Sunday Services Expand 8am Eucharist. 9.30am* Parish Eucharist (live-streamed on YouTube every third and fourth Sunday of the month). 11.30am* Choral Eucharist, every first, second and fourth Sunday (live-streamed on YouTube every first and second Sunday of the month). Matins, every third Sunday, followed by a said Eucharist in the Lady Chapel at 12.30pm. 4pm Choral Evensong. 6pm Choral Compline, second Sunday of the month. * The Sunday after our June Alban Pilgrimage and the Sunday after Christmas, there will be a Sung Eucharist service at 10am replacing both the 9.30am and 11.30am services.
Weekday Services Expand 7.30am* Morning Prayer. 8am Eucharist. 12pm Eucharist. 5pm Evensong / Evening Prayer. 7pm Alban Devotion, every Wednesday on Facebook. *8.30am on Bank Holidays
Saturday Services Expand 8.30am Morning Prayer. 9am Eucharist. 12pm Eucharist. 5pm Evensong / Evening Prayer.
Ecumenical Services Expand St Albans Cathedral is uniquely enriched by its ecumenical partnerships in hosting services of different Christian denominations, each led by our ecumenical chaplains. This comes from our vision of welcoming all as Christ stemming from the rule of St Benedict on which this Abbey was founded, and shown by St Alban himself in welcoming a Christian priest into his home. All are welcome to attend these services - you can find the dates and times of each service on our Service and Music list. Service and Music List The services are hosted at the Cathedral every month are: Roman Catholic Mass Every Friday, Mass is celebrated by a Roman Catholic priest, with a regular congregation from local Catholic parishes. Contact: Fr Harry Turner 01582 965207 or [email protected] German Lutheran This is a monthly Tuesday evening service held in German, in the Lutheran tradition, with a German speaking chaplain and congregation. Contact: Pastor Silke Halfmann [email protected] www.german-church.org/london-ost Free Church This service is celebrated monthly on Wednesdays at 11am with our Free Church chaplain and other ministers, and with a regular congregation from all denominations across St Albans. Contact: The Rev'd Simon Carver [email protected] Orthodox The Orthodox Liturgy is celebrated monthly on Tuesdays at 10.30, with an Orthodox priest and congregation. Contact: Fr Theophan Willis [email protected]
Cathedral Opening Times Expand The Cathedral is open daily from 9am - 5pm. Entrance to the Cathedral is via the Welcome Centre (Sumpter Yard) only. The West End entrance will be closed during visiting hours. On occasions there may be planned closures or disruptions that may affect your visit. These are listed here.
Shop Expand Our Cathedral Shop is located in the Welcome Centre and is open daily 10am to 5pm and on a Saturday is open at the earlier time of 9am. The Cathedral Shop has a wide range of unique souvenirs, gifts, cards and books to suit all ages and tastes. Contact Shop Manager: Sharon Wood Tel: 01727 890290 Email: [email protected]
Abbot's Kitchen Expand Abbot's Kitchen x Dinner Ladies Café open daily from 9am to 4pm. Coffee cart open daily. Abbot’s Kitchen is entering an exciting new chapter under the care of the Dinner Ladies. Known for their bold flavours, creative menus, and warm, welcoming approach to food, they’re bringing seasonal dishes and a vibrant new energy to this much-loved space, while keeping its heart alive. Just a hop from the park and right by the Cathedral, our café is the perfect spot for a proper cup of tea, a hearty lunch, or a little something sweet. When the sun’s shining, grab a seat outside by the coffee cart and enjoy the beautiful view of the Norman Tower. Menu Abbot's Kitchen x Dinner Ladies Seasonal Menu Email the Café: [email protected]
How to Find Us Expand Address St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY View the Cathedral's location in St Albans city centre on Google Maps. Parking The Cathedral is easily accessed via all forms of transport, but unfortunately visitor parking is not available. By Train St Albans City station [SAC] is just 20 minutes from London St Pancras International. It is a 20 minute walk to the Cathedral from the station. Taxis and buses are also available. St Albans Abbey Station [SAA] links St Albans with Watford Junction via the Abbey Line. It is a 10 minute walk to the Cathedral from this station. Taxis and buses are available. For train times and booking, please visit National Rail Enquiries. By Bus St Albans City Centre is well connected on the local bus network. More information can be found at Intalink. By Bicycle We have a newly installed bike rack for all to use, which has space for 10 bikes. By Car Close to the M1 (junction 6), A1(M) and M25 (junctions 21A and 22), St Albans is easily accessible from all parts of the UK. Unfortunately, visitor parking is not available at St Albans Cathedral. Details of the closest city centre car parks are available on the St Albans City and District Council website. (London Rd is a short 5 minute walk to the Cathedral) There is very limited accessible parking available at the Cathedral. These spaces may be pre-booked by blue badge holders by calling 01727 890210. We require requests for parking are made no later than one working day in advance and are unable to make bookings for the same day. The Cathedral Office is open for bookings 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. By Air London Luton airport and Gatwick airport are directly linked to St Albans on the Bedford-Brighton railway route. Bus service 724 links St Albans directly with Heathrow airport. Further information More information about travelling to and around St Albans, including a range of maps and guides, is available at Enjoy St Albans. We look forward to welcoming you!
