A local’s guide to St Albans and Dacorum
Here in Hertfordshire, we love a local recommendation. From the best places to visit, to the top brunch spots and favourite local pubs, our guide to St Albans and Dacorum is packed with inspiration for a weekend of hidden gems and iconic must-visits.
First up, St Albans. With its cathedral city, charming villages and rolling countryside, it’s one of our Hertfordshire favourites, just a short hop on the train from London.
St Albans Cathedral
We’re starting with a classic, St Albans Cathedral. As the resting place of Britain’s first saint, the longest knave in England, and medieval wall paintings and architecture that span a millennia, St Albans Cathedral is a historic gem in Hertfordshire’s crown. Inside the cathedral you’ll find the Shrine of St Alban, magnificent architecture, and an intriguing tale of Alban, who took in and ultimately sacrificed himself to save a Christian priest during Roman rule. The cathedral itself is surrounded by rolling parkland and stands uphill from the Roman city of Verulamium.
Redbournbury Watermill and Bakery
With 1000 years of milling history at its heart, Redbournbury Mill is a working windmill which still produces stone-ground organic flours to this day. Visit and you’ll find idyllic surroundings, water meadows and plenty of wildlife along the River Ver, including kingfishers, herons and water voles, not to mention a bakery which serves up some of the most delicious breads around.
Courtroom Café at St Albans Museum + Gallery
In the heart of St Albans city, St Albans Museum + Gallery stands in the beautiful Town Hall building (seriously you can’t miss it). Inside you’ll find an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions, plus a real in depth overview of local history. Head to the original Courtroom and you’ll find the café, where barista-made coffee, pastries and hot and cold treats are all on offer to tempt you in.
St Albans Charter Market
Any visit to St Albans city has got to include a trip to the Charter Market, which has been at the centre of the city’s history for centuries. The twice weekly St Albans Market boasts a range of fresh produce, artisan goods and world foods, while the Farmers Market is a celebration of local produce, from mouth-watering cheeses to cakes and hand-crafted goods. Vintage lovers should head straight to the St Albans Vintage Market, which includes antiques traders, brocante stalls and fascinating finds. While the Vegan Market combines vegan street food, sustainable champions and plenty of independent businesses.
The Samuel Ryder Hotel by Hilton
We highly recommend staying the night, and the Samuel Ryder Hotel offers the perfect boutique staycation destination. Opposite St Albans Cathedral, it’s in a great location in the city centre and, as the name suggests, it was the former home of golfing great, Samuel Ryder. Book in and you’ll find a relaxing retreat, with beautifully designed rooms, suites and a vibrant cocktail bar all on offer.
Heartwood Forest
Half a million trees, ancient woodland and wildflower meadows await at Heartwood Forest, a green haven and sanctuary for green space lovers. Expect golden views in autumn, delicate bluebells in spring, and a plenty of leaf-crunching walks in winter. What’s more, this gloriously green natural beauty is a favourite for local wildlife.
The de Havilland Aircraft Museum
The only museum in the world with three de Havilland Mosquitos, it was here that the first prototype of the World War II plane was designed and built. Within a year of design the plane was tested and deliveries were later made to the RAF and additional production lines set up in Canada, after Head of the US Army Air Force was impressed by the demonstration of the new aircraft. Today, visitors can learn about founder Geoffrey de Havilland at the museum and even enter the cockpit of a Mosquito.
Odyssey Pictures
Popcorn at the ready, kickback and relax at The Odyssey, an independent cinema which combines the latest blockbusters with art deco architecture. What makes a night out to The Odyssey even more special is that this cinema has two bars and even serves up delicious dishes like falafel and humous and cheese plates for a magical night out.
The Silver Cup
What if we told you we have a Michelin listed pub right here in St Albans? In charming Harpenden, The Silver Cup is known by locals as one of the best gastropubs around. Book a table at this Victorian gem on Harpenden Common and you’ll be treated to a seasonal tasting menu of modern British favourites, paired with local ales, classic cocktails and quality wines.
