Heritage Open Days

Thursday, September 9 - Sunday, September 12, 2010

Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture and culture by allowing free access to interesting properties that are not normally open to the public, or would charge an entrance fee.
Heritage Open Days also include tours, events, lectures and activities that focus on architecture and culture. This year Heritage Open Days will run from Thursday, September 9 to Sunday, September 12.
Below is the list of ‘What’s happening’ and ‘When’ in this year’s event. For the majority there is no need to pre book* and they are all FREE* (*unless otherwise indicated!)

St Albans & Harpenden Review: ABBEY GATEWAY

WALKS

1. Desperately Seeking Arthur Melbourne-Cooper - A Walk with St Albans Civic Society

Desperate indeed, as few traces remain of this St Albans-based UK film pioneer. In a ninety minute stroll with your city watchdogs, discover what's left, and learn more about this neglected local celebrity. The walk ends at The Odeon, London Road.
Sunday: 1430 - 1600 pm
Directions:
Meet at St Albans City Station (Ridgmont Road exit)
Other notes: This event is free, but donations to The Odeon restoration fund are invited.


1A. Aristocrats, Paupers and Philanthropists
Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, St Albans

Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

An enjoyable stroll around the St Peter's area featuring the great and the (sometimes!) good of St Albans. Learn about the various buildings and charitable institutions they generously gave to the city. Their stories are all quite fascinating - but then some were among the most powerful people in the Kingdom!
Friday: 1100
Directions
: Meet at the front of the Old Town Hall, Market Place. Parking close by in the city centre car parks
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Toilets at the start. Level walk, dropped kerbs. Disabled toilets are available at the start of the tour only.
Disability Access: Yes


2. Fishpool Street
Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, St Albans
Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

This walk explores a route dating back to Saxon times with lots of interesting buildings. A 1000-year old route - once a main coaching road - follows Fishpool Street to the picturesque St Michael's village with its elegant houses, Saxon church and Roman museum. It is quite a challenge to guess the ages of the houses in Fishpool Street.

Sunday: 1500
Directions:
Meet at the front of the Old Town Hall, Market Place. Parking close by in the city centre car parks
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Toilets availble at the start
Disability Access: Full


3. Harpenden Common
Park Hall, , Harpenden

Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

This walk covers the fascinating features and buildings around the West Common in Harpenden, including the site of the Harpenden Races
Saturday: 1430
Directions
: Some on street parking opposite Park Hall, Leyton, otherwise use one of the public car parks close-by.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Disability Access: None


4. Historic St Albans
Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, St Albans

Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

This walk explores the historic centre with its Regency town hall, unique medieval Clock Tower, Abbey church and Abbey Gatehouse.
Sunday: 1100
Directions: Meet at the front of the Old Town Hall, Market Place. Parking close-by in the city centre car parks
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Some narrow pavements and cobbled areas. Disabled toilets available at the start of the walk.
Disability Access: None

St Albans & Harpenden Review: ROMAN THEATRE


5. The Heritage Tree Walk
Tel: 01582 791912
Web: www.walk-talk.co.uk

A 90-minute walk looking at the heritage trees planted to mark 2,000 years of special people, places and events; from the pine nuts found at the Roman triangular Temple to current community victories.
Saturday: 1030
Sunday: 1030

Directions: The walk starts at Verulamium Museum and ends at St Peter's church in the centre of St Albans at noon or back at Verulamium at 1230.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: There is a car park at the start of the walk.
Disability Access: Partial - part of the walk covers grassy areas of Verulamium and Westminster Lodge - too soft for wheelchairs after wet weather.


6. The Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre of Verulamium,
Bluehouse Hill, St Albans
Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

The Roman Theatre is the only complete theatre open to the public. The site also includes 3rd century townhouse with underground shrine and shops fronting Watling Street. Guided tours on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday: 1000 - 1700. Guided tours at 1430, 1515 and 1600
Sunday: 1000 - 1700. Guided tours at 1430, 1515 and 1600

Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Both the guided tour and entrance into the Roman Theatre are FREE this weekend! Limited parking is available at the theatre.
Disability Access: Partial - the theatre is accessible, access to the Town House and shops is by steps only.


