THE PLANNER

GETTING THERE

Regular trains run from London St Pancras station to St Albans (20min). www.thetrainline.com

WHERE TO STAY

St Michael’s Manor, which dates back over 500 years, is set in five acres of private gardens and is within easy reach of Verulamium Park and the cathedral. The 30 rooms are all individually styled; those in the garden wing are traditional with contemporary touches, and overlook the garden and lake. There's an excellent restaurant too. For a more luxurious stay, try Sopwell House, a Georgian country-house hotel on the outskirts of town with a celebrated spa. www.stmichaelsmanor.com; www.sopwellhouse.co.uk

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Right by the cathedral, Lussmans is a bright and airy restaurant with a menu of crowd-pleasing classics, from shepherd’s pie to duck confit. For afternoon tea, book a table at the elegant Sopwell House, whose superior cakes are made by the in-house pastry chef. For a sweet treat after visiting the cathedral, try The Pudding Stop, half-café, half-bakery, which serves a memorable sticky toffee pudding. www.lussmanns.com; www.sopwellhouse. co.uk; thepuddingstop.com