The Clooper Guide To St Albans
Today, we turn our gaze towards St Albans, Hertfordshire, and the gorgeous countryside that it offers.
St Albans is a locale rich in history. This Cathedral City has been standing since Roman times, and it’s still going strong today. Numerous quality restaurants, shopping centres and excellent schools make this location a treat for families and singles alike!
PROPERTIES
Situated in the middle of the countryside, you’ll find a variety of homes here. Primarily Georgian and medieval era buildings. As we said earlier, St Albans has been around for a long time, and it still maintains much beauty from a bygone era!
These aren’t all there is, however. You can also find a selection of modernized flats. These would be ideal for a commuter family, as London is still only 20 minutes away. In fact, this spot is heralded as a hub for commuters.
Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, you’re sure to find something in St Albans. Whether that’s a thatch-roof cottage, a stunning Georgian house, or a stylish converted flatshare.
GREENERY
As stated, St Albans is ringed by countryside. You won’t have to walk far at all for your daily dose of lush, leafy sights. There are however some specific areas that are definitely worth more than a look.
Watercress Nature Reserve is open daily from dawn until dusk. It is cared for by the WWA. Otherwise known as the Watercress Wildlife Association. Here, you can find a butterfly garden, various ponds, wooded glades and shallow lakes. You’ll also see birds and insects, or even a deer or two.
Heartwood Forest is another great wooded area to visit. This forest is a shockingly large 347-hectares and is the largest continuous new native forest in England. Each spring, this forest benefits from the beauty of Bluebells. Hundreds of them sprout up from the ground every year, and if you live in St Albans, you can experience them first hand.
LIFESTYLE
Despite St Albans being more rural, it doesn’t lack any necessities. You can even enjoy a Nandos outside and look on at the beautiful green environment as you do! St Albans boasts two shopping centres, a high street, and many independently owned cafes to choose from. You’ll also spot some antique shops, theatres, and some very impressive restaurants.
There is also a traditional street market. This award-winning market takes place along St Peters Street and Market Place, every Wednesday and Saturday. Its stalls have even won awards for their quality! There is a regular weekly market and a monthly farmers market. You can find out more here.
SCHOOLS
Many families are drawn here for the schools. Primarily because they receive exemplary results and positive ratings from Ofsted. One of their private schools, St Albans, is even where Stephen Hawking used to attend. St Albans is a single-sex boys school, while St Albans High School for Girls is a private school for girls. As of course, they name suggests.
London can also be easily reached should any children wish to go to a London college. This means you won’t have to uproot them too much while giving them freedom to explore. There are also universities available in St Albans that are equally as impressive as the schools are.
Looking for a commuter home even closer to London? Check out our Leyton area guide here.