7. Town, Crown and Cloisters
Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, St Albans
Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

St Albans Abbey was founded by one king and destroyed by another nearly 750 years later and many monarchs meddled in the middle! This walk explores the sometimes uneasy relationship between the town, crown and abbey and life at the monastery. Highlights in the Abbey include the wall paintings and the shrine of St Alban. This is a joint walk by the St Albans Tour Guides and the Abbey Guides.
Sunday: 1430
Directions: Meet at the front of the Old Town Hall, Market Place. Parking close by in the city centre car parks
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Refreshments available in the Abbey refectory at the end of the walk. Lifts in the Abbey. Disabled toilets at the start and in the Abbey at the finish. Disability Access: Full


8. Verulamium in a Nutshell Walk
Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, St Albans

Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

This walk explores Verulamium Park - site of Britain's third largest Roman town and the only complete Roman Theatre. We also explore the remains of the Roman Walls, foundations of the London Gate and a superb mosaic.
Saturday: 1100
Sunday: 1500

Directions: Meet outside the entrance to Verulamium Museum. Parking in Verulamium Museum car park
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Café in the park, 100m from the start of the walk
Disability Access: Partial - Verulamium Park and the theatre are accessible. Access to the Town House and shops at the theatre is by steps only.


9. Wars of the Roses
Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, St Albans

Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

The First Battle of St Albans was fought in and around the market place of St Albans and was the opening battle of the Wars of the Roses. Hear about the reasons why, the personalities involved and who won. There's even a Shakespearean connection! Come and join the battle - no armour needed.
Thursday: 1100
Directions
: Meet at the front of the Old Town Hall, Market Place. Parking close by in the city centre car parks
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Disability Access: None


EVENTS

10. Abbey Gateway
St Albans School, Abbey Gateway, St Albans

Tel: 01727 855521
Web: www.st-albans.herts.sch.uk

The most complete medieval gateway in England.
Tours from 1000 to 1530, every half hour. Tours take 35-40 minutes.
Sunday: 1000 - 1530
Directions: The Gateway is adjacent to the West front of St Albans Abbey.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Each tour limited to 20 visitors. Some very, steep steps. Parking available in St Albans School car park, alongside the gateway.
Disability Access: No disabled access to Gateway


11. Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban
St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans
Tel: 01727 860780
Web: www.stalbanscathedral.org.uk

From its elevated situation on the site of the execution and burial of Saint Alban, our first British martyr, the Cathedral has dominated its surroundings for over 900 years. It is a building of contrasting architectural styles from the Saxon period through to the great Victorian restoration and a 20th century Chapter house.
Thursday: 0830 - 1745
Tours available at 1130 and 1430
Friday: 0830 - 1745
Tours available at 1130 and 1430
Saturday: 0830 - 1745
Tours available at 1130 and 1400
1600 - Evensong
1730 - Free Organ Recital. All are welcome.
Sunday: 0830 - 1745
1430 you can join in the celebrated ‘Town, Crown and Cloister’ tour, starting at the Clock Tower in St Albans before arriving at the Cathedral.
1500 - Guided tour looking at the Cathedral’s ancient graffiti.
1830 - Evensong
General tour available at 1430
Other notes: Families can pick up a Children’s Trail or an Explorer Bag from the Bookshop to help discover the secrets of this magnificent building.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Disability Access: Disabled parking provided, Induction loop, Touch & Hearing Centre, Braille guide plan. Wheelchair access is through the West Doors or the Slype.
Refreshments: The Café at the Abbey serves lunches and refreshments
Thursday and Friday 0830 - 1630
Saturday 1000 - 1600
Sunday from 1300 - 1600
Join us at one of the regular services:
Saturday 1600 - Evensong, a service of music sung by the Cathedral Choir, readings and prayer.
Sunday 0930 - Parish Eucharist, including special provision for children.
Sunday 1115 - Choral Eucharist, sung by the Cathedral Choir
Sunday 1830 - Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir.


