St Albans Cathedral

Overview

St Albans Cathedral is a wonderful place to visit year-round. From the longest nave in England to the extensive collection of medieval wall paintings and an exciting programme of activities and events there is something to suit all interests and ages.

The history of St Albans Cathedral is rich, and, over the centuries, this magnificent building has undergone several transformations. Step inside and you’ll find awe inspiring reminders of the Cathedral’s past as well as the inspiring story at its heart. These include the Shrine of St Alban, a site of national pilgrimage which has been a focal point for visitors and pilgrims alike for over 1700 years. The Nave of St Albans Cathedral is the longest in the country which, at 85 metres long, displays a striking selection of medieval wall paintings, one of the most extensive collections surviving today. Not only is the inside of the Cathedral, with its vast expanses of space and secluded, intimate chapels, it is in the middle of acres of tranquil parkland, meaning that the Cathedral and surroundings is an oasis of calm just a short walk from the bustling market town of St Albans and a short train ride away from the frantic pace of central London.

Price

No entry fee but a donation is suggested.

Guided Tours

Free Daily tours – Monday – Saturday 11.30am, 1.05pm and 2.30pm, Sunday 1.05pm and 2.30pm

Discover 1700 years of fascinating history on one of our free daily guided tours. From a stunning collection of medieval wall paintings and an 11th century crossing tower, to spectacular architecture and two beautifully restored medieval shrines – discover centuries worth of historical highlights as you explore the Cathedral with an experienced Guide.

There is no charge for our indoor daily guided tours, but we do welcome donations.

If you are a group of six people or more, you must book a group tour, please click here.

Book here

Tower Tours

Climb 211 winding steps to our spectacular Norman Tower, the only great crossing tower left standing in the country from the 1000s. Marvel at the Roman bricks from which it is constructed, touching them as you ascend. View the Crossing from the Lantern and enjoy a close-up view of the tower’s painted ceiling and Medieval coats of arms. Walk along a Victorian gantry above the Medieval Presbytery and Shrine Chapel ceiling. Visit the Bell Ringing Chamber and Belfry and view, and maybe hear, the Cathedral’s 13 new bells and eight old bells. View the City of St Albans from the tower roof and if you are lucky, the tall buildings of the City of London.

Adults: £15

Concessions (children under 18 & senior citizens): £12

Book here

Abbot’s Kitchen

The café is a stone’s throw away from the nearby park, is the perfect place to enjoy tea after you visit the Cathedral or to enjoy lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Outside seating is also available when weather permits with a lovely view of the Norman Tower.

Our philosophy of food is based on three principles; provenance, craft and quality. We create our food with imagination, love and with great attention to detail. Our food is a joy to eat, made with fresh seasonal ingredients, healthy and from sustainable sources. It’s cooked freshly on site, and prepared and served by a team dedicated to giving our guests a special experience.

Open daily 10am – 4pm.

Cathedral Shop

The Cathedral Shop has a wide range of souvenirs and gifts to suit all ages and tastes. There are gifts for special occasions, birthdays, baptisms, weddings, plus a beautiful range of Cathedral and Saint Alban souvenirs for children and adults.

Open daily 10am – 5pm