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Ye Olde Fighting Cocks St Albans

4.5
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

Step into history at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, one of England's oldest pubs, offering classic fare and a rustic charm by the River Ver.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Ye Olde Fighting Cocks - Image 1

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks St Albans

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into history at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, one of England's oldest pubs, offering classic fare and a rustic charm by the River Ver. Instagram+1

4.5
(3k reviews)

"It's not just a pub, it's a living piece of history that offers a truly authentic experience. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Claim to Oldest Pub

While it claims to be the oldest, it's one of several contenders. Enjoy the history regardless!

🚗 Parking Nearby

Parking can be tricky. Consider public transport or walking if exploring St Albans.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Walls

The Ancient Walls

Throughout the pub

Step back in time in one of England's oldest pubs, with claims dating back to 793 AD.

Instagram+1
Riverside Charm

Riverside Charm

Outdoor seating area

Enjoy a pint by the River Ver, a picturesque spot perfect for a relaxing break.

Instagram
Live Music Nights

Live Music Nights

Pub interior

Catch local bands and musicians, adding a lively soundtrack to your pub experience.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History (and the Crowds)

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks claims to be one of England's oldest pubs, drawing history buffs and tourists alike. Expect it to be busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider a weekday visit to soak in the atmosphere without the peak crowds. Instagram+1

Beyond the Pint: What to Expect

While famous for its history and ales, this pub also serves classic British fare. Many visitors note the friendly staff and charming outdoor area. It's a great stop after exploring nearby Verulamium Park or St Albans Cathedral. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, live music
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is a contender for England's oldest pub, after holding the World Record for some time, before verifying standards changed. Regardless it is certainly one of the very oldest and well worth a special visit. 🐓 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks ✅ 1 of 12 🔀 St. Albans 📖 England Volume I 📍 Abbey Mill Ln, AL3 4HE @fightingcockssa 👉 I'm sharing Historic Pubs in London, Manhattan and across England covered i...
historicpubcrawls
1.6K likes • 57.6K views

🎯 Claim to Oldest Pub

While it claims to be the oldest, it's one of several contenders. Enjoy the history regardless! Instagram+1

🚗 Parking Nearby

Parking can be tricky. Consider public transport or walking if exploring St Albans. Reddit

THE OLDEST PUB IN ENGLAND. ST. ALBANS ⠀ 🍺 It is one of several pubs that lay claim to being the oldest in England, claiming to have been in business since 793 AD. ⠀ 🍺 St Albans Cathedral and grounds are just across the road and there are tunnels stretching from the beer cellar to the Cathedral, apparently used by Monks. ⠀ 🍻 They say that Oliver Cromwell, stayed here during the Civil War of 1642-16...
valeria.zhu.travels
0 likes • 468 views
THE OLDEST PUB IN ENGLAND??? That is the claim from Ye Olde Fighting Cocks public house in St Albans. Not only is this an amazing location on the River Ver, but the history is unparalleled. The food is fab & the pints cold. Only 45 mins from the center of London. Make sure you stop by St Albans! Ps. How great is the name of the River?? 😉 #ukpubs #pubculture #britishhistory #oldestpubUK #england...
travelingtanya
1 likes • 232 views

🍽️ Food & Drink

Classic British fare and a good beer selection. Food can be a bit of a hunt on busy nights. InstagramReddit

🎶 Live Music

Check their schedule for live music, often on Fridays and Saturdays. Free entry! Instagram

It is said that the Romans first brought tabarnae to England in AD 43 and the oldest pub is the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans dating back to 1600. Whatever the history, when visiting London make sure to pop in to a local boozer. Most now serve great food and a few even have Michelin star restaurants! #londonpubscene #publichouseslondon #historyofpubs #visitlondonpubs
halsalltravel
8 likes • 166 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Claim to Oldest Pub

While it claims to be the oldest, it's one of several contenders. Enjoy the history regardless! Instagram+1

🚗 Parking Nearby

Parking can be tricky. Consider public transport or walking if exploring St Albans. Reddit