12. Clock Tower
Market Place, St Albans

Web: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Built between 1403 and 1412, the Clock Tower is the only medieval town belfry in England, and has its original bell. The tower is 19.6 metres high and has 94 steps to the top via a narrow spiral staircase giving fine views of the Cathedral, Roman Verulamium and the City. The Tower and its fine bell have survived 600 years of use.

Saturday: 1030 - 1700
Sunday: 1030 – 1700
Directions: On the corner of High Street, French Row and Market Street.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Disability Access: None


13. Court and Convicted Exhibition
Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, St Albans

Tel: 01727 864511
Web: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

An exhibition on some of the trials which took place in this perfectly preserved Regency Court Room.
Thursday: 1000 - 1600
Friday: 1000 - 1600
Saturday: 1000 - 1600
Sunday: 1000 - 1600
Directions: Entrance via Tourist and Information Centre, St Peter's Street
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Disability Access: Partial – Upper tier of courtroom is accessible by wheelchair. Main display is on this level.


14. Dagnall Street Baptist Church
Upper Dagnall Street, St Albans

Tel: 01727 846891
Web: www.dsbc.org.uk

Built in 1885, the present church stands on the site first used by St Albans Baptists in 1720. There are a number of features unusual for a Victorian-era Free Church. Saturday: 1000 - 1700
Sunday: 1400 - 1700
Directions: Central St Albans, Upper Dagnall Street, alongside WH Smith.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Open for viewing and information. Exhibition of the Church's history. Teas and light meals available from adjoining coffee shop open 1000 - 1400 on the Saturday. No parking at the church, but public car park opposite.
Disability Access: Full access via Cross Street coffee shop entrance


15. Giant Monopoly Event
Tel: 01727 827667
Web: www.activestalbans.co.uk

Game of Giant Monopoly taking in some of the sites and attractions of the St Albans District. Start point at the Old Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans
Sunday: 1200 - 1600
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Event run by St Albans Arts Sport & Health. Routes will have easy access to public car parks throughout the district
Disability Access: Partial - some of the heritage buildings in the District have limited/no disabled access


16 Kingsbury Barn
Kingsbury Manor, St.Michaels Street, St Albans
Tel: 01727 838965

Kingsbury Barn was built by the Abbey in 1374 and has recently undergone a comprehensive programme of conservation. Also on display will be an exhibition including "Domestic Architecture in Fishpool Street" featuring the photography of John Bethell.
Thursday: 1000 - 1200 and 1400 - 1600
Friday: 1000 - 1200 and 1400 - 1600
Saturday: 1000 – 1700
Sunday: 1000 - 1700
Directions: Kingsbury Barn is inside Kingsbury Mews on Branch Road - enter through the gates to the left just inside.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Disabled parking only - public parking at Verulamium Museum car park.
Disability Access: Full access


17. Museum of St Albans
9a Hatfield Road, St Albans
Tel: 01727 819340
Web: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

The story of historic St Albans from the Romans to the present day is told through lively displays using the museum's collections. The museum also has a wildlife garden. Free admission. Please note that the downstairs galleries will be closed for refurbishment.
Thursday: 1000 - 1700
Friday: 1000 - 1700
Saturday: 1000 - 1700
Sunday: 1400 - 1700
Directions: From the town centre, take the A1057(Hatfield Road). The Museum is next to Kashu
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: There is a small car park at the museum. Other parking is available in the city centre within a 10 minute walk.
Disability Access: Disabled access to ground floor galleries only. Disabled toilet available


 

 

 

St Albans & Harpenden Review: HERITAGE TIMETABLE IMAGE

18. Redbourn 900
Web: www.redbourn900.co.uk

In 1110 St Mary’s Church was founded. This gave a real sense of identity to the local community which, it is believed, then consisted of just 27 people. These celebrations in 2010 are not only about the founding of the church but also about the development of the community. This is a community which has emerged, after some 900 years, into the beginning of the 21st Century, with over 5,000 residents living in a vibrant and diverse village, in beautiful countryside, with great warmth and a fantastic community spirit, a spirit reflected in winning the People Category of the 2009 Hertfordshire Village of the Year competition.

