centre across the festive period for the fantastic Enjoy St Albans Christmas programme which is absolutely packed with magical events, bringing fun, joy and merriment to all folk. Check EnjoyStAlbans.com for event listings.
November–December 2024 Central St Albans.
Regular Markets…
Shop for everything you could possibly want and enjoy the buzz and energy of the historic twice-weekly St Albans Market which is at the heart of the city's story.
Every Wednesday & Saturday, Market Place
Find up to 60 stalls at the St Albans Vegan Market including a huge variety of vegan fast food, healthy eats, artisan savouries, sweet bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing & jewellery, arts & crafts, plastic-free, and charity stalls. All created by a handpicked selection of talented, ethical and sustainable businesses.
7 Apr, 7 Jul, 1 Sep, 3 Nov 2024, St Peter's Street
Stock up on local specialities at St Albans and Harpenden Farmers Markets including mouth-watering cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, top quality meat and game, dairy produce, freshly baked cakes & bread and locally hand-crafted goods.
Opposite St Albans Museum + Gallery 2nd Sunday of every month and Harpenden Lower High Street 4th Sunday of every month
Inspirational deals and fascinating finds are a plenty at the St Albans Vintage Market with all manner of antiques, vintage, brocante and architectural salvage.
City Centre, St Albans Sunday once a month 9am-3pm
Where to Stay…
Accommodation ranges from small and intimate bed and breakfasts to large hotels including the White Hart Hotel & Restaurant and the Hilton's Samuel Ryder Hotel, both in the centre of town, the stunning country style Manor hotel, St Michaels Manor, luxurious Sopwell House and the Victorian Grade II listed Torrington Hall.
St Albans is waiting to be explored, discover more at www.enjoystalbans.com
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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