Verulamium Park — Attraction in St Albans

Very much disappointed this time. Just a few weeks ago we tried on a Saturday to visit here but couldn't get anywhere near because of it being so jam packed, Lord knows why. So, we today, a quiet day so as we'd be able to park and go to the museum. We especially wanted to see the hypercaust in the enclosed building at top of the hill. Excited that we found it actually open this time but oh boy was I disappointed. There is actually not much to see, nothing there explains a lot about it and, the picture at the back inside tells us nothing. It really needs a makeover, like something of a push button screen with voice telling us all about the first discovery what was found and show us on screen exactly what was found because there must be more to that mosaic hypercaust. No wonder no one goes or stays long. Not very educational for children. So, the museum itself, I quite enjoyed it the last time we went, probably 3 years ago but today, wow for the price plus extra if you want to go to the theatre as well is not worth the price. We paid, very pleasant staff no problem but it took us 20 mins max and get out. No thought of displays same old boring ones nothing new, I bet they've got loads of new/other pottery n coins in the locked away we haven't seen yet. And again have some push button screens for us to see n hear all about those items on display because I can't see the writing and not all have information about them. So all in all boring, the gift shops needs new stock I wanted something I bought last time but there was nothing of the kind and out dated stock and over priced on some. The customer toilets, male and female are horrible, not clean, no soap, no dryers working, dirty radiators, all needs a lick of paint and up dating. The small cafe needs a rethink too. Some items are so over priced. So, not much for anyone to do here but take kids to play area, bit boring if you've had to drive there, I wouldn't go just for the play park. So verymum Park and museum get your buildings sorted out and maybe we will be glad to pay and visit. Will be another few years b4 we go back to see if...

A childhood favourite, from school trips and family days out. Park in one of the many town centre car parks and then make your way past the cathedral and down the big grassy hill (footpath to the side). We recently visited for a family picnic on a sunny day. The lakes and park were as beautiful as ever. Lots of open grass for dogs and children to run. Lots of nature. Plenty of wildlife on the lakes. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the cathedral is stunning. The Roman ruins are interesting to look at although a bit lost on those of us who didn't pay attention in history class! There are some fantastic old trees. Accessible flat and wide pathways. A playground with plenty of play equipment and a seasonal splash park. I'm not sure if there were any changing facilities for little ones and their swimming togs, I didn't see any personally so we availed of the toilets at the park coffee shop, which you're probably not really supposed to do. The coffee shop sells hot and cold drinks, ice cream, doggie ice cream and treats, and some hot and cold bites. Slightly steep pricing but St Albans is an extremely expensive area to live and so it comes with the territory. The park is a great day out for families and you can spend hours here and not get bored. It's a short walk/roll up a steep hill into the city centre which is one of my favourites for...

Great for most things you'd want of a park and pretty big. The main areas have all the usual family stuff and ice creams etc, and there are some beautiful nature areas around the edges beyond the bits of roman wall. There are little valleys/dells of woodland with bluebells etc, and lots of interesting geology so brilliant if you like archeology and fossils etc. There are toilets at the museum car park but that one gets very busy on Saturdays, so the Westminster leisure centre is a safer bet especially if you are meeting friends.

Overall a great place, but I've never liked the very man made lake/pond which is shallow and usually filthy! Happily though, I read on a sign that they are looking to make it more natural, so that will improve it greatly! There are some bits of chalk stream around it that are much nicer, and I hadn't really explored much of til recently, lovely for a doggy dip or paddle. Chalk streams are also quite a rare habitat, so you can learn a bit about wildlife too, and hopefully the lake improvements will help to...