St Albans Cathedral

Top choice in Oxford & the Cotswolds


Vast out of all proportion to the modern town, St Albans’ majestic cathedral was founded as a Benedictine monastery by King Offa of Mercia in AD 793, around a shrine to St Alban, martyred five centuries earlier. It’s now a glorious mash-up of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with rounded arches built using bricks salvaged from Roman Verulamium, and the country’s longest medieval nave, adorned with 13th-century murals. A stone reredos screens off the restored tomb of St Alban.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Oxford & the Cotswolds attractions

1. Verulamium Museum

0.56 MILES

Based in what looks outside like a suburban house, this modern and highly engaging museum celebrates everyday life in Roman Verulamium. Assorted galleries…

2. Roman Theatre

0.72 MILES

Built in AD 140, St Albans’ Roman theatre is unique in Britain, in that its 2000 spectators faced a stage rather than surrounding an arena. Its grassy…

4. Hatfield House

5.75 MILES

For over 400 years Hatfield House has been home to the Cecils, one of England’s most influential political families. This magnificent Jacobean mansion was…

5. Wembley Stadium

13.8 MILES

The city’s landmark national stadium, where England traditionally plays its international matches and where the FA Cup Final is contested. Full tours…

6. Alexandra Palace

14.12 MILES

Built in 1873 as North London’s answer to Crystal Palace – the cast-iron and plate-glass structure built in Hyde Park to house the Great Exhibition of…

7. Highgate Wood

14.3 MILES

With more than 28 hectares of ancient woodland, this park is a wonderful spot for a walk any time of the year. It’s also teeming with life: 70 different…

8. Kenwood House

14.48 MILES

This magnificent neoclassical mansion stands at the northern end of Hampstead Heath in a glorious sweep of landscaped gardens that lead down to a…

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