| room service is available. set in a converted 500-year-old manor house with 5 acres of gardens and a lake, this upscale hotel is a 10-minute walk from st albans' city centre and cathedral, and a 20-minute walk from the train station. upgraded rooms and suites add 4-poster beds, sitting areas, lake views and/or patios. free perks include full english breakfast and parking. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 12:00 pm. refined rooms are individually decorated and have en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, flat-screen tvs and free wi-fi, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. there's a modern british restaurant in an orangery, and a bar offering light bites, terrace dining and afternoon tea
Heathrow Airport 38 min
The Cathedral & Abbey Church of Saint Alban (9 min)
Free daily tours amid medieval artworks, plus trips up the tower in this landmark Norman cathedral. Aldenham Country Park (23 min)
Vast wood- and parkland area with a large lake, rare breeds farm and activities such as pony riding. Cassiobury Park (22 min)
190 acres of open grass and woodland with sports facilities, kids' attractions and a nature reserve. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (22 min)
Sprawling, 600-acre home to more than 2500 animals, with tours, adventure play areas and classes. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (20 min)
Visitors can tour actual film sets and learn the special effects tricks used in the popular films. Knebworth House (30 min)
This lavish Tudor stately home and gardens hosts massive rock concerts and is open in summertime. Stockwood Discovery Centre (17 min)
Museum with eclectic local history displays, horse-drawn carriage collection and sculpture garden. Verulamium Park (8 min)
100-acre green space featuring a lake with waterfowl, a playground, benches & sports facilities. Hatfield House (22 min)
Grand Jacobean stately home and gardens, on the site of Elizabeth I's childhood home. Paradise Wildlife Park (32 min)
Family zoo area with 400+ animals, a soft play area and petting zoo, plus accommodation options. Ashridge House (27 min)
Neo-Gothic mansion dating to 1825 & formal historical gardens, open for public tours. Royal Air Force Museum (28 min)
Tracing the history of aviation and the RAF through real aircraft and interactive exhibits. Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (19 min)
Film studio and wizarding world Luton Hoo Estate (20 min)
Country estate with a flower-filled 18th-century garden, hosting craft fairs & summer concerts. Verulamium Museum (7 min)
Educational museum of Roman life with recreated rooms, mosaics, interactive displays and gift shop. | 
