The charming little city where you can stroll along two miles of ancient Roman walls for free
- UK Hidden Gems
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Uncover the fascinating history of Verulamium, where the remains of Roman Britain sit side by side with the charm of a lively, historic city.
Once the third-largest town in Roman Britain, this area is also home to one of England’s oldest pubs, a colourful market that dates back to 9AD, and the shrine of Britain’s first saint.
Just 19 miles from London, this medieval cathedral city in Hertfordshire has kept its unique character and sense of history, even as it’s become a popular spot for commuters.
Verulamium lies just to the southwest, but parts of the original Roman town can still be seen around St Albans today.
While places like Bath and Chester often steal the spotlight, St Albans quietly boasts its own incredible slice of Roman heritage.
The ancient city walls may no longer rise to their original five metres, but the remaining towers and stone foundations are still impressive enough to make visitors feel like they’ve stepped 2,000 years into the past.
Archaeologists have uncovered remarkable finds here, including a Roman theatre, the only one with a stage ever discovered in Britain, along with temples, house ruins, and beautifully preserved mosaics.
Those wanting to see more can visit the Verulamium Museum, which displays some of the “finest mosaics outside the Mediterranean.”
One parent who visited the site with her children shared on Mummytravels: “The park that holds the ruins of Verulamium also has a lovely play area for kids, it’s easy to imagine them travelling along the old Roman road of Watling Street, just like ancient Britons once did.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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