Public Walks
PUBLIC WALKS
St Albans Tour Guides has a varied programme of walks within the city and surrounding villages. These are listed on the
Guided Walks Calendar
page. From there, decide which walk you wish to go on and click on the link to the TicketSource
ticketing site, where you can pay for the number of tickets you require, up to the maximum number permitted.
The maximum number of tickets for most walks is 20, although St Michael's and Fishpool Street, Tudor St Albans Revealed
and Street War Memorials
have a limit of 12, due to the narrow pavements on these walks.
CITY OF ST ALBANS WALKS These walks
start from outside the Museum+Gallery in St Peter's Street unless otherwise stated.
HISTORIC ST ALBANS - A CITY REVEALEDSt Albans, the unheralded jewel of Hertfordshire, a 1000 year old city at the heart of English history. Tour well known and lesser known sites of the City – hear about revolting peasants, martyrs, heretics, monasteries and monks. Walk around the grounds of the magnificent cathedral, and admire the building that was started by the Normans and embellished by Lord Grimthorpe at the west front. Find out what is unique to St Albans and see its medieval clock tower and parish memorials.
STREET WAR MEMORIALSThe Great War changed lives forever. Men enlisted to fight for King and Country, many never returned. The Abbey Parish remembers its dead, not in a church, but the streets where they grew up. The Parish was not unique in its experience but the memorials are. We explore the history behind their existence and the lives of those whose names appear there.
Please allow 2 hours for this walk.
ST MICHAEL'S AND FISHPOOL STREET Journey from St Michaels, the village within the Roman walls, taking in medieval pubs and houses and a 16th century watermill, to Fishpool Street. How did this street, once a major 18th century coaching route, degenerate to a slum and backwater, then become a prime residential area? You will have the opportunity to look at the architecture of some of the 72 listed buildings which range from a manor to workmen’s cottages. Another little gem – find out about puddingstone! Meet outside the Roman Museum in Verulamium Park.
Please note that the car park at Verulamium Museum can become extremely busy, especially in fine weather, so allow extra time to park if you are arriving by car.
COACHING INNSFor over 1000 years, St Albans has been a town of inns, taverns and alehouses. Find out why there were fifteen inns in one street alone. At one time, stabling was required for over 2000 horses – imagine the smell! This fascinating walk also looks at the architecture and the people who were part of this vibrant area of St Albans.
20th CENTURY ST ALBANSDiscover how the 20th Century changed St Albans from small market town to today's thriving city. We trace the story from Edwardian philanthropy to recent, sometimes controversial, building developments. In between, hear echoes of the Great War, tales of 1940's espionage and explore how the face of the city has changed over 100 years.
EXPLORE ST PETER'S PARISHJoin us to discover the charming area around St Peter's Church and hear of the aristocrats, philanthropists and workhouse poor who shaped St Albans. From apprenticed orphans and "moral" widows to the meteoric rise of local girl Sarah Jennings, who became the Queen's Favourite.
Meet at the War Memorial by St Peter's Church.
A MONASTERY REVEALEDOur city owes its existence to the monastery, which was once the most important in England. From Dedication to Dissolution, powerful Abbots controlled the town, the lives of its people and of course the monks. How did the people live under this rule, and what was daily life like for the monks? Find out as we walk from the town and round the cathedral precincts where once stood a mighty establishment …..before it was destroyed by Henry VIII.
Please note there will be some walking on grass which may be wet, so suitable footwear is advised.
TUDOR ST ALBANS REVEALEDFrom Henry VII to Elizabeth I, an era of unprecedented social, religious and political change. How did the dissolution of our powerful monastery impact on the people of St Albans and its economy? You may be surprised how many of the 16th century buildings have survived – though some may be in disguise! This delightful walk brings Tudor St Albans and its people into vivid focus.
VICTORIAN ST ALBANSDiscover how the arrival of the railways in the 19th century transformed St Albans and its industries. Hear stories of straw hat making, early cinema, Victorian philanthropy and how the prison gateway became an unlikely TV star.
THE PUBS OF ST ALBANSFor centuries, the innkeepers and publicans of St Albans have provided hospitality for pilgrims, travellers, market traders and locals alike. This walk traces the changing fortunes of many establishments – some long gone, others re-invented and those that remain virtually unchanged by time.
CRIME AND PUNISHMENTMurder, theft, bribery, adultery - just some of the crimes committed here in St Albans down the ages. Hear about some of these dastardly deeds, the people who committed them and the punishments that were meted out. A fascinating walk, which looks at the lives of some notorious characters in our city's history.
THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT ST ALBANSExplore the Art and Architecture of St Albans - friezes, carvings, stained glass and the buildings themselves. Many famous and well known architects have worked here from Sir Christopher Wren's stone mason, Edward Strong, to the much loved local artist and architect, Edgar Wigram, rambling through Europe, painting his water colours as he goes. Meet them all, hear their stories and appreciate the art and architecture of this fascinating city.
