EMBARK ON A FASCINATING JOURNEY THROUGH TIME, EXPLORING THE CITY OF ST ALBANS – ONLY A 20 MINUTE TRAIN JOURNEY FROM CENTRAL LONDON. ROMANS, SAXONS, NORMANS, PILGRIMS, MAGNA CARTA, THE WARS OF THE ROSES AND THE RYDER CUP. THIS CITY HAS SEEN IT ALL AND WITH YOUR EXPERT EAST OF ENGLAND BLUE BADGE GUIDE, YOU WILL TOO!
A private tour with your very own local and expert Blue Badge Guide will unravel the rich tapestry of heritage of St Albans. Highlights include the following:
Discover echoes of a Roman City: Destroyed by Boudica, Verulamium rose from the ashes to be a prosperous town. Visit Verulamium Museum, a treasure trove of Roman artifacts. Then step outside and rewind two millennia to view the Roman walls, and visit the impressive remains of the Roman Theatre, the only one visible in Britain. All brought to life by your guide.
St Albans Cathedral: Once the premier Abbey in England and resting place of Britain’s first Chistian martyr Alban. Stand in awe before this magnificent Cathedral and its Norman Tower built with Roman brick. Your expert guide will explain the Cathedral’s fascinating history, from its founding as a Benedictine abbey in 793 to its present-day grandeur.
Take a walk through historic streets: Stroll through charming streets and the bustling twice weekly market. Climb the City’s Clock Tower, a beacon of local pride and a unique medieval town belfry in England for a view of this historic city.
Battlefield St Albans: Learn about St Albans’ turbulent history, with no less than two battles fought in the Wars of the Roses. Hear about the Peasant’s Revolt, the origins of Magna Carta and in the Civil War the plans to try the King.
Tales from the Gaols: Visit the Regency courtroom and its cells. Then discover the stories from St Albans three gaols. The outside of one may look familiar as it was used in the opening credits of the much-loved TV comedy series “Porridge.”
Further afield: Your adventure doesn’t stop there, if time permits, you can venture to the atmospheric ruins of Sopwell Nunnery, or Old Gorhambury House. Or visit the nearby de Havilland Museum to admire the “wooden wonder” the Mosquito and other iconic planes designed by Geoffrey de Havlliand.
To further personalise your St Albans tour experience, consider a themed tour. Perhaps you’re fascinated by the Romans, the Wars of the Roses, the story of Sam Ryder and the Ryder Cup or Francis Bacon. As with all Blue Badge Guide private tours, you can tailor your tour to your specific interests. You also have added flexibility – you can stop to linger at a particular spot, you can ask as many questions as you like, share your thoughts and observations. You’ll be informed and entertained and have the undivided attention of your guide throughout.
