If you want a charming day trip out of the hustle and bustle of a major city, such as London, then this town is the perfect place to visit. Just 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras lies the city of St Albans. St Albans is a beautiful cathedral city with a rich Roman history and modern trendy boutiques.

There are also dozens of pubs ready to welcome you in; St Albans pub culture stretches all the way back to the Middle Ages when inns would welcome pilgrims visiting the shrine of Britain’s first saint for whom the town is named after. One particular favourite, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, is reputed to be the oldest pub in the country and is well worth a visit.

Other options include The Saint & Sinner - a new addition to the St Albans pub scene which serves delicious cocktails and has a fabulous outdoor space perfect for summer.

Dylans at the Kings Arms is the recipient of countless accolades for its top-quality food and drink and The Silver Cup has achieved recognition in the respected Michelin Guide which is proof of its high-quality ingredients and flavours. 

Aside from a pub crawl, the perfect way to spend a day in St Albans starts with a walk where you can check out the mix of Georgian, Tudor and Victorian architecture. 

French Row in the city centre dates back to at least 1335, and the picturesque Fishpool Street is another go-to spot for a leisurely wander and to imagine times-gone-by.

You can also visit the award-winning St Albans Charter Market which was first established in AD 860. Today, it is the recipient of first place for the Best Large Outdoor Marker in Britain in 2024.

It’s open every Wednesday and Saturday, and the second Sunday of every month where you can buy food, gifts and art.