UKs 'bullet train city' that's only 20 min from London with 1000-year-old market

St Albans is a city surprisingly close to London. It boasts a thousand-year-old market and some of the UK's oldest pubs.

The speed of the train connection from St Albans to St Pancras in London is so swift that locals fondly call it Hertfordshire's Bullet Train or Shinkansen.

But it's not just the convenience of transport that makes this cathedral city worth a visit. Indeed, as golden leaves start to fall and rooftops frost over, St Albans becomes an idyllic spot for a short getaway.

Here, you can meander through medieval streets, peruse boutique shops, enjoy a warm drink in cosy pubs, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at the millennium-old market.

Here are six compelling reasons to visit St Albans:

The enchanting St Albans Cathedral

The city's crown jewel, St Albans Cathedral, holds the distinction of being the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. Step inside and you'll discover the Shrine of St Alban, Britain's first saint and the city's namesake, which has been a pilgrimage destination for over 1,700 years.

Boasting the longest nave of any cathedral in England, at 85 metres, visitors can ascend 211 winding steps to the top of the magnificent Norman Tower, where they might catch sight of the towering buildings of the City of London.

Especially magical during the colder months, the Cathedral's schedule is brimming with seasonal events and activities to partake in, including mesmerising candlelit concerts, creative workshops, and breathtaking exhibitions.

The Live Nativity Trail, a popular event taking place on Saturday, 13 December, features actors bringing the Christmas story to life for families and individuals of all ages. The festive trail guides visitors around the Cathedral grounds, where they'll encounter shepherds, wise men, angels, innkeepers, and even a somewhat grumpy King Herod.

Also happening on 13 December is the much-loved Carols on the Hour.

Embrace the great outdoors

Wrap up snug and take in the beauty of the season with a brisk walk, leisurely stroll, cycle or dog walk - St Albans is brimming with charming, cobbled streets and has a wealth of stunning places to enjoy the fresh air.

Head over to Nomansland Common and Heartwood Forest for woodland walks or take The Alban Way trail, a traffic-free disused section of the Great Northern Railway, perfect for cyclists and walkers.

Named after the Roman City upon which it stands, Verulamium Park offers over 100 acres of parkland just a stone's throw from the city centre. It features an ornamental lake, a rare Roman mosaic and hypocaust, cafe, and more.

Just a five-minute stroll from the city centre is Clarence Park, home to a traditional bandstand. If you're a sports fan, Clarence Park also houses St Albans City Football Club, which always has a fantastic atmosphere on match days.

Indulge in delicious food and drink

After a lengthy stroll, there's nothing quite like a robust pub lunch featuring roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, a traditional pint or a glass of red wine, all enjoyed by a roaring open fire. Whether it's The Cock Inn, The Peahen, The Boot, The Six Bells, The Lower Red Lion or Ye Olde Fighting Cocks (believed to be one of England's oldest pubs), there are numerous classic pubs across St Albans where you can spend a winter afternoon in the company of good friends, excellent food and a warm atmosphere in front of the fire.

For those seeking a more refined dining experience, restaurants such as Thompson St Albans and Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen offer award-winning dishes made from the finest seasonal ingredients, all served with impeccable attention to detail.

For those with a sweet tooth, the city centre is dotted with delightful bakeries that are sure to get your taste buds tingling. Proto Artisan Bakery, for example, offers a range of delicious Real Sourdough Bread options, including a cranberry and walnut twist.

To help visitors discover the best culinary experiences in the city, St Albans City Centre BID has created a new food and drink map, which lists 120 locations, including some of the finest dining options available.

Historical pubs

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of traditional coaching inns, known as hostelries. From November, St Albans Museum and Gallery will showcase an exhibition titled Inns and Alehouses in Victorian St Albans, inspired by the 1884 song The City Pubs, penned by 'Baron' Martin and first performed at the annual dinner of the St Albans Licensed Victuallers' Association.

The spirited composition enumerates the city's numerous pubs, inns and taprooms (some still serving today), offering a fascinating insight into a time when St Albans was home to nearly one hundred commercial drinking establishments.

The exhibition delves into the diverse venues that shaped social life in the late nineteenth century - from bustling beerhouses to traditional taverns - illuminating the reasons for their rise or fall as the city transitioned into the twentieth century.

Plenty for film and theatre aficionados

Film buffs can make their way to the Art Deco Odyssey Cinema, dating back to 1908, which screens an impressive array of titles that can be enjoyed from comfortable seats while indulging in your choice of drinks, snacks and delectable food plates.

OVO's rendition of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol makes a comeback this year at two brand-new venues, including the magical walled Vintry Garden, with views of the Cathedral in St Albans. This open-air venue offers a unique festive experience that immerses audiences in the spirit of Christmases past, present and future.

Spectacular shopping and ancient markets

St Albans is a fantastic shopping hub where the old and new coexist harmoniously, with quaint independent boutiques offering unique and avant-garde items nestled within stunning Medieval buildings. The city also boasts three large shopping precincts that are home to renowned brands.

The award-winning St Albans Charter Market, which has been in operation for over a millennium, is a great place to support local businesses. Every Wednesday and Saturday, you can shop till you drop and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this legendary market, located in the heart of St Albans' charming cobblestone streets.

The Second Sunday Market is a haven for lovers of local food, drink, and sustainable arts and crafts. Meanwhile, the St Albans Vintage Market is a treasure trove of antiques, vintage items, brocante and architectural salvage.

For those following a plant-based lifestyle, the St Albans Vegan Market offers a wide variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and much more.