Meet at the War Memorial by St Peters Church.
WARS OF THE ROSESSt Albans was the setting for two of the most decisive battles of the Wars of the Roses, in 1455 and 1461. Let us take you round some of the sites where the battles took place, and explain how the Wars of the Roses played such an important part in English history.
MEDIEVAL LIFE IN ST ALBANS Be transported back to the medieval period. As we walk around the historic market place, you will hear tales about the life and times of the people who visited, lived and worked here. Life was far from easy in those turbulent times. Follow the pilgrims' route to the Abbey church and beyond.
CITY CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS
Let us take you on a 60-minute stroll around the ancient market place and its alleyways. There is so much to discover right in the heart of the city, with its medieval buildings and stories. What more can we say - it is a little gem.
A ROUND WITH SAM RYDEROur longest walk (about 3 miles) honours the founder of the Ryder Cup - surely the most famous sporting contest between Europe and America! Sam was much more than a golfer ; benevolent businessman, churchgoer and politician. This walk covers many aspects of the life of this remarkable man, and finishes at Verulam Golf Club.
Please allow 2 hours for this walk.
HISTORIC ST ALBANS - A CITY REVEALED
St Albans, the unheralded jewel of Hertfordshire, a 1000 year old city at the heart of English history. Tour well known and lesser known sites of the City – hear about revolting peasants, martyrs, heretics, monasteries and monks. Walk around the grounds of the magnificent cathedral, and admire the building that was started by the Normans and embellished by Lord Grimthorpe at the west front. Find out what is unique to St Albans and see its medieval clock tower and parish memorials.
STREET WAR MEMORIALS
The Great War changed lives forever. Men enlisted to fight for King and Country, many never returned. The Abbey Parish remembers its dead, not in a church, but the streets where they grew up. The Parish was not unique in its experience but the memorials are. We explore the history behind their existence and the lives of those whose names appear there.
Please allow 2 hours for this walk.
ST MICHAEL'S AND FISHPOOL STREET
Journey from St Michaels, the village within the Roman walls, taking in medieval pubs and houses and a 16th century watermill, to Fishpool Street. How did this street, once a major 18th century coaching route, degenerate to a slum and backwater, then become a prime residential area? You will have the opportunity to look at the architecture of some of the 72 listed buildings which range from a manor to workmen’s cottages. Another little gem – find out about puddingstone! Meet outside the Roman Museum in Verulamium Park.
Please note that the car park at Verulamium Museum can become extremely busy, especially in fine weather, so allow extra time to park if you are arriving by car.
COACHING INNS
For over 1000 years, St Albans has been a town of inns, taverns and alehouses. Find out why there were fifteen inns in one street alone. At one time, stabling was required for over 2000 horses – imagine the smell! This fascinating walk also looks at the architecture and the people who were part of this vibrant area of St Albans.
20th CENTURY ST ALBANS
Discover how the 20th Century changed St Albans from small market town to today's thriving city. We trace the story from Edwardian philanthropy to recent, sometimes controversial, building developments. In between, hear echoes of the Great War, tales of 1940's espionage and explore how the face of the city has changed over 100 years.
EXPLORE ST PETER'S PARISH
Join us to discover the charming area around St Peter's Church and hear of the aristocrats, philanthropists and workhouse poor who shaped St Albans. From apprenticed orphans and "moral" widows to the meteoric rise of local girl Sarah Jennings, who became the Queen's Favourite.
Meet at the War Memorial by St Peter's Church.
A MONASTERY REVEALED
Our city owes its existence to the monastery, which was once the most important in England. From Dedication to Dissolution, powerful Abbots controlled the town, the lives of its people and of course the monks. How did the people live under this rule, and what was daily life like for the monks? Find out as we walk from the town and round the cathedral precincts where once stood a mighty establishment …..before it was destroyed by Henry VIII.
Please note there will be some walking on grass which may be wet, so suitable footwear is advised.
TUDOR ST ALBANS REVEALED
From Henry VII to Elizabeth I, an era of unprecedented social, religious and political change. How did the dissolution of our powerful monastery impact on the people of St Albans and its economy? You may be surprised how many of the 16th century buildings have survived – though some may be in disguise! This delightful walk brings Tudor St Albans and its people into vivid focus.
VICTORIAN ST ALBANS
Discover how the arrival of the railways in the 19th century transformed St Albans and its industries. Hear stories of straw hat making, early cinema, Victorian philanthropy and how the prison gateway became an unlikely TV star.
THE PUBS OF ST ALBANS
For centuries, the innkeepers and publicans of St Albans have provided hospitality for pilgrims, travellers, market traders and locals alike. This walk traces the changing fortunes of many establishments – some long gone, others re-invented and those that remain virtually unchanged by time.
