Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Roadtrip from Broxbourne to St Albans

Are you planning a road trip from Broxbourne to St Albans? While the journey may take a few hours, the destination is definitely worth it. St Albans is a historic town situated in the county of Hertfordshire, England, and it is known for its ancient Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and cultural landmarks. Here are the top museums, parks, and landmarks to visit on your journey.

Fun Fact: The distance from Broxbourne to St Albans is approximately 27 miles, which can be covered in less than an hour on a good day. However, since you will be stopping multiple times, give yourself at least a full day to explore the sights and soak in the rich history.

Halfway Point: Barnet, BNE Barnet is a suburban London borough located about 13 miles south of St Albans. It has a thriving high street and bustling markets, which are perfect for a quick stopover.

Trip Length: Half a Day to Full Day The trip from Broxbourne to St Albans and back can vary in length depending on how much time you spend at each attraction. Plan for at least a half-day trip, with stops for snacks, lunch, and breaks in-between.

Top 5 Places to Visit

1. Verulamium Museum The Verulamium Museum in St Albans houses a vast collection of Roman artifacts that were unearthed during archaeological excavations. The museum takes visitors on a journey back in time, showcasing ancient mosaics, ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry. A must-see highlight is the Hypocaust, a system of underground heating used in Roman baths.

Point of Interest: The Verulamium Museum is located just a stone's throw from the ruins of the ancient Roman city, Verulamium. Visitors can explore the remains of a Roman theater, basilica, and Roman walls.

2. St Albans Cathedral St Albans Cathedral is a stunning Gothic church that has stood the test of time for over a thousand years. The cathedral boasts beautiful stained-glass windows, wooden carvings, and intricate stone architecture that is sure to take your breath away.

Point of Interest: The shrine of St Alban, the first Christian martyr in Britain, is located within the cathedral. Visitors can pay their respects and marvel at the exquisite medieval artwork.

3. Heartwood Forest Heartwood Forest is a vast expanse of woodland and meadows that is perfect for nature lovers and hikers. It is situated just outside St Albans and has a range of paths that will take you through lush greenery, meandering streams, and tranquil ponds.

Point of Interest: The forest has a community orchard that is free to enter. You can pick your own fruits and enjoy them straight from the branches!

4. Hatfield House Hatfield House is a grand Jacobean mansion that was built in the early 17th century. It has been the home of the Cecil family for over 400 years and has an impressive collection of artwork, paintings, and tapestries.

Point of Interest: The Hatfield House gardens are a sight to behold, with over 20 acres of manicured lawns, fountains, and floral displays. Don't forget to bring your camera!

5. Scott's Grotto Scott's Grotto is an 18th-century historic monument located in Ware, Hertfordshire, which is a short drive from St Albans. The grotto consists of a series of chambers and tunnels, decorated with shells, stones, and mythical creatures.

Point of Interest: The grotto has an interesting backstory - it was built by John Scott, a local poet, as a place for him to entertain his rather eccentric friends.

Conclusion In conclusion, the road trip from Broxbourne to St Albans is a wonderful way to explore some of the best museums, parks, and landmarks that England has to offer. Whether you are interested in Roman history, medieval architecture, or natural beauty, there is something for everyone on this trip. Plan for a full day of adventure, and don't forget to bring your sense of curiosity and wonder!