Willows Activity Farm
Children will love Willows Activity Farm, a great value family day out which combines the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground, funfair rides, tractor rides and farmyard animals, all in one fab adventure. Meet plenty of furry friends, get hands on in the adventure play area, or enjoy quiet SEN sessions. Willows even has a rainy day return guarantee, but we can guarantee even the rain won’t dampen your day out.
Just up the road from St Albans, Dacorum is packed with historic sites, historic market towns, scenic canals and rural views on the edge of the Chilterns National Landscape.
The Trooper
On the edge of the Ashridge Estate, The Trooper is a beautiful historic pub in Aldbury village. In the morning, the Trooper Barn is one of our top recommendations for breakfast, brunch, coffee and cake, while come evening, The Trooper Pub serves up seasonal dishes and slow, sustainable food with a contemporary twist. Come winter, the comfort food calls, while in summertime the pub’s terrace is perfect for Pimms and light lunches.
Tabure, Berkhamsted
Our next restaurant has locations in St Albans and Berkhamsted, so if you love the food, be sure to check out both locations while you’re here, and trust us, you’re going to love the food! The menu is packed with Mediterranean dishes, which are crafted using the finest ingredients and recipes that have been perfected over generations. Expect a warm and vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the very best of the Mediterranean.
The Snow Centre
Snow? In Hertfordshire? Yes, The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is London’s closest real snow slopes, with a 160-metre main slope, made for testing out your snow legs. Whether you’re getting in the practice before your next skiing or snowboarding trip, fancy taking lessons or want to treat little snow bunnies to a go on the Ringo Slide, it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family. Better yet, they even include all the equipment for your session, so there’s no need to make any panic purchases!
Tring Brewery
We’re raising a glass of our favourite brew at the local icon of Tring Brewery, next. Take a tour and discover award-winning beers and what goes into crafting Tring Brewery’s delicious brews, from grain to glass. Whether you choose to gather together a group for one of the Thursday Night Mash Up Tours or join one of their Saturday afternoon sessions, you’ll have the chance to step behind the scenes of a working brewery and even experience a tutored tasting of those exceptional beers.
Berkhamsted Castle
It wouldn’t be a visit to Dacorum without taking in the area’s wealth of local history, and our next location has some of the richest history around. As one of England’s oldest motte-and-bailey castles, Berkhamsted Castle and the surrounding deer park offer a glimpse into local history and the castle’s important role and long-standing links with the Duchy of Cornwall. Wander the ruins, before lacing up your explorer boots and discovering the extensive deer park, which was once the hunting ground of aristocracy.
Jellicoe Water Gardens
For a relaxing stroll, the Jellicoe Water Gardens are a pretty spot to take a wander, coffee in hand. Follow the River Gade as it snakes through the park, see the ornamental flower gardens and let little ones discover the play area, surrounded by sensory planting.
Gadebridge Park
On the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, Gadebridge Park is a real green gem, covering a total area of 32 hectares. With a brand new splash park, walled gardens and fantastic playground, it’s a perfect spot for wildlife spotting, with the River Gade flowing through its heart.
Old Town Hall
In Hemel Hempstead’s Old Town Hall, it’s time to take to your seats and settle in for an evening of drama. This impressive building makes for a real night of movie magic, with screenings of blockbusters, cult classics and international film. For a touch of the theatrical, book up tickets to the theatre, with regular performances, ranging from child-friendly productions to laugh out loud comedy.
Mulligans
Brand new to Hemel Hempstead, Mulligans is made for catching up with friends and getting hands on with VR games and fun activities. Try your hand at the custom 18-hole crazy golf course, have a go at electro-darts, play a round of ping pong, or embrace your inner kid with a go on the 50-machine arcade! When you need a breather, the fab cocktail bar and restaurant are calling.
Shendish Manor Hotel
For the ultimate escape, we recommend checking into the Shendish Manor Hotel and Golf Course, which combines modern design with Victorian character. Relax in 160 acres of rolling parkland, check out the beautiful Dutch Gardens, before checking into one of the spacious and classically designed bedrooms. For dinner, we recommend dining at The Orangery Restaurant or treating yourself to a luxurious afternoon tea.