Londoners looking to escape the festive fug and make the most of what is predicted to be the only dry day this Christmas have a perfect historic walk on their doorstep. A short 30-minute train journey leads to a picturesque Boxing Day stroll around the cathedral city of St Albans, culminating in a well-earned pint at a pub claiming to be the oldest in Britain.
A Festive Escape to Historic St Albans
With a damp Christmas forecast, Boxing Day now looks set to be the only dry day over the festive period. This makes it the ideal opportunity to gather family and friends for a brisk winter walk beyond London's parks. The commuter town of St Albans in Hertfordshire offers a rich blend of history, green space, and classic pub culture, all easily accessible for a day trip.
The walking route begins at St Albans City Station. From here, it's a short walk to the magnificent St Albans Cathedral, a site with a history spanning 1,700 years. Visitors on Boxing Day can enjoy a carol service beginning at 4pm, and explore the cathedral's famous medieval wall paintings and Roman brickwork.
Roman History and a Famous Pub
The next stop is the expansive Verulamium Park, a 100-acre green space built on the site of the ancient Roman city of Verulamium. Walkers can still see the outlines of the old city walls and the London Gate, as well as enjoy the views across the ornamental lake. The park is a treasure trove of Roman artefacts, offering a tangible link to Britain's ancient past.
The walk's crowning glory is its final destination: Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. This historic pub, nestled near the park, boasts a history dating all the way back to 739 AD. It's the perfect spot to warm up after your explorations. On Boxing Day evening, the pub will host live music alongside its regular a la carte menu.
For those planning a pre-Christmas visit, a special festive menu is on offer until December 23, starting at £31 per person.
An Easy Journey Home
After completing the approximately one-hour-and-thirty-minute walking route, the return journey to London is simple. St Albans City Station offers direct trains back to London St Pancras International in around 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to relax at home after a day filled with fresh air, history, and hearty refreshment.
This Boxing Day, swap the sofa for a step back in time with a walk that combines beautiful scenery, ancient history, and a legendary British pub, all just a half-hour train ride from the capital.
