“Why spend your time travelling when there is so much to explore under our very feet?” It is a good argument, and clearly not one I subscribe to. I do however live in a very nice place. If I were to visit St Albans as part of a trip, I would be impressed. And so here is my pitch for my (adopted) home town.
Only 20 minutes by train from London, St Albans is a world away from the hustle of the big city. Although the small city centre does get clogged up with rush hour traffic, away from the main roads the city has a laid back feel. There are the main chains in the high street, of course. But equally there are numerous local crafts and trades people, with their small shops hidden away down a maze of narrow alleys. Cafes abound, and are found in surprising corners where even many residents don’t know they are there.
The Abbey is of course the centre point of the city. Worth a visit to see the range of architecture styles. This is a hotch potch of a building, but impressive nonetheless. The park that spreads down from the Abbey and opens out by the lake is where the St Albanians hang out on a good day. Roman ruins can be found scattered throughout the park, and don’t miss the chance to visit the Waffle House at the St Michaels side of the park, for its irresistable (yes, you’ve guessed it) waffles.
St Albans is not really big enough to deserve the City tag, although it does punch above its weight, as evidenced by its success in landing the much coveted purple square on the Monopoly UK edition. Go and see it, indulge in a waffle, relax in the park, and you’ll know what I mean..
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