St
Albans
St Albans, the closest city to Hatfield, has many attractions and an eventful history. It is named after Saint Alban – England's first saint and Christian martyr who was beheaded by the Romans on the hill where the cathedral and abbey church now stands. Hatfield and neighbouring St Albans (Smallford comes under the District of St Albans) were once linked by rail – today the route is used as a cycle path called the Smallford Trail.
Many old buildings have survived in St Albans and it can be an interesting experience walking through the old part of town. St Albans has a many shops and boutiques (including an old-fashioned arcade), several pubs, two museums, an art gallery, and Roman ruins.
St Albans also boasts two railway stations, with rail links to Luton and Gatwick airports, London and even Brighton on the south coast.
Tourist
Information Office
Of particular use to those interested in sightseeing is a tourist
information office. It is located on the left side (when approaching
from down St Peter's Street) of the St Albans Town Hall building.
The office supplies information not only on St Albans but other
major UK tourist destinations and attractions.Please note: the disabled access ramp is on the other side of the stairs.
Among the famous people linked to the city are: Nicholas Breakspear, the first and only English pope (Pope Adrian IV); Sir Francis Bacon, philosopher and cousin of Robert Cecil of Hatfield House; David Essex, musician and singer; Professor Stephen Hawking; and Stanley Kubrick.
Click here for more on attractions in St Albans
Click here for Francis Frith collection photos of St Albans
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