Make Valentine’s Day special this year with a visit to historic St Albans in Hertfordshire. There’s lots to see and do and with award-winning restaurants and delightful accommodation it could even be the perfect place to pop the ultimate question!
Whether you treat your special someone to a day out or stay the weekend, couples will fall in love a little bit more on a visit here. To really impress and make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one, here are our top picks for dining and staying over.

Situated opposite magnificent St Albans Cathedral, The White Hart Hotel offers characterful accommodation just moments from the city centre. Dating back to 1470 and one of the oldest buildings in St Albans, this former coaching inn is the perfect choice if you are looking for some old-world charm. Dine in the hotel’s oak-panelled Tudors Restaurant and enjoy excellent culinary dishes in an intimate setting.

Romantic spa days in St Albans
Luxury hotel Sopwell House takes rest, relaxation, and warm hospitality seriously. Their Valentine’s Escape includes accommodation, dinner and access to the hotel’s impressive leisure facilities. If your beau is a spa lover, choose the Valentine’s Spa Escape which gives access to The Club at the Cottonmill Spa, an exclusive haven offering world-class facilities and treatments.
If you don’t have time to stay, The Brasserie and Restaurant offer Valentine’s menus so diners can enjoy top notch cuisine and an intimate atmosphere.
Where to stay in St Albans
If your sweetheart loves to shop, then a stay at the Travelodge PLUS St Albans, with added style and comfort, is spot on. Boutiques, well-known brands and flagship stores are all around and if you need to refuel there many pubs, cafes and bistros on the doorstep.
On the edge of Verulamium Park is luxurious St Michael’s Manor set in 5 acres of private garden with its own lake. Full of character the original house dates back 500 years and all guest rooms are elegant and individually styled.
The stunning Lake Restaurant is a 2 AA Rosette restaurant and whether you are a guest at the hotel, or visiting for the evening, the attentive service and tantalising menu will ensure a fairy-tale night.
Another great city centre choice is the Premier Inn St Albans City Centre. This modern and comfortable hotel is a short walk from all the main attractions including St Albans Cathedral, Verulamium Park, the Clock Tower and all the amazing shops and restaurants- what’s not to love!

Romantic restaurants in St Albans
Award-winning Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen in the city centre offers a relaxed and cosy vibe. Exquisite dishes are created from locally sourced produce and with sustainability at its heart, it is a popular choice.
Perfect for impressing your significant other is a fine-dining experience at Thompson St Albans. With 3 AA Rosette status, this restaurant serves wonderful dishes imaginatively created by Head Chef Phil Thompson, in a tranquil and intimate setting.
If you are searching for a stylish restaurant then The Ivy St Albans Brasserie is the ideal venue with art deco interiors, plush furnishings and first-class service. Fall in love over one of the specially created cocktails inspired by heart felt love stories and be sure to save space for their decadent sharing dessert “Pillow Talk.”
Dine by candlelight and capture the essence of amore at Per Tutti Ristorante Italiano. An indulgent Valentine’s Day menu served with Italian passion and flair will impress that special someone on the most romantic day of the year.
With a fantastic choice of hotels and restaurants, let romance blossom, fall in love or pop the question in St Albans this Valentine’s Day. Booking ahead is recommended as restaurants and hotels get booked up at this time of year.