🍽️ Food & Drink

Classic British fare and a good beer selection. Food can be a bit of a hunt on busy nights. InstagramReddit

🎶 Live Music

Check their schedule for live music, often on Fridays and Saturdays. Free entry! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is celebrated for its incredible history and authentic, rustic charm, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Visitors praise the friendly staff, good food, and the unique atmosphere of one of England's oldest pubs. While it can get very busy, especially on weekends, the overall experience is highly recommended for its historical significance and pleasant riverside setting. InstagramReddit+1

"Nice enough pub, v busy at the weekend, tends to be popular with overseas tourists as it claims to be the 'oldest pub in the world'. It's not but it's v old. Decent selection of drinks, food is good, staff are generally helpful. Worth a visit and pretty much an authentic old English pub if that's something you want to visit."

derrick tempest

"Sure! Here’s a polished and heartfelt Google review you can use:



We recently held our engagement party here and couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, the service was outstanding. The staff were incredibly helpful, friendly, and went above and beyond to make everything run smoothly. Our waitress always served with a smile and was extremely efficient throughout the evening. The bar staff were just as amazing, even helping to clear our tables before our reservation began. I honestly can’t recommend this place enough – the staff alone make it truly special. Thank you for making our celebration unforgettable!"

Stefan Agathangelou

"On a random stroll to Verulamium on a hot Saturday afternoon, we popped in for drinks. The place was buzzing, wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves here. Despite being so busy, the plentiful bar staff were quick to serve - I was asked about four times if I had been served yet! Fantastic customer service. The drinks were perfect and reasonably priced. Excellent!"

Rob White

What People Like

Historic atmosphere
Friendly staff
Riverside location

What People Dislike

Can be very busy
Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is located in St Albans, Hertfordshire, just a short distance from London. You can reach St Albans by train from London St Pancras International in about 20-30 minutes. From St Albans station, it's a pleasant walk or a short taxi ride to the pub. Instagram Many visitors find it an easy day trip from London. Reddit

Parking directly at the pub can be limited due to its historic location. It's advisable to check for nearby public car parks in St Albans or consider using public transport. Reddit Walking from the train station or other attractions in St Albans is also a popular option. Instagram

Absolutely! Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is only about 45 minutes from central London, making it a perfect addition to a day trip from the city. Instagram Combine it with a visit to St Albans Cathedral or Verulamium Park for a full day out. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need to purchase tickets to enter Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. It operates as a traditional pub, and entry is free. Instagram You only pay for food and drinks you consume. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, the pub is open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times, especially around holidays. Instagram

Many of the live music events at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks have free entry, making it a great way to experience the pub's atmosphere. Instagram Always confirm this when checking their event schedule. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks claims to be one of the oldest pubs in England, with parts of the building dating back to 793 AD. Instagram+1 It has a rich history, with tales of monks using tunnels from the cellar to the nearby Cathedral. Instagram While its claim to be the absolute oldest is debated, its historical significance is undeniable. Instagram

The atmosphere is described as rustic, charming, and full of character, reflecting its ancient origins. Instagram It can be very busy, especially on weekends, with a lively buzz. Reddit The outdoor seating area by the River Ver offers a more tranquil experience. Instagram

Look for the ancient walls, the historic beer cellar which is said to have tunnels connecting to the Cathedral, and the general architecture that speaks of centuries of history. Instagram+1 The pub itself is a living piece of history. Reddit

Yes, families are welcome. The historic setting can be fascinating for children, and the outdoor area is a nice space. Instagram However, it can get crowded, so consider visiting during quieter times if you have young children. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The pub serves classic British fare, including traditional pub meals. Instagram Expect dishes like pies, fish and chips, and other hearty options. Reddit

Reviews generally indicate good food, with many praising the quality of the meals. Instagram Some mention that on busy nights, you might need to hunt for utensils or condiments, but the servers are usually very nice. Reddit

They offer a decent selection of drinks, including rotating beers. Instagram It's a great place to enjoy a traditional pint. Reddit