St Mary's Church, Redbourn 
Saturday
: 1930 - 2130
Canticle Chamber Choir - “Music in Praise of Mary”
Do I need to Pre - Book?: Yes
Disability Access: Full
Sunday: 1030 - 1200
Festival Choral Eucharist
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Disability Access: Full

Redbourn Common, Redbourn
Sunday:
1000 - 1800

Redbourn 900 Village Finale Celebrations on Redbourn Common - celebrity cricket; dress in hats; Redbourn's heritage; hat competition;Mr Marvel; Mad Hatter's Tea Party; grand raffle draw; Finals of Redbourn's Got Talent
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Park on Redbourn Common. Hog roast. Guiness Record attempt - Hats on the Common
Disability Access: Full


19. Redbournbury Mill
 Redbourn Road, St Albans
Tel: 01582 792874
Web: www.redbournmill.co.uk

Fully restored working 18th Century watermill museum, producing organic stoneground flour and artisan bread.
Sunday: 1400 - 1700
Directions: off A5183 Redbourn / St Albans Road
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Parking, walks, flour and bread for sale
Disability Access: Ground floor only and toilet

St Albans & Harpenden Review: SOPWELL NUNNERY


20. Roman Mosaic (Hypocaust Building)
Verulamium Park, St Michaels, St Albans

Tel: 01727 751810
Web: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

In Verulamium Park lies the Roman Mosaic - part of a suite of rooms in a large town house built around AD200. Beneath a fine mosaic, there is an under floor heating system, a hypocaust. It is a precursor of modern central heating - the Romans had no intentions of enduring a climate they found unpleasantly cold in winter!
Thursday: 1000 - 1630
Friday: 1000 – 1630
Saturday: 1000 - 1630
Sunday: 1400 - 1630
Directions: Next to St Michael's Church in St Michael's Village. (Follow brown signs) Follow signs from Verulamium Museum Car Park (350m) - 10 minute walk
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: There is a small car park at the museum. Other parking is available at Westminster Lodge and in the city centre within a 15 minute walk. Refreshments available locally.
Disability Access: Full. There is a motorised disability cart available from Verulamium Museum


21. Ryder Building
Comfort Hotel, Holywell Hill, St Albans

Tel: 01727 848849
Web: www.comforthotelstalbans.co.uk

Now housing the Comfort Hotel, this was originally built as the headquarter offices of the Ryder Seed Company. Samuel Ryder is now best known for starting the Ryder Cup golf match, now played between America and Europe. On Saturday and Sunday there will a display by the City and District of St Albans Tour Guides in the Samuel Ryder Room, exploring the life and legacy of Samuel Ryder.
Thursday: 1000 - 2100
Friday: 1000 - 2100
Saturday: 1000 - 2100
Sunday: 1000 - 2100
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Bar is open from 1000 until 2300 for teas, coffees etc. Parking is permit only and can be obtained free from hotel reception.
Disability Access: Partial - listed stairwell to Samuel Ryder office, no lift access


22. Sopwell Nunnery
Off Cottonmill Lane, St Albans
Tel: 01727 751810
Web: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Visit the ruins of Sir Richard Lee's Tudor great house, built c1555 on the site of a 12th Century nunnery bought from Henry VIII.
Thursday: Open Access
Friday: Open Access
Saturday: Open Access
Sunday: Open Access
Directions: Just south of the River Ver, off Cottonmill Lane
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Car parking on the road, some restrictions apply
Disability Access: Partial - on open common land, may be difficult for disabled visitors


23. St Albans Market & Farmers Market
St Peter's Street, St Albans

Tel: 01727 819452
Web: www.stalbans.gov.uk/business/markets

Saturday: 1000 - 1630: The Famous St Albans market, the largest street market in the South East (excluding London).
Sunday: 1000 - 1400: As always on the 2nd Sunday in the month it is the St Albans Farmers Market
Directions: St Peters Street
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Disability Access: Full

St Albans & Harpenden Review: VERULAMIUM MUSEUM


24. St Albans Odeon / Alpha
166 London Road, St Albans
Tel: 01442 877999
Web: http://www.allaboutstalbans.com/directory/cinema-project/1-43

