28 Jan 2014
1. The only Roman Theatre in the UK
The Romans loved their deities and, the Roman god of love, Cupid, will no doubt be sharpening his bow and arrow in preparation for this Valentine’s Day.
Back when the Romans conquered Britain, St Albans was known as Verulamium and was the third largest Roman town in England.
The Romans left their mark in St Albans in more ways than one, and perhaps one of the most unique examples is the Roman Theatre of Verulamium. Built around 140AD, it is the best surviving example of its kind in Britain as it was a theatre with a stage rather than an amphitheatre.
So when it comes to proposals in a truly historical and unique place, the most romantic gesture in the ruins of Britain’s only Roman Theatre would be pretty hard to beat.
2. Pop the question at the UK’s oldest pub
Many pubs in the UK lay claim to being the oldest ale house in the country but there is only one that makes it into the Guinness Book of Records as being the oldest and that is Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in the heart of St Albans’ Verulamium Park.
Built in the 11th century, the walls of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks have bared witness to their fair share of budding romances.
It is reputed that Oliver Cromwell slept at the inn for one night during the Civil War of 1642-1651.
This Valentine’s Day, the pub will be serving up a menu of oysters, rib-eye steaks in chilli butter, pan-fried sea bass and pistachio and chocolate soufflé.
Book the table by the pub’s roaring log fire and set the scene for a cosy, winter’s tale of love and romance as you prepare to pop the question!
3. Towering effort
So if the oldest pub in the UK doesn’t float your boat, then how about getting down on one knee at the top of the only medieval working clock tower in the country?
Climb the 93 steps to the top of the Clock Tower for breathtaking views of St Albans, then get down on one knee and ask that all-important question.
The Clock Tower was built between 1403 and 1412, and is located in the square where the first battle of the Wars of the Roses took place in 1455.
Where to stay
St Michael’s Manor, St Albans Hertfordshire
For Valentine's Day, St Michael’s Manor has a special dinner, bed and breakfast package starting at £250 per room, per night. This includes a five-course Valentine's tasting menu with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for two guests, accommodation for two and breakfast in the morning. There will also be a bottle of Prosecco in guests' rooms. Must be booked by 13 February
- St Albans is the perfect place for a romantic mini break. It is one of the best-kept secrets in UK tourism: a historic gem of an English Cathedral City, just a stone's throw from London.
- St Albans stands out as a unique English Cathedral City. St Albans Cathedral is the oldest place of continual Christian worship in the UK, and has the longest nave of any Cathedral, including St Paul's and Westminster Abbey.
- St Albans has the only medieval clock tower in the country.
- St Albans has the oldest public school in Britain where Pope Adrian IV, the only Englishman to occupy the papal chair, and scientist Stephen Hawking were educated.
- The Roman city of Verulamium (now the site of St Albans' Verulamium park) was the second-largest town in Roman Britain after Londinium and was burned and destroyed by Queen Boudicca and her army (St Albans) in AD60
- St Albans' pub Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest pub in the country.
- St Albans Abbey (now Cathedral) was at one time the principal Abbey in England and was the location of the first meeting (in 1213) which ultimately led to the sealing of the Magna Carta (in 1215).
- St Albans has fabulous shopping with many small independent shops amongst the high street stores and a fantastic range of eating and drinking establishments.
- There is a packed calendar of special events throughout the year in the City, many of them family friendly
- It's easy to get here too. We're just 22 minutes from London St Pancras, a short hop off the M1 and M25 motorways, within easy reach of London Luton and Heathrow airports. Come and visit to discover St Albans for yourself - you'll be sure of a warm welcome.
-Ends-
For further information please contact:
Angie Cronin
Tel: 07970810302
Email: angie@loudbird.co.uk