Access Expand Accessibility for all our visitors is an important part of our welcome and mission. For all information about access to the Cathedral, from step-free entrances for buggies and wheelchairs to accessible toilets, please click here. We have worked with AccessAble so you can find out about our facilities before you visit. AccessAble’s surveyors assessed our venue to create a Detailed Access Guide. Check out the Detailed Access Guide to St Albans Cathedral. We cater for children and young people at the Cathedral, including baby-changing facilities, buggy parking and children's activities. Find out how our younger visitors can make the most of their visit here. The Cathedral and Abbot's Kitchen Café is pleased to be dog-friendly, but we kindly ask that they are kept on a lead. If you wish to bring a dog to an event or concert here at the Cathedral please also check the specific Terms and Conditions of the event or concert you are attending, sometimes dogs are not allowed at these specific events. When you can bring a dog to an event or concert we encourage you to book an end/aisle seat for the comfort of your dog, yourself and others.
Maintenance and Restoration Expand Occasionally, certain areas of the Cathedral may be temporarily closed for essential maintenance and restoration work. Our priority is to preserve this historic site, and while we strive to minimize disruptions, some closures may be necessary.
St Albans Cathedral Choir Expand St Albans Cathedral Choir is regarded as one of the finest cathedral choirs in the country. The choristers of the Cathedral Choir form two distinct groups: the boys’ choir (of 26 boys between the ages of 8-14) and the girls’ choir (of 26 girls between the ages of 8-14). At the weekends the choristers are joined by the Lay Clerks, a team of professional adult singers. In addition to the daily round of choral services, the Choir also takes part in concerts, tours, broadcasts and recordings. In recent years the Choir has visited the USA, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Germany and Sweden. It has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, and Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and has given live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and BBC One. It has also given the first performances of works by Judith Weir, Cecilia McDowall, Carl Rütti, Alec Roth and Joanna Marsh. The choir’s recent discography is extensive, with releases on the Naxos label of music by Mozart, Rutter, Poston, Michael Haydn, Mendelssohn and Mathias. In 2022 the boys’ choir recorded the motets of Bruckner, which was Editor’s Choice in Gramophone, in which the reviewer commented “three dozen singers are on impressive form, combining tonal beauty with sheer stamina […] This splendid new release will take some supplanting”. Photo © Toby Shepheard
Youth Choir Expand The Youth Choir is an opportunity for skilled and ambitious singers in Years 9-13 to continue to develop their voices and musicianship, with the opportunity to perform choral music to a high standard with like-minded friends. It is especially suited to those who may wish to continue singing at university and beyond. The Youth Choir rehearses on Tuesdays 6.30pm-7.30pm during term time and regularly sings a monthly service of Choral Compline in the Cathedral, in addition to occasional services of Evensong and other special events. The Youth Choir is directed by Dewi Rees, Assistant Director of Music & Partnerships. To find out more and to arrange an audition, please contact us here.
Parish Singers and Orchestra Expand Parish Singers The Parish Singers is a mixed voice auditioned choir. The choir leads congregational singing at the 9.30am Eucharist and sings a diverse repertoire, ranging from music from the 16th century to contemporary works. Join the Choir If you would enjoy singing high-quality liturgical music in a wonderful building and can get out of bed in time on a Sunday, why not consider joining us? Our fortnightly one-hour Wednesday rehearsal is led by our Director, Christopher Muhley Parish Orchestra The Parish Orchestra is a dedicated ensemble of musicians who play at the 9:30am Eucharist once a month. The orchestra performs a variety of orchestral pieces that enhance the beauty of worship. Rehearsals are held on the Thursday evening preceding the service, providing an opportunity for the players to refine their skills and collaborate in a supportive environment. Join the Orchestra Are you an instrumentalist seeking to join a new ensemble? The Parish Orchestra welcomes enthusiastic musicians to join its ranks. Contact For more information about joining the Parish Singers and/or Orchestra, please email [email protected]
Junior Choir Expand The Junior Choir is St Albans Cathedral’s youngest choir, welcoming children from Reception to Year 6. The Junior Choir is the Cathedral’s youngest choir, welcoming children from Reception to Year 6. The Junior Choir rehearses at the Cathedral on Monday afternoons in term time: Juniors (Reception to Year 2): 4.45pm-5.15pmSeniors (Year 3 to Year 6): 5.15pm-6pm Our children gain valuable musical and non-musical skills including singing technique, music theory, rhythm, memory, concentration, teamwork, leadership, and confidence. Rehearsals are a fun and friendly environment in which our children learn sacred and secular songs in a variety of genres, warmups, rounds, and musical games. The Junior Choir regularly performs during term time at the Cathedral’s monthly Sunday All Age Service in addition to other special performances. The Junior Choir is directed by Dewi Rees, Assistant Director of Music & Partnerships. The Junior Choir is open to all in Reception to Year 6, and no audition is required. We have two open rehearsals per term to offer a taste of what we do. To find out more and to book your place, please email us here.
