Accessible Britain

If you’d rather go sightseeing, head for St Albans Cathedral (01727 860780, www.
stalbanscathedral.org), just south of the high street. Home to the shrine of St Alban
(Britain’s first saint), the building encompasses an exuberant blend of architectural
styles, from its Norman tower and medieval chapels through to the Victorian
restorations and twentieth-century Chapter House. Wheelchair access is via the West
Doors or the Slype; once inside, disabled provision is excellent, including ramps to
otherwise inaccessible areas, a lift to the Shrine Chapel, Braille guides, induction loops
and an adapted toilet.
Southwest of the cathedral, a pleasant walk through Verulamium Park – about a
quarter of a mile on firm, level paths, with some rest benches along the way – takes you
to the Verulamium Museum (01727 751810, www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk), which
tells the story of the important Roman city that once stood on the site now occupied
by St Albans. Stunning Roman mosaics, bronze figurines and other archaeological
treasures are beautifully displayed alongside recreated Roman rooms and interactive
touch-screen exhibits. The museum is fully accessible, with three Blue Badge bays in
the adjacent car park and an on-site accessible toilet. With advance notice, touch tours
can be booked for visitors with visual impairments.
Elsewhere in town, attractions worth looking out for include a medieval clock tower,
the remains of a Roman theatre, the delightful Municipal Gardens and the elegant
Georgian town hall, on Market Place, which is also home to the city’s tourist information
centre (01727 864511).
Disabled drivers can park for free for two to three hours in on-street pay-anddisplay
spaces, and there are a number of car parks with Blue Badge bays around town,
including the centrally located Drovers Way car park, off Catherine Street. This is also
where you’ll find the St Albans Shopmobility Scheme (01727 819339), where you can
hire wheelchairs and powered scooters. In general, getting around the compact town
centre is fairly straightforward, though some of the older streets are very narrow, and
THE SOUTHEAST
St Albans Cathedral
41