St Albans Cathedral
St Albans Cathedral
4.5
Religious SitesChurches & Cathedrals
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It stands over the place where Alban, the first martyr, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1700 years ago. The building itself is a blend of architectural styles spanning a millennia and contains recycled Roman bricks from Verulamium. Of special interest are the 13th century wall paintings, a rare watching loft and the fully restored medieval shrines of St Alban and St Amphibalus, the priest who converted Alban to Christianity.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • ray h
    Marco Island, Florida5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous St Albans Cathedral clock tower and bell tour
    Fabulous tour with an expert historical rendition from tour guide Tony and supported by bell ringer David. The information delivered by Tony was both interesting as well as factual, he clearly has a warm appreciation of this magnificent building, parts of which are a thousand years old! To see the internal structure of the roof and bell tower really demonstrated the complexity and engineering design of this magnificent ancient structure. The views from the top of the building provided a wonderful 360 degree view of the City and surrounding countryside. This tour is an absolute must and I'm confident that you won't be disappointed! Be sure to visit the on site cafe which provided a nice environment as well as good coffee.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 18 March 2023
  • Rosemary W
    Chelmsford, United Kingdom462 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sense of Peace and Beauty
    Beautiful stained glass windows. Picturesque ceiling. I had a sense of peace on entering the cathedral. It was lovely that dogs were welcome. Encouraged to take photos. Although the cathedral had free entrance. There were several places where donations could be made by debit/credit card. Souvenirs were quite expensive as a pen is £4.50, mugs £9.99 and £19.99. However there is no pressure to spend money. Several services were being held, as it was Good Friday. Many of the services were broadcast throughout the cathedral
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 April 2023
  • BubblyJubbly
    Cuffley, United Kingdom112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fascinating place to visit
    I'd visited as a child many years ago but couldn't remember it. This time, as a 62 year old who's fascinated by historic things, I was enthralled. The cathedral is huge, very impressive and it just seems to go on and on. There are informative signs dotted around, which we took the time to read. Even so, we aim to return and take a guided tour so that we can ask questions and learn more. We were also charmed by the choirboys who were rehearsing for evensong. Our visit was late in the afternoon and we'd previously visited the cathedral cafe. This is a nice extra, with a pleasant, calm atmosphere (when we were there) and there is a shop and well kept toilets. You can't park directly by the cathedral, but there is ample parking at The Maltings which is only a short walk away.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 9 April 2023
  • Sue63C
    Peterborough, United Kingdom3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A historical feast
    With a warm welcome on arrival, we set out to explore this amazing building with all it's nooks and crannies :) built over several centuries with a change in architecture throughout, there was something historical to explore round every corner. Stunning stain glass windows and plenty of seating areas for quiet contemplation. It is free to enter and tours are also offered for free, no pre booking necessary. Voluntary donations are encouraged and needed to for the upkeep of the building. A good gift shop, decent toilet facilities, dog friendly and a lovely café available. Plenty of outside seating if you take a picnic and easy walking distance to City centre and other attractions. Well worth a visit.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 15 May 2023
  • kevin m
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    worth a visit
    good place to visit. make sure you see the wooden inner worship pews. medieval looking. interesting to read about the history. on my life, in the 70s, my mom had a relative in Fishpool Street near the Cathedral that had a priest tunnel to the cathedral. I shall never forget that. a couple years back someone told me there was a priests tunnel leading to the Fighting Cocks pub at the bottom of the hill!!
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 June 2023
  • JMCSTL
    Saint Louis, Missouri6,001 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    *THE* Reason to Visit St Albans
    Imposing architecture on a hilltop, stunning interior features, fascinating history, all rolled into one very impressive & free package. My wife & I joined a guided tour (approx. 1 hour spent which we highly recommend), while our local friends wandered around & admired the interior spaces at their leisure. Either way, you will have a memorable visit. Also in the complex are a cafe (good food, friendly staff) and the requisite gift shop (religious & secular items). Well worth a half-day dedicated to exploring & learning about this important site in the history of England.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 24 July 2023
  • debzie
    83 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very humble, spiritual place.
    This was our second visit to this amazing cathedral. It is free to enter and see a building that has stood the test of time. Beautiful wall paintings that have slowly faded , norman arches, and a shrine to St Alban where you can find a few minutes of peace where countless others have done over many, many years. I always feel part of history walking around this place. There is something very spiritual about it.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 August 2023
  • Charlie f
    Come to Good, United Kingdom1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the best!
    A superb cathedral with a wealth of fascinating history with which the visitor is able to engage. The guides are friendly and ours went out of his way to make the story of the building come alive for us. The re-creation of the medieval wall paintings is completely fascinating.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 18 August 2023
  • sue T
    49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tour with Paul
    Yesterday we attended the free 1 hour tour with Paul.. he was so knowledgeable and kept the whole group's attention during the tour. He takes you from the east of the cathedral to the west with so many facts along the way. Excellent tour, thank you Paul.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 30 October 2023
  • nessief
    Worcester, United Kingdom1,067 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful visit
    St Alban's Cathedral has been on both of our bucket lists for quite a while. We enjoyed a very moving Choral Eucharist service and we're still exploring this wonderful building 2 hours later. We would definitely return and recommend
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 November 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,348 reviews
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GAP1234
45 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Amazing venue and so much more than a Cathedral and important part of English history. It’s also a museum of sorts with the history articulated well throughout the venue. The cafe is also lovely - especially the loose leaf tea.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The_Coach55
Ruislip, UK961 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
St Albans cathedral is around a mile from the main City station on foot. A closer option is St Albans Abbey station which is around half a mile away.

