Background

Verulamium Museum: Gateway to Roman Britain in St Albans

Step into Roman Britain at Verulamium Museum, where history, mosaics, and ancient ruins bring St Albans’ past vividly to life.

4.6

Verulamium Museum in St Albans offers a captivating journey into Roman Britain, featuring remarkable mosaics, recreated Roman rooms, and interactive exhibits. Situated beside Verulamium Park, the museum showcases archaeological treasures from one of Britain's largest Roman cities, providing insights into daily life, trade, and culture during the Roman era. Ideal for history enthusiasts and families, the museum combines indoor galleries with access to outdoor Roman ruins.

A brief summary to Verulamium Museum

  • St Michael's St, St Albans, AL3 4SW, GB
  • +441727751810
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-3:30 pm

Local tips

  • Plan your visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience and more peaceful exploration of exhibits.
  • Combine your museum trip with a stroll through Verulamium Park to see the Roman theatre and hypocaust ruins.
  • Check the museum’s website for special talks and events that often bring Roman history to life.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as exploring both indoor galleries and outdoor ruins involves walking.
  • Residents of St Albans City & District may be eligible for discounted entry—bring proof of residency.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Train and Bus

    From London St Pancras International, take a direct train to St Albans City station (approx. 20–30 minutes). From there, catch the local bus number 1 or 2 towards St Albans city centre; the museum is a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. Train tickets range from £10 to £20 return.

  • Car

    Driving from central St Albans, the museum is accessible via St Michael's Street. Parking is limited nearby; public car parks in the city centre are available within a 5–10 minute walk. Parking fees typically range from £1 to £3 per hour.

  • Walking

    If staying in St Albans city centre, the museum is about a 15–20 minute walk through scenic streets and Verulamium Park. The terrain is flat and suitable for most visitors, including those with limited mobility.

Verulamium Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Verulamium Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Verulamium Museum

Unearthing Roman Heritage in St Albans

Verulamium Museum stands on the site of the ancient Roman city of Verulamium, once among the largest urban centers in Roman Britain. The museum’s location adjacent to Verulamium Park places visitors amidst the very landscape where Roman life unfolded nearly two millennia ago. Founded in the 1st century AD, Verulamium was a bustling hub of commerce and culture, and the museum’s collections vividly bring this history to life through artifacts excavated from the surrounding area.

Immersive Exhibits and Stunning Mosaics

Inside, the museum features recreated Roman rooms complete with frescoes and domestic scenes, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience Roman domestic life firsthand. One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of Roman mosaics, regarded as some of the finest outside the Mediterranean. These intricate floor mosaics reveal the artistic sophistication and cultural influences of the period. Interactive displays, touch screen databases, and video presentations further enrich the visitor experience, making history accessible and engaging.

Exploring Roman Daily Life and Society

The museum’s exhibits cover a broad spectrum of Roman life, including trade, religion, leisure, and burial customs. Visitors can learn about the gods and goddesses worshipped, the food and drink enjoyed, and the social structures that shaped the community. The museum also hosts talks and events that delve into topics such as Roman coins, local archaeology, and the broader history of St Albans, deepening visitors’ understanding of the region’s heritage.

Verulamium Park and Outdoor Roman Ruins

Beyond the museum walls, Verulamium Park offers a scenic setting dotted with significant Roman remains, including parts of the city walls, a Roman theatre, and a hypocaust system—an ancient form of central heating. Many visitors combine their museum visit with a walk through the park to explore these outdoor archaeological sites, which complement the indoor exhibits and provide a fuller picture of Roman urban life.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

The museum is family-friendly and caters to all ages with hands-on discovery areas and educational trails available for download or collection on site. Typical visits last between one to two hours, with additional time recommended for exploring the park’s ruins. The museum operates daily with opening hours generally from 10:00 to 16:00, with some variation on weekends. Entry fees are reasonable, with discounts available for residents, seniors, and groups. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for the latest information on opening times, events, and ticketing.

Preserving a National Treasure

Verulamium Museum plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting one of Britain’s most important Roman sites. Its blend of archaeological rigor, engaging storytelling, and accessible displays makes it a cornerstone of cultural heritage in Hertfordshire. Whether you are a history buff, a family seeking an educational outing, or a curious traveler, the museum offers a rich and rewarding experience that connects you to Britain’s ancient past.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Verulamium Museum

Popular Hotels near Verulamium Museum

Select Currency