Another 8 fascinating photo spots in St Albans – part two of the unusual photowalk
After living in St Albans for over 20 years, I’ve learnt that the city never stops revealing new stories. Beyond the big sights and the postcard-perfect scenes, there are hidden gems, quirky landmarks and secret corners waiting to be noticed – and photographed.
This is part two of my photowalk around St Albans, where we explore eight more unusual places full of character and history. These spots make for fantastic photo opportunities and reveal some truly surprising stories along the way. From medieval gables and fireproof safes to travelling barns and wartime relics, this route takes you off the beaten track and deep into the past.
01. A safe place for secrets – the museum and gallery safe
St Albans Museum and Gallery, Town Hall
Start your walk in the historic heart of the city. Inside the Grade II-listed Town Hall, you’ll find St Albans Museum and Gallery – once the local courtroom, now home to exhibitions and a lovely café. The best part? After you’ve had your lunch, head down to the old cells beneath the courtroom to experience what it was like to be held while awaiting sentencing.
Don’t miss the fireproof safe, made by Thomas Milner, which was used to store valuables and important legal documents – a fascinating relic from the building’s more serious past.
02. The travelling barn – Waterend Barn
St Peter’s Street
Just down the road is Waterend Barn, a stunning 17th-century structure that was carefully moved piece-by-piece from Sandridge in 1938. Today it’s a restaurant and pub, but look closely at the timbers and you’ll see history etched into every beam. It’s a favourite meeting place, steeped in rustic charm.
03. Insurance? Better display your plaque!
7 French Row
In Georgian and early Victorian times, no plaque meant no help from the fire brigade! At 7 French Row, you can still spot a fire insurance plaque likely dating back to the 18th century. These metal signs told the local fire engine (once housed where WH Smith now stands) that you were covered – otherwise, you’d be expected to pay upfront before they put out the flames.
04. The Three Gables – saved by a petition
Market Place
Built in 1637 and now home to Anthropologie, The Three Gables is one of the most charming buildings in St Albans. It was once nearly lost to demolition in 1899, but a passionate public campaign saved it. Its medieval overhanging upper floor and distinctive plaster gable make this one of the most photographed and admired structures in the Market Place.
05. Samuel Ryder’s Art Deco gem
Holywell Hill
Golf fan? You’ll want to stop at the Samuel Ryder Exhibition Hall, built in 1931 as a showcase for Ryder’s famous seed business. This Art Deco building is an architectural beauty, with cream tiles, leaded glass, and symmetry galore. Ryder, who also donated the Ryder Cup trophy, left a legacy that spans gardens and golf courses alike.
06. The Abbey door – big on drama, small on access
St Albans Cathedral, west end
The massive oak doors at the west end of the Cathedral once opened for grand processions through one of England’s most important abbeys. Look for the small “door-within-a-door” used by monks and pilgrims. The ironwork, carved panels and sheer scale make this a spectacular photography subject, full of quiet power and history.
07. 17 High Street – Pargeting and a mysterious mason
17 High Street (The Shaken Cow)
Milkshake in hand, cast your eyes upward at 17 High Street, home of The Shaken Cow. You’ll spot beautifully preserved Pargeting – decorative plasterwork, including the date 1665. The building is likely even older and may have belonged to Edward Strong, the master mason who helped rebuild St Paul’s Cathedral with Sir Christopher Wren.
08. Hidden history – Allan-Williams gun turret
Near A414, Napsbury (Hedges Farm)
For something truly unexpected, head out of the centre towards Hedges Farm, where a rare Allan-Williams gun turret sits quietly among the trees. Built during WW2 to protect Radlett Airfield, it could rotate 360 degrees and still features original internal fittings. One of only a handful left in its original position in the UK, it’s a real hidden gem for history and military photography fans.
Ready to discover more?
This second route takes you on a mix of city centre strolls and a short detour towards Napsbury. You’ll uncover buildings that were saved by public campaigns, wartime defences hiding in plain sight, and charming features that you’d only spot if you’re really looking.
Pair this walk with Part One and you’ve got a full day’s worth of unusual photography inspiration in St Albans – with many more stories still waiting to be found.