If you missed the first look in July, here’s a second chance to see inside the old 1930s Odeon cinema, closed since 1995. Now under refurbishment, the building is being cleared and visitors can see how work is progressing and hear about the 'dream', along with the chance to ask questions about the development.
Sunday: 1200 - 1400
Directions: The cinema is located opposite the Esso garage on London Road.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Disability Access: None


25. St Albans South Signal Box
Ridgmont Rd, St Albans

Web: www.sigbox.co.uk

The Grade II listed Midland Railway signal box built in 1892 has been restored and the operating floor will be open to the public. It is the only signalbox adjacent to an operational main line railway with public access. Signalling demonstrations will run continuously, with video and slide shows. Steam traction engine rides and refreshments available.
Saturday: 1000 - 1600
Sunday: 1000 - 1600
Directions: 200 yds South of City station - platform 4 exit. Free parking in Ridgmont Road
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Watch the trains go by with tea and cakes on the lawn.
Disability Access: Partial - no upstairs access


26. St Leonard's Church, Sandridge
Church End, Sandridge, St Albans
Tel: 01727 811899
Web: www.achurchnearyou.com/sandridge

Village church of Norman origin, with many features of architectural or local historical interest. Guided tours at 1430 on Saturday and Sunday. Childrens' worksheet available.
Saturday: 1000 - 1800
Sunday: 1400 - 1730
Directions: Off the B651 St Albans to Wheathampstead Road. Bus 304 or 620
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Free parking in Church End or in Village Hall car park
Disability Access: Full


27. St Luke's Sharing Stories Group: Memories of World War II Exhibition
St Luke's Church, Cell Barnes Lane, St Albans

Tel: 01727 865399
Web: www.saint-lukes.co.uk

We have collected the vivid memories of local people who lived through World War II and can remember evacuees, bombing and blackout as well as day-to-day life in school and at home. Our exhibition uses their extraordinary words and photos to show what life was like during World War Two.
Saturday: 1000 - 1600
Directions: St Luke's Church is next door to Cunningham Hill Infant School
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: There is limited parking at the church but plenty in the street nearby. The event is free of charge.
Disability Access: Full access although toilets may be a little narrow


28. St Michael's Church
St Michael's Street, St Albans

Tel: 01727 835037
Web: www.stmichaels-parishchurch.org.uk

Famous 1,000 year old church, built on the site of the basilica/forum of the Roman town of Verulamium where St Alban was tried and found guilty of not giving up his new found belief in Christianity. Church is open to visitors in the afternoons.
Thursday: 1300 - 1600
Friday: 1300 - 1600
Saturday: 1300 - 1600
Sunday: 1300 - 1600
Directions: Opposite Verulamium Museum
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Parkiing (ticket machine) in car park by Verulamium Museum
Disability Access: Access into church via a ramp at the main door and access to the north side, nave and lady chapel


29. St Peter's Church
St. Peter's Street, St. Albans

Tel: 01727 855485
Web: www.stpeterschurch.uk.com

St. Peter's Church commands the Northern end of St. Peter's Street. Founded in 948 AD, successive restorations have given a wholly Victorian appearance to a church containing a largely 15th century nave, many interesting memorials including that of Edward Strong (Master Mason in the construction of St. Paul's Cathedral) and an intriguing series of medieval painted glass windows made up of fragments of earlier windows smashed in strange circumstances. Buried in the churchyard are many killed in the Battles of St Albans in 1455 and 1461. Visitors will be able to ascend the tower to see the ringing chamber and the bells and there will be explanatory displays to help you understand the history of this fascinating building. Depending on the weather, you will be able to go onto the tower roof, the highest point in St Albans (age restrictions apply).
Saturday: 1100 - 1700
Sunday: 1400 - 1700
Directions: At the North end of St Peter's Street, just North of Hatfield Road/Catherine Street roundabout
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Refreshments will be available, and toliets. No car parking
Disability Access: Partial - Full access to the church, but the tower is only accessible by a spiral staircase.


