Climb the medieval Clock Tower for views of St Albans Cathedral ©Cecelina Tornberg
Did you know the historic Cathedral city of St Albans is home to the hot cross bun, making it the perfect place to visit at Easter.
The Alban Bun, the precursor to the Hot Cross Bun originates in the city … A 14th Century Monk developed the original recipe to feed the poor on Good Friday and you can still savour the Alban Bun at the café in St Albans Cathedral, baked to the traditional recipe.
Enjoy the Alban Bun at St Albans Cathedral’s café ©St Albans Cathedral
But there’s plenty more to devour in St Albans … boasting fantastic shopping, an abundance of cafes and restaurants, attractions to suit all interests and beautiful outside spaces it’s a must-visit destination. There’s never been a better time to visit Hertfordshire’s only Cathedral city just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras.
Things to do…
EASTER THEMED EVENTS
Hunt for the Easterlopers, is a free family friendly activity the kids will be “hoppy” to try (29 March – 14 April). All you need is a mobile phone to scan QR codes to track down the missing Easter Bunny. Find 10 magical eggs in city centre shops to reveal Super Dinosaurs to help your search. Reveal the Easter Bunny and download a FREE Puzzle Pack. Organised by St Albans BID.
St Albans Cathedral an impressive landmark built on the site where Alban, Britain’s first Saint, was buried over 1,700 years ago, provides a full programme at Easter including the Palm Sunday Procession where crowds wave palm leaves as they walk from the Clock Tower to the Cathedral alongside a donkey recalling Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem. Download the Easter programme at stalbanscathedral.org
ATTRACTIONS
Stop at the Clock Tower, the only surviving Medieval town belfry in England and climb the 93 steps for magnificent views. St Albans Museum + Gallery is a world-class centre for arts and culture, set over three floors and showcases over 2,000 years of momentous history. Verulamium Museum tells the story of everyday Roman life with recreated rooms, mosaics, interactive displays and gift shop. The latest exhibition “Women doing everything, everywhere, all at once…” provides fascinating insights into the women archaeologists of the 1930s who brought Verulamium to life and introduces four women who populated this ancient landscape 2000 years ago.
Enjoy bells, levers and hands-on exhibits at St Albans South Signal Box set in gardens adjacent to the main railway line. Here you can learn the fascinating history of this beautifully preserved Midland Railway signal box.
SHOPPING & MARKETS
St Albans is a wonderful retail shopping destination where old meets new with independent shops and boutiques offering cutting-edge and unusual items set in beautiful, Medieval buildings and three large shopping areas play host to well-known brands. From charming boutiques and quirky interior shops to artisan jewellers and health and beauty independents, you’ll enjoy spending hours browsing.
Support small businesses at the award-winning St Albans Charter Market established over 1,000 years ago. Every Wednesday and Saturday come and shop for everything you could possibly want and enjoy the buzz and energy of the legendary market that is at the heart of the St Albans story.
The Second Sunday Market specialises in local food and drink and sustainable arts and crafts while at St Albans Vintage Market you can find all manner of antiques, vintage, brocante and architectural salvage. St Albans Vegan Market brings a huge variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and loads more.
See enjoystalbans.com for dates
EATING OUT
St Albans has a remarkable history and reputation with food and drink. With over 100 restaurants, bistros, pubs, cafes and coffee shops – you’ll be spoilt for choice. From fine dining restaurants including Thompson St Albans and Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen to cosy intimate meals in pubs such as The Six Bells and The Cock Inn, the eateries provide the most memorable foodie experience.
With Easter being a time for sweet treats, you can get your tastebuds tingling at wonderful bakeries dotted throughout the city centre. Try Artoplasia Greek Bakery brimming with delicious pastries or savour yummy waffles, crepes, milkshakes and chocolates at speciality outlets.
PARKS & RECREATION
The city boasts loads of green spaces whether you feel like a leisurely stroll, to play a ball game, or take the dog for a walk. Relax at Verulamium Park, a beautiful, serene area with an ornamental lake home to a wealth of wildlife and with plenty of facilities for children. Wander through Clarence Park with beautiful flowerbeds and loads of space for playing games, or venture to Nomansland Common and Heartwood Forest for woodland and wildflower meadow. Plus, there are lots of walks and trails in around the city.
FILM OR A SHOW?
The Alban Arena is a top entertainment venue boasting a huge programme of shows including musicals, tribute acts, comedians, dance, opera and kids’ productions. This Easter there is loads to see including: Little ones will love Fireman Sam The Great Camping Adventure, loads of singing and dancing is guaranteed in The Little Mermaid while Rude Science Live claims to be the naughtiest, most revolting science show in the world!
For a nostalgic night out, book Thank Abba for the Music, Frankie the Concert or Bootleg Beatles but if super-slamming action is your thing LDN Wrestling will be ripping up the arena this Easter.
Film fans should head to the Art Deco Odyssey Cinema which 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. Easter films include Mean Girls, Bugsy Malone, Monty Python & the Holy Grail and Wonka (with some scenes filmed in St Albans!)
Check the programme at odysseypictures.co.uk
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation ranges from small and intimate bed and breakfasts to large hotels including the White Hart Hotel & Restaurant, The Samuel Ryder Hotel St Albans, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and the Travelodge, all in the centre of town. Or perhaps the stunning country style Manor hotel, St Michaels Manor, luxurious Sopwell House and the Victorian Grade II listed Torrington Hall.
Find your St Albans at EnjoyStAlbans.com