There are free guided tours around the cathedral (three on Monday to Saturday and two on Sunday). These can be booked online.

Our guide Marc was really informative. We heard of Alban’s conversion to Christianity by Amphibalus and his arrest and execution by the Romans who at the time were anti Christian.

The abbey is the longest standing place of continuous Christian worship in Britain at around 1700 years.

The building itself is magnificent and there are some marvellous stained glass windows.

Some of the remains of both Alban and Amphibalus are contained in shrines in the cathedral and the remains of Robert Runcie are also buried in the graveyard.

There is a pleasant cafe on site called the Abbot’s Kitchen.

A very enjoyable and informative visit was had by all of our party.
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jo D
51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Wonderful history bought to life by tour guide Sheldon.

All free which is so unusual but really easy to contribute what you can without pressure. Thoroughly enjoyed our time here .
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AJ
Austin, TX1,088 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
Easy to walk to from the high street, but NOT easy to get to from the train station. St Albans is a great day trip from London, but do be sure to organize your trip, research local buses, and be cognizant of the 20 minute walk from the train station, then another 5 to the cathedral.

Cathedral has some amazing volunteer staff, a cafe, & clean loos. They provide free volunteer-led tours quite often - just check the schedule upon arrival. Tons of history in this wonderful building.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Helen F
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Went on a FREE guided tour one Sunday afternoon in February. Absolutely fascinating .. An hour long but could have listened for longer. Our guide, Alan, was so welcoming, engaging and extremely knowledgeable. There were younger children in our group (8-12 year olds?) and they were able to follow it all and even ask questions. A fascinating walk around the Cathedral and ‘through the ages’ .. Will definitely return for more! Highly recommend
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Win Task
Bedford, UK80 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
What a beautiful place to walk around n gathered the history of this place. Beautiful views all around as it’s situated in big garden. Not far from train station like 12mins walk. You found it spectacular place as soon as entered. History all around. Free entry and best you can get about this historical place is free tour guide. Such great peace inside. A big lake is part of the garden. There’s a cafe next door n gift shop inside the building. I spent mazing time there. Defo going back there again.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ange
19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
The tour of the cathedral was led by the enthusiastic, knowledgeable and delightful Steven who lent us interested and intrigued for the hour. These free tours are definitely worth making the time for. They are free and last about one hour. Excellent use of time.
Written 7 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hilary d
London, UK819 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
We love visiting St Albans as it is only fifteen miles from our house!
We wanted to go to the Verulanium museum but it is closed on Sundays,so we walked through the park and visited the cathedral instead and had afternoon tea in the excellent cafe.
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aldogti
Glasgow, UK41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
We were in area staying for a trip and passed through St Albans and decided to check out this wonderful place of worship. It is a beautiful cathedral steeped in history and is most definitely worth a visit whether you visit and look around on your own or take a guided tour. You won’t regret a visit
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda P
24 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Visited many times but always something else that catches your eye. A fantastic cathedral. Plenty of opportunity for quiet prayer. Staff are very friendly, very welcoming and very knowledgeable. Free entrance. Super dog friendly throughout the cathedral. The only let down is the overpriced cafe with unfriendly staff. The baguette and bagel we had were stale and tired looking, yet still charged full price. The cafe has just got worse over the years. Won't use it again, plenty of lovely eating places in the town. But the cathedral is wonderful.
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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St Albans Cathedral, St. Albans

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