30. The Independent Chapel
Spicer Street, St Albans

Tel: 01727 857044
Web: www.spicerstreet.org.uk

Grade II Listed non-Conformist chapel, built in 1811. There are many original features and there will be an exhibition tracing the church's history back to 1650. Famous associations with poet William Cowper, hymn writer Philip Doddridge, and Samuel Ryder of Ryder Cup fame.
Saturday: 1200 - 1700
Sunday: 1400 - 1700
Directions: 200 metres from city centre off George Street.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Nearest car parks: Christopher Place (Sat only), Russell Avenue and Gombards (Sat and Sun). Tea/coffee available.
Disability Access: Partial - wheelchair access to ground floor only


31. The Independent Chapel (Lecture)
Spicer Street, St Albans
Tel: 01727 857044
Web: www.spicerstreet.org.uk

Lecture: A History of our Church
Saturday: 1600
Sunday: 1600
Directions: 200 metres from city centre off George Street.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Nearest car parks: Christopher Place (Sat only), Russell Avenue and Gombards (Sat and Sun). Tea/coffee available.
Disability Access: Partial - wheelchair access to ground floor only


32. The Roman Theatre of Verulamium
Bluehouse Hill, St Albans
Tel: 01727 853035
Web: www.romantheatre.co.uk

Built in c.40AD, the Roman theatre is unique in Britain, being a theatre with a stage, rather than an amphitheatre and is the only fully excavated example of its kind in Britain. The main ruins were unearthed in 1847 and subsequent excavations have revealed shop foundations, a Roman villa and a secret shrine.
Saturday: 1000 - 1700
Sunday: 1000 - 1700
Directions: Located just off road known as Bluehouse Hill (A4147) near the Verulamium Museum.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: No parking available at the theatre. Use Verulamium Museum car park. Disability Access: Partial


33. Verulamium Museum & Legion XIIII
Verulamium Museum, St. Michael's, St Albans

Tel: 01727 751810
Web: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Situated in Verulamium Park, the Museum houses the vast collection of finds excavated from the site of Verulamium, one of the largest towns in Roman Britain. The finds range from large mosaics, amongst the best in this country, to the small objects of everyday life. Using recreated Roman rooms, hands-on discovery areas, touch screens and video presentations, the Roman town is brought to life.
Admission will be free after 1400 on Thursday 9th, Friday 10th and Sunday 12th September and all day on Saturday 11th September
Thursday: 1000 – 1730
Friday: 1000 - 1730
Saturday: 1000-1730 (Legion XIIII - 1430 & 1530)
Sunday: 1400 -1730 (Legion XIIII - 1500)
Directions: Next to St Michael's Church in St Michaels Village. (Follow Brown Signs)
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: There is a small car park at the museum. Other parking is available at Westminster Lodge and in the city centre within a 15 minute walk.
Disability Access: Full


34. Wheathampstead Old Railway Station
Junction of Lower Luton Rd/Cory-Wright Way and Lamer Lane/Station Road, Wheathampstead
Tel: 01582 832541
Web: www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk

Partially restored platform and railbed with Victorian and later features, now used as a picnic site and part of the Village Heritage Trail. Unmanned and open access. The station was on the Hatfield to Luton & Dunstable Line, now a cycle route and walkway (National Route 57 and Ayot Greenway). 2010 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of Wheathampstead station as a passenger line. Until 2009 the former platform lay overgrown by ivy and sycamore, disused and all but forgotten. Through volunteer help it now springs back to life.
Thursday: Open access
Friday: Open access
Saturday: Open access
Sunday: Open access
Directions: Junction of B653 & B651. Access by roundabout Station Road - Codicote Road. Short walk from the free car park in East Lane (behind the Bull PH and restaurant). Regular bus service from St Albans, Harpenden, Luton, Welwyn Garden City and surrounding villages.
Do I need to pre-book?: No
Other notes: Free car park in East Lane (behind the Bull PH). Refreshments available a few minutes walk away in Village Centre - café/pub/restaurant/off-licence etc. Follow the Heritage Trail round the village or take a stroll and picnic informally along the River Lea.
Disability Access: None - access via 20 wide steps with hand rail only