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Murder, theft, bribery, adultery - just some of the crimes committed here in St Albans down the ages. Hear about some of these dastardly deeds, the people who committed them and the punishments that were meted out. A fascinating walk, which looks at the lives of some notorious characters in our city's history.
THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT ST ALBANS
Explore the Art and Architecture of St Albans - friezes, carvings, stained glass and the buildings themselves. Many famous and well known architects have worked here from Sir Christopher Wren's stone mason, Edward Strong, to the much loved local artist and architect, Edgar Wigram, rambling through Europe, painting his water colours as he goes. Meet them all, hear their stories and appreciate the art and architecture of this fascinating city.
Meet at the War Memorial by St Peters Church.
WARS OF THE ROSES
St Albans was the setting for two of the most decisive battles of the Wars of the Roses, in 1455 and 1461. Let us take you round some of the sites where the battles took place, and explain how the Wars of the Roses played such an important part in English history.
MEDIEVAL LIFE IN ST ALBANS
Be transported back to the medieval period. As we walk around the historic market place, you will hear tales about the life and times of the people who visited, lived and worked here. Life was far from easy in those turbulent times. Follow the pilgrims' route to the Abbey church and beyond.
CITY CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS
Let us take you on a 60-minute stroll around the ancient market place and its alleyways. There is so much to discover right in the heart of the city, with its medieval buildings and stories. What more can we say - it is a little gem.
A ROUND WITH SAM RYDER
Our longest walk (about 3 miles) honours the founder of the Ryder Cup - surely the most famous sporting contest between Europe and America! Sam was much more than a golfer ; benevolent businessman, churchgoer and politician. This walk covers many aspects of the life of this remarkable man, and finishes at Verulam Golf Club.
Please allow 2 hours for this walk.
WALKS AROUND THE DISTRICT
DISCOVER HARPENDEN
An infamous spy, a lane nicknamed after the smells from the brewery and the local artist who painted royalty and presidents – these are just some of the places you will see and people you will hear about on this walk through the village and common. The walk begins at the war memorial
DISCOVER REDBOURN
During the coaching era, Redbourn became known as a Street of Inns and boasted at least 30 inns and public houses. This walk explores the area around the historic High Street, St Mary’s Church and Almhouses. Join us for a gentle stroll through the fascinating bygone days of Redbourn. The walk begins from the car park on the Common, adjacent to the cricket club.
DISCOVER WHEATHAMPSTEAD
This is a traditional site of the Catuvellauni, the local Iron Age tribe, but it eventually became part of the monastic estate of Westminster. Join us and learn more of this ancient and extremely interesting village. A visit to St Helen’s Church is included. Meet in the East Lane public car park at the rear of the Bull.
Verulamium was the third largest Roman town in Britain at the height of the Roman occupation. A large part of the site of the former Roman town was excavated in the 1930's by a team led by Sir Mortimer and Tessa Wheeler, and many of the artefacts found are on display in Verulamium Museum.
A ROMAN CITY REVEALED
Discover the lurid past of Roman Britain’s third largest town, revolting Celts and a fire to rival the Great Fire of London. See the hypocaust, the Roman central heating system not surpassed in England for over 1400 years, and part of the Roman Wall. Visit the unique Roman Theatre where Roman acting was very much part of the activities.
There is a small charge for entrance to the privately-owned Roman Theatre, which must be by card. Please note there will be some walking on grass which may be wet, so suitable footwear is advised.
Meet outside the entrance to Verulamium Museum.
THE ROMAN THEATRE
We offer guided tours of one of the finest and most complete examples of a Roman theatre in Britain. The tour also includes the remains of a 3rd century townhouse with an underground shrine and a parade of shops facing onto Watling Street.
There is generally a guide on duty on Saturday mornings between 10:00am and 12:00 noon, from April to October. The guide is on hand to answer your questions, point out key features and tell you a bit about what went on in the theatre in Roman times. Entrance fees apply.
ROMAN GALLERY TALKS
These short talks are held at Verulamium Museum on most Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm. The story of the Roman town of Verulamium comes to life in the talks which include: Mosaics; Iron Age; Domestic Life; Leisure; Food and Drink; Trading in the Empire; Gods and Goddesses; Grand Designs; Death and Burial.
Talks are free, but there is an entrance charge to the Museum.
GHOST WALKS
Ghosts and Ghouls
is our popular walk at Halloween and over the winter months in St Albans. As we explore our haunted city, we will visit many places that are noted for some strange events. Stories of the well known phantoms of the town will be related by the guide. During the walk you may wonder if we are on our own – who knows! Join us and discover the hidden, ghostly side of St Albans.
We also offer Haunted Harpenden,
which recounts some of the mysterious goings-on and shady characters of Harpenden in years gone by.
Refunds for tickets bought for public walks will only be issued if requested at least 48 hours before the walk is due to start.
Please note that the content of our ghost walks may not be suitable for children under 12 years old.