Verulamium Museum
Discover Roman Britain at Verulamium Museum, featuring stunning mosaics, recreated rooms, and ancient ruins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Verulamium Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Roman Britain at Verulamium Museum, featuring stunning mosaics, recreated rooms, and ancient ruins.
"A thoroughly delightful and informative experience—compact, captivating, and accessible."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Advantage
Your museum ticket often covers the Roman Theatre and Hypocaust too! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Lots of walking around the park's Roman sites. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Roman Mosaics
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at some of the finest Roman mosaics outside the Mediterranean, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Recreated Roman Rooms
Exhibition Galleries
Step back in time with immersive reconstructions of Roman homes, complete with frescoes and domestic scenes.
The Sandridge Hoard
Exhibition Galleries
Discover a dazzling collection of gold coins from the Roman era, offering a glimpse into ancient wealth.
Roman Verulamium Park
Adjacent to the museum
Explore the ruins of the ancient Roman town, including walls, the theatre, and the hypocaust.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Roman Wonders
Beyond the Museum Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Advantage
Your museum ticket often covers the Roman Theatre and Hypocaust too! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Lots of walking around the park's Roman sites. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Interactive Displays
Engaging for all ages, especially kids! :iphone:
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Car park is available but charges apply. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Advantage
Your museum ticket often covers the Roman Theatre and Hypocaust too! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Lots of walking around the park's Roman sites. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Interactive Displays
Engaging for all ages, especially kids! :iphone:
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Car park is available but charges apply. :car:
🎁 Museum Shop Treasures
Check out the museum shop for unique souvenirs. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Verulamium Museum for its stunning Roman mosaics and well-preserved artifacts, offering an immersive journey into ancient life. The family-friendly atmosphere and the inclusion of outdoor Roman sites like the theatre and hypocaust are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it a highly recommended historical gem.
"We were in St Albans for a few days. I didn't know what to expect as it's so close to London, a place I cannot abide. But it was SO beautiful. Very quaint and very English. The cathedral is wonderful with medieval wallpaintings still intact and two saints shrines. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. But the big surprise was the roman remains. In the middle of the park below the cathedral, in a small building, is a beautiful roman mosaic. Then we found the museum. Here are some fabulous mosaics, plasterwork and all sorts of other finds from the old roman town of Verulamium. I was particularly taken with the contents of a carpenters workshop. The hand tools were not dissimilar to those used today. Back outside, we found considerable lengths of the old roman walls. What a wonderful place."
Jon Smith
"Well maintained and a huge park with a play area, garden, golf course and cycling trails. The walking trails near the pond has to be looked in to as they were messed by duck poop. It has ample car parking but they do charge for it. It’s a great place for a family picnic or to hang around with family and friends."
U D
"A fascinating collection of Roman artefacts from the ancient city of Verulamium the ruins of which are located beneath modern Saint Albans.
Also worth visiting is the preserved hypocaust ("hot air central heating channels") from a Roman Villa located across the park a short distance from the museum and also visit the amazing Roman theatre across the road from the nearby church."
Derek Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Verulamium Park, St Albans. It's easily accessible by car, with a pay-and-display car park nearby. Public transport options include local bus routes that stop close to the park, and St Albans City station is a walkable distance away.
Yes, there is a pay-and-display car park directly outside the museum. Be aware that charges apply for parking.
Yes, the museum is a pleasant walk from St Albans city centre and the cathedral, taking approximately 15-20 minutes through the park.
Local bus services stop near Verulamium Park, making it accessible by public transport. St Albans City train station is also within walking distance.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Verulamium Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically include adult and child rates, with under 5s often free. A family ticket option may also be available. Check the museum's website for current pricing.
Often, your Verulamium Museum ticket provides entry to the nearby Roman Theatre and the Hypocaust. It's worth confirming this when purchasing your ticket to maximize your visit.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the museum on the day of your visit. Booking online in advance might be recommended during peak times to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or groups. It's advisable to inquire directly with the museum or check their website for any applicable concessions.
