A beautiful little city in bucolic Hertfordshire, St Albans has long been a favourite destination of history buffs and Londoners looking to escape the metropolis for the weekend. Built upon the Roman settlement of Verulamium, St Albans has a rich and fascinating past. Our pick of the best places to stay in St Albans is a heritage landmark in its own right, dating back to 1603 and promising a seriously indulgent experience.

Take the time to stroll around St Albans to discover the city’s lovely little lanes and dramatic landmarks. The Roman Theatre is unlike any other in Britain, whilst the Norman Cathedral — named for the country’s very first saint — is an imposing site of worship built in part using Roman bricks from the ruins of Verulamium. The cathedral has played a significant role in British history, including as the site of the reading of the early Magna Carta in 1213. It was recently used as a substitute for Westminster Abbey in Netflix’s 'The Crown'.

St Albans was also the site of two of the battles of the Wars of the Roses, in 1455 and 1461. Delve into this history on a guided walking tour, where you can also marvel at the medieval, 1405-built Clock Tower and see St Albans School, which is amongst the oldest in the world. Fill your bags with fresh produce from the bustling St Albans Market, and catch a show at the gorgeous Art Deco Odyssey cinema, which reopened following an extensive restoration in 2014. Head further afield for beautiful walks and cycling trails through the countryside, before tucking in to terrific fare at our choice of the best places to stay in St Albans.