Visiting Choirs Expand When the Cathedral Choirs are on leave, the Cathedral welcomes visiting choirs from around the country and abroad to help maintain a regular pattern of choral services. đź“· St John's Connecticut Available dates: 2027 weekends and week residencies: 2 & 3 January 13 & 14 February 5 & 6 June 14 & 15 August 21 & 22 August 28 & 29 August 4 & 5 September 30 & 31 October 2028 weekends and week residencies: 1 & 2 January 12 & 13 February 19 & 20 February 22 & 23 April 29 & 30 May 3 & 4 June 22 & 23 July 29 & 30 July 12 & 13 August 26 & 27 August 2 & 3 September 21 & 22 October 28 & 29 October 30 & 31 December To make an application please contact [email protected]For more information click here to download a pdf of our notes for visiting choirs. "The choir loved being part of something so special"
The Shrine of Saint Alban Expand Saint Alban is known as Britain’s first saint and was buried on this site 1700 years ago. There has probably been a shrine here since then. A new shrine was built in 1308 but was destroyed when the Abbey was closed down in 1539. Pieces from this shrine were used to restore the shrine in 1872 and again in 1993. There is also a small memorial chapel underneath the main shrine chapel. This belongs to Duke Humphrey of Gloucester (d. 1447), the only royal to be buried at St Albans Cathedral. This part of the Cathedral continues to be a place of pilgrimage, prayer and reflection. Image: Donato Cinicolo
The Shrine of St Amphibalus Expand Amphibalus was the Christian priest that St Alban sheltered from persecution. Tradition says the priest was later martyred at Redbourn. This shrine base was built for his relics in the Middle Ages but was smashed into pieces at the Reformation, as was St Albans shrine. These pieces were rediscovered in 1872. In 2020 this shrine was cleaned and restored with new carvings to replace some of its lost stones. St Albans is the only Cathedral in the country to house two medieval pedestal shrines - belonging to St Alban and St Amphibalus.
Medieval Wall Paintings Expand Experience the wonder of our medieval wall paintings - the best preserved collection in any English Cathedral. They are rare survivals, the earliest dating from the early 1200's. You can see the wall paintings in the Nave "restored" to their former glory with unique light projections during Daily Guided Tours.
The Longest Nave in England Expand At 85 metres, the Cathedral has the longest Nave in England. The word ‘Nave’ comes from ‘navis’ – the Latin name for ship since medieval people thought the ceiling looked like an upside down ship. The pillars in the Nave are decorated with stunning medieval wall paintings. The best preserved collection in any English Cathedral. A screen with carvings and statues was added to the Nave in the 1300s. The original statues were destroyed during the Dissolution. Today this screen is home to statues of seven martyrs, which represent different Christian traditions. Image: Luke Watson
The Quire Expand The Quire was the main monastic area during the medieval period. This is where monks would have sung their services. Services still take place here every day. Why not time your visit to enjoy the beautiful voices of the Cathedral Choirs at Evensong. Find out more about services here. Image: Martin Skitt
The Norman Tower Expand St Albans is the only major church in England with an 11th century great crossing tower still standing. It is also the only cathedral tower in England to be built using Roman bricks. In some places, the walls of the tower are seven feet thick and the whole structure weighs 5000 tonnes. The tower can be explored on one of our regular tower tours.
The Watching Loft Expand The Watching Loft was constructed in c. 1400 and is the only surviving medieval wooden watching loft in England. Monastic officials or tenants would sit in there and keep an eye on pilgrims visiting the Shrine. You can see a 360 degree view of inside the Watching Loft on our free digital guide. Image: Donato Cinicolo
Stunning Stained Glass Expand We have some spectacular stained glass windows around the Cathedral, including the magnificent Rose Window. The colourful design you see today was added in 1989, replacing an earlier Victorian plain glass window. Our stained glass windows date from between 1376 and 2006 and include a nod to royalty, a tribute to those who fought in the First World War and more. Image: Luke Watson
Pilgrim Passports Expand Many of us see life as a journey enriched by special people and special places. For hundreds of years, cathedrals have been such places, filled with astonishing beauty, fascinating history, and glorious music, drawing pilgrims of all ages in search of peace, healing and joy. We invite you to use this passport for your own adventure of discovery, following in the footsteps of many thousands of pilgrims who have come to these places over the centuries to learn, to think about their lives, and ask for God’s help and guidance. Buy your pilgrim passport for £5 in the Cathedral Shop and get it stamped in every English cathedral. Just ask at our Welcome Desk and they will stamp it for you.