While you can book for events or parties, for regular dining, especially on busy nights, it might be first-come, first-served. It's best to check their booking policy directly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic exterior, the charming riverside setting, and the rustic interior details. Instagram+1 The unique architecture and the 'oldest pub' claim make for great storytelling photos. Instagram

It can be challenging to get clear shots of the interior during peak times due to the crowds. Reddit Consider visiting during off-peak hours or focusing on details and atmospheric shots. Instagram

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other patrons and staff. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families will find Ye Olde Fighting Cocks to be a unique and engaging stop. The sheer age of the pub and its historical claims can spark children's imaginations. Instagram The outdoor seating area by the River Ver provides a pleasant space for kids to enjoy the surroundings. Instagram While the pub serves classic fare that often appeals to younger palates, it can get quite busy, especially on weekends. Consider visiting during a weekday afternoon for a more relaxed experience with children. Reddit

🍻 History Buffs & Pub Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and traditional pubs, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is a must-visit. Its claim as one of England's oldest pubs, with roots potentially in the 8th century, offers a deep dive into centuries of British social history. Instagram+1 Explore the ancient architecture, imagine the monks who may have frequented its cellars, and savor a pint in a setting that has witnessed countless generations. InstagramReddit Engage with the staff about its storied past and enjoy the authentic, rustic atmosphere that sets it apart. Instagram

🚶 Day-Trippers from London

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is an excellent destination for a day trip from London, being only about 45 minutes away by train. Instagram It offers a refreshing escape from the city bustle into a historic setting. Combine your visit with exploring St Albans Cathedral and Verulamium Park for a well-rounded day of culture and relaxation. Reddit It's a perfect way to experience a piece of England's ancient heritage without venturing too far. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Oldest Pub' Debate

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans proudly claims the title of England's oldest pub, with a history stretching back to 793 AD. Instagram+1 This claim has earned it a place in historical discussions and even past Guinness World Records. However, the title of 'oldest pub' is fiercely contested in the UK, with several other establishments like Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham and Ye Olde Man & Scythe in Manchester also laying claim to ancient origins. Instagram Regardless of the definitive title, the historical significance and age of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks are undeniable, offering a tangible connection to centuries past. Reddit

Visitors often come specifically to experience this piece of history. The pub's architecture, with its thick walls and ancient features, transports you back in time. Instagram The stories associated with the pub, such as the alleged tunnels connecting to the St Albans Cathedral, add to its mystique. Instagram Whether it's the absolute oldest or not, it's certainly one of the most historically evocative pubs you can visit. Reddit

A Taste of Tradition: Food and Drink

Beyond its historical facade, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks offers a classic British pub experience with its food and drink menu. Instagram Visitors can expect traditional pub fare, often featuring hearty meals that complement the rustic ambiance. Think of comforting dishes like pies, roasts, and other British staples. Reddit The pub also boasts a selection of rotating beers, making it a prime spot for ale enthusiasts. Instagram

While the food is generally well-regarded, the experience can vary, especially during busy periods. Some patrons have noted that on bustling weekend nights, you might need to be proactive in finding cutlery or condiments. Reddit However, the friendly and efficient staff are usually quick to assist, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Reddit The combination of historical setting, good food, and a decent drink selection makes it a well-rounded destination for those seeking an authentic pub experience. Instagram

Beyond the Pub: Exploring St Albans

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is ideally situated for exploring the historic city of St Albans. Instagram Just across the road lies the magnificent St Albans Cathedral, a stunning example of Norman architecture with a rich history of its own. Instagram Nearby, Verulamium Park offers a beautiful green space to relax, explore Roman ruins, and enjoy the riverside setting that the pub overlooks. Instagram The city center itself is charming, with a market and various shops and cafes.

Many visitors combine a trip to the pub with a tour of these local landmarks. Reddit The proximity to these attractions makes Ye Olde Fighting Cocks a perfect starting or ending point for a day of sightseeing. Instagram Whether you're interested in Roman history, medieval architecture, or simply enjoying a scenic walk, St Albans has plenty to offer, with the pub serving as a delightful historical anchor. Reddit

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