St Albans City Walks
City Walks start outside the Old Town Hall in Market Place and take from an hour to an hour and a half. Tickets should preferably be obtained in advance from the Tourist Information Centre inside the Old Town Hall, but may also be purchased from the Guide on duty.
No specific advanced booking is required for individual walks EXCEPT the Halloween
Ghost Walks which are by pre-booked ticket only. Otherwise, tickets purchased can apply
to any walk.
Historic St Albans
Covering 1200 years in about 90 minutes, this excellent walk gives an overview of the most important people, buildings and events in St Albans from the Monastic to the modern.
Amble in the Shambles
This delightful walk round the ancient market place and it’s alleyways is suitable for absolutely everyone as it is in a small level area that is packed with history and interest. What more can we say – it’s a little gem!
Victorian St Albans
A walk that takes us from the medieval to the age of steam, the railway, factories and even the pioneering days of cinema (hear about the first ever film advertisement!)
This was the age of massive expansion for the town, including a new prison whose front entrance will be recognisable to all fans of ‘Porridge’.
Aristocrats, Paupers and Philanthropists
This enjoyable stroll round the St. Peter’s area features the great and the (sometimes!) good of St Albans and the various buildings and charitable institutions they generously gave to the city. Their stories are all quite fascinating – but then some WERE among the most powerful people in the Kingdom!
The War of the Roses
Although two battles were fought in St Albans in this dynastic struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York, this walk concentrates on the first one, which took place in and around the marketplace. Hear about the reasons why, the personalities involved and the outcome. There’s even a Shakespearean connection! Come and join the battle – no armour needed!
Pubs and Chapels
St Albans was a centre for the brewing of ale and beer, having a truly remarkable number of inns and alehouses catering for the medieval visitor and trader. Following the Reformation the town became a centre for religious dissent. This walk combines the sacred and the profane in a tour in both existing and former sites.
The Street War Memorials
The ten street war memorials within the Abbey Parish are unique in the U.K., and are the focus of a profoundly moving walk. Hear the stories behind a few of the 110 names of those who died, from the poor to the privileged, but all from one small area. This walk is always on the nearest Sunday to November 11th, and is always free of charge. It is a walk every local person should do.
Town, Crown and Cloister
St Albans Abbey was founded by one king and destroyed by another nearly 750 years later, and many monarchs have meddled in the middle! The sometimes uneasy relationship between the crown, the town and the abbey features on this free walk for both Residents First weekend and Heritage Weekend and it is a combined venture between the City and Cathedral Guides to link the inside and outside of the Abbey Church with the town.
Ghostly Goings-on
An extremely popular and atmospheric walk that introduces some of the ghosts of
St Albans and relates their sad stories. We can’t guarantee whom you might see –
only where you might find them, for they do exist! This walk is not suitable for very young children.
Crime and Punishment
Local crimes ranged from murder in the Cathedral to theft worth two pence, and the punishments were often disproportionately harsh. This walk will take place in the 1831 Courtroom, the two buildings that were prisons in times past and point out the site of such niceties as the stocks and the pillory. Not to be missed for the stout-hearted!
Court and Convicted
This popular tour of the cells and court room is not for the faint hearted. Feeling brave? Then join a guided tour of the cells beneath the courtroom of the Town Hall. Then follow in the footsteps of prisoners to the courtroom, stand in the dock, face the magistrates and learn your fate!
Tickets are limited and can be purchased in advance or on the day. We recommend booking to avoid disappointment.
Please note that this tour involves a steep narrow staircase and confined spaces in
the cells.
From Fishpool Street to St Michaels
A one thousand year old route that follows George Street, Romeland and Fishpool Street to picturesque St Michael’s Village, with its elegant houses, Saxon Church and the superb Verulamium Museum. It is quite a challenge to guess the ages of the houses in fascinating Fishpool Street – join the guide and see for yourselves!
Monks, Mysteries and Mischief
Monks were an incredibly diversified and talented band of brothers – theirs was a powerful, self-sufficient community on whom many others depended, but occasionally human failings and weakness would creep in. To find out more, join us on a visit to
their world.
Tudor St Albans
2009 marks 500 years after the accession of Henry VIII. The Tudor kings and queens played an important part in the history of St Albans. One king closed the monastery which had been the reason for the town's existence, a queen ordered the burning of a Protestant martyr in Romeland and another queen visited the town frequently to stay with a favourite minister.
Find out more about the Tudor connection by taking this new walk with the City and District of St Albans Tour Guides.
A Round with Sam Ryder
Walk the course of Samuel Ryder’s life. In a journey tracing the remarkable events of one of St Albans most prominent citizens, we walk the length of a golf course..his passion; we sow the seeds of respect for his entrepreneurial flair..his business; we look into his commitment to civic duty…his politics. Then after 18 holes, we finally understand and know the man. A family man, a caring employer, a churchman, a Mayor and yes - the man behind the Ryder Cup.
Note: Tickets must be pre-booked and can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre.
Girls and Boys Come Out to Play
This special Festival walk tells the history of St Albans history through Nursery Rhymes for children young and old. Come along and find out about the connection with
Humpty Dumpty!
