St Albans In Summer: A Fun Day Trip From London

Looking for a day trip from London? Or perhaps just visiting and want to experience English life outside the big city? St Albans is perfectly accessible from London, just a short and direct train ride from St Pancras, Blackfriars, or West Hampstead. Summer is an amazing time to visit, with so many great food spots and culture to take in. Here’s everything you need to know to make your summer day trip from London to St Albans a perfect one.

Fun Things to Do In St Albans In Summer

Before you head to St Albans City be sure to download the St Albans bucket list from my St Albans Travel Guide.

Explore The Roman City of Verulamium

Experience how the Romans lived by checking out the Roman Wall, Roman Museum, Roman Theatre, or a simple walk through Verulamium Park.

If you’re up for a splash pad, then pack the kids swimsuits. Just be prepared for crowds on a hot day.

Verulamium Park is perfect for a picnic but if hauling a hamper is too much, Inn At The Park offers picnic takeaway.

Attend An Open Air Theatre Production

For art, watch an amazing production by Ovo Theatre. They produce shows for Minack Theatre in Cornwall and the Roman Theatre of Verulamium in St Albans. The open-air venue is fantastic for all ages but book ahead because it only happens late June to mid-July every year. Snag Roman Theatre tickets here.

Visit St Albans Cathedral

St Albans Cathedral requires a walkthrough to see the rose window that was unveiled by Princess Diana in 1989. The longest continuous Christian worship church in the country, it’s a visit you don’t want to miss. And it costs nothing to visit, though donations help keep it that way.

Visit The Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Beer Garden

Pop into Ye Olde Fighting Cocks because it’s the oldest pub in the country. Get a drink or just snap a picture for Instagram. Why not! They have a fab garden, particularly if they are hosting a sports event.

Climb The St Albans City Clock Tower

Climb the St Albans Clock Tower for only £1 (and free for kids) to get views of the entire city. Then purchase clock tower art as a memento for only £1. The perfect souvenir for the day.

See An Exhibit At The St Albans Museum + Gallery

Visit the new St Albans Museum, which opened in June 2018. It’s free and short to explore, making it perfect for a pop-in to cool off, gaze at the impressive and bold art displays, or simply look for St Albans’ gifts. Toilets are free, too!

Shop On A St Albans Market Day

Plan your day trip from London on a market day: Wednesday, Saturday, or the 2nd Sunday of every month. Stalls go from the top of St Peter’s Street down to Chequer Street. You can find food, retail, paper goods, fabrics, vegetables and fruit, toys….the list goes on. Sunday markets are either food or antiques.

Find A Gift At These Fun St Albans Shops

There are so many St Albans shops but two of my favorite to find a gift for a friend or for myself are Raindrops on Roses and The Dressing Room.

Purchases from Raindrops on Roses go to cancer research so you never feel guilty spending money…at least I don’t!

The Dressing Room offers a range of designer everything and they have a fantastic seasonal sales throughout the year. You’re sure to find something perfect for the summer.

Where To Eat In St Albans

There are so many restaurant choices to select from for your St Albans day trip from London, but here are a few to inspire your summer visit for the morning, noon, or night!

George Street Canteen

9a George Street, St Albans AL3 4ER

Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast or brunch from George Street Canteen, just a couple minutes walk away from St Albans Cathedral. It’s tucked away off George Street and offers indoor and outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome.

George Street Canteen St Albans

Street Cafe

13 Catherine Street, St Albans AL3 5BJ

If you start your day at the top of St Peters St, then Street Cafe on Catherine Street is a must. Get the summer Blueberry Mint Iced Tea and scone. They will not disappoint!

The Waffle House

Kingsbury Watermill, St Michael’s St, St Albans AL3 4SJ

If you begin your London day trip in St Michael’s Village, near Verulamium Park (where there is parking), the Waffle House (has a free car park) is where you must go. They offer sweet and savory options where everything is served on a waffle. What could possibly be better than that? The Waffle House is incredibly popular – possibly the most possible brunch and lunch destination in St Albans. The queue gets long after 10 so arrive early to avoid the wait.

L’Italiana

3 French Row, St Albans AL3 5DU

L’Italiana is a must for the £5.95 pasta or pizza lunch deal, but book in advance. They are difficult to get into without a reservation, and French Row is great for people watching as shoppers and locals alike walk by.

HATCH

20 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1BZ

For a burger or BLT, go to HATCH. I daresay they have the best burger in England, and that means a lot considering I’m from Texas. I don’t eat meat often, but I order the burger every time. The owner actually went to New York to taste test burgers in order to create his own version of the perfect burger for HATCH and I think he nailed it.

The 6 Bells Pub

16-18 St Michael’s St, St Albans AL3 4SH

For a pub lunch or wood-fired pizzas on Thursday nights, head to The Six Bells in St Michael’s Village, just off Verulamium Park Car Park. They offer a new menu every day, plus their regular menu. The Thursday night spicy pizza is my favorite! Service is impeccable and you will likely spend more time in this pub than planned. Whether inside or in the beer garden, you’ll feel at home by the service and locals. (You can put in an order during COVID-19 for take-away).

The Loft

23B George Street, St Albans, AL3 4ES

If you have time for dinner before returning to London and looking for something off the charts, then try The Loft. The Loft is my favorite for its seasonal dishes and atmosphere, though not intended for children.

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie

1-3 Verulam Road, St Albans, AL3 4DA

The Ivy opened in May 2018 and kid-friendly, but not unique to St Albans.

Thai Rack

13 George Street, St Albans, AL3 4ER

Thai Rack is perfect if you are in the town center, looking for kid-friendly and lovely views of the St Albans Cathedral and Abbey Church.

Ayos Restaurant and Bar

2 Beaconsfield Road, St Albans AL1 3RD

If you’re headed to St Albans City train station then Ayos is the way to go. Ayos is located on the other side of the station, making it incredibly accessible for a bite to eat whether arriving or leaving from your St Albans day trip. Ayos is a family favorite restaurant and supporting family-owned local restaurants is the only way to go. Get the feta cheese plate!

Final Thoughts on St Albans For A Day Trip From London

Whether you have 2 hours or 2 days to escape from London this summer, you can’t go wrong spending time in St Albans. In addition to St Albans history and events all year long, summer in St Albans offers fab theatre time, splash time with kids, and more.

Whatever reason for a St Albans summer day out, you won’t be disappointed. With its history, great food, and shops, this day trip from London to St Albans is totally worth it. Be sure to read the ultimate travel guide for things to do in St Albans before you go and get the ultimate bucket list.

Looking for more day trip ideas? Try these.

St Albans Travel Guide: The Ultimate Bucket List For A Day Out(side)
A Day Trip To Oxford: 1-Day Itinerary With Kids
Moving abroad? Plan your move to another country with my complete MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST

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