Verulamium Park itself is free to enter and explore. The entrance fee applies specifically to the Verulamium Museum and its associated Roman sites.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum boasts stunning Roman mosaics, recreated Roman rooms, pottery, glassware, and artifacts from the Roman town of Verulamium, including items from the Boudiccan burnt horizon. 
Absolutely! The museum is very family-friendly with interactive displays, artifact handling, explorer trails, and dress-up activities that engage children.
Adjacent to the museum is Verulamium Park, which contains the remains of the Roman town, including sections of the city walls, the Roman Theatre, and a preserved hypocaust (Roman central heating system).
A typical visit to the museum itself takes about 1-2 hours. If you plan to explore the Roman Theatre and Hypocaust in the park, allow an additional 1-2 hours.
While not always advertised, check the museum's schedule or inquire at the information desk about any available guided tours or talks, especially for special exhibitions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the museum, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for any specific signage.
The mosaics are incredibly photogenic, as are the recreated Roman rooms. The outdoor Roman Theatre and city walls also offer great photographic opportunities.
For commercial filming or professional photography, you'll likely need to contact the museum in advance to arrange permissions and potentially a fee.
Weekday mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and fewer people, making for better photos, especially of the outdoor sites.
Yes, you can generally photograph the museum shop for personal memories, but be mindful of other shoppers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the museum walls, Verulamium Park provides ample space for kids to run around, a playground, and the exciting prospect of exploring the Roman Theatre and city walls. It’s an ideal spot for a family picnic after a morning of discovery. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot to explore both inside and out!
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the archaeological sites surrounding the museum, such as the Roman Theatre and the Hypocaust. These outdoor remnants offer a tangible connection to the past and provide a broader context for the artifacts displayed within the museum.
🚶 Day-Trippers from London
The museum itself is compact yet rich in content, making it perfect for a few hours of exploration, and your ticket often includes access to the outdoor Roman sites like the theatre and hypocaust. Combine your visit with a stroll through the beautiful Verulamium Park and perhaps a look at St Albans Cathedral for a well-rounded day of history and scenic beauty. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the bustling city and offers a unique historical perspective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Roman Verulamium: Beyond the Museum
One of the most impressive outdoor features is the Roman Theatre, located across the road from the nearby church. Though now largely ruins, you can still discern the seating areas and stage, imagining the performances that once took place here. A short distance away, you'll find the Hypocaust, a remarkably well-preserved example of Roman underfloor heating. Exploring these sites provides a powerful connection to the daily lives and engineering prowess of the Romans who inhabited Verulamium.
Many visitors find that combining the museum visit with an exploration of these outdoor ruins offers a truly comprehensive understanding of Roman Verulamium. It’s a chance to see how the artifacts within the museum were once part of a living, breathing city. Planning your visit to include both the indoor exhibits and the outdoor archaeological sites is highly recommended for a complete experience.
The Mosaics of Verulamium: A Masterclass in Roman Art
Visitors are particularly struck by the detail and artistry evident in these mosaics. You can see how different colored tesserae (small cubes of stone or glass) were expertly arranged to create stunning images. The museum's presentation allows you to get up close, appreciating the craftsmanship involved. Some of the most notable examples include those found in the dining rooms and reception areas of wealthy Roman villas, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of the era.
Beyond the visual appeal, these mosaics offer valuable insights into Roman culture, beliefs, and daily life. The scenes depicted can tell stories, illustrate myths, or simply showcase the aesthetic preferences of the time. The Verulamium mosaic collection is a testament to the sophisticated artistic traditions that flourished in Roman Britain.
Family Fun at Verulamium: Engaging Young Historians
The recreated Roman rooms are a particular hit with families, providing a visual and spatial understanding of how people lived in Roman times. The museum's layout is generally easy to navigate, and the staff are often noted for being friendly and helpful, adding to a positive family experience.
When planning a family visit, consider checking the museum's website for any special events or workshops tailored for children. The combination of indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration ensures that a trip to Verulamium Museum can be both educational and incredibly entertaining for visitors of all ages.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit