The pretty little UK city with 2 miles of Roman walls you can walk for free

Verulamium was once burnt down to the ground by Boudicca.

Today, walking around modern-day St Albans, you will spot parts of the important ancient Roman city, most noticeably in the two miles of Roman walls.

What was once Roman Britain's third-largest town also boasts one of the oldest pubs in England, a vibrant and colourful street market dating back to 9AD, and the shrine to Britain's first saint.

Despite being just 19 miles from London and a popular commuter spot, the medieval cathedral city nestled in Hertfordshire has managed to retain its historic and distinctive character. Verulamium lies just southwest, but parts of the original Roman town can be seen in St Albans itself.

Of course, there's always Bath or Chester, but overlooked St Albans shows off its own unique chunk of Roman history.

Today, its walls no longer stand quite at the peak of five meters, but the remaining foundations of towers and bastions are certainly enough to transport visitors back 2,000 years.

Excavations once even revealed a Roman theatre, which turned out to be the only theatre with a stage in Britain, as well as remains of temples, house foundations, and stunning mosaic pavements.

Visitors can admire the "finest mosaics outside of the Mediterranean" at Verulamium's own museum.

A mother who headed to the Roman spot with her children shared her experience on Mummytravels, writing: "The park containing the ruins of Verulamium also includes an area for children to play in - and perhaps to imagine themselves on the journey from Londinium to Deva Victrix (Chester) along the original Roman road of Watling Street."

After soaking up all that history, you'll want to relax with a brew and traditional pub fare at the pub once used by monks as a pigeon coup. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks might well be one of the oldest in England, with the original structure dated as far back as 793AD.

Meanwhile, at St Albans Traditional Street Market, visitors are spoilt for choice with everything from fish to fancy goods, healing crystals and herbs.

Of course, a trip to St Albans wouldn't be complete without visiting the Cathedral itself. It houses fully restored medieval shrines, as well as containing Roman bricks from Verulamium.

Visitors to St Albans share on TripAdvisor that it is the "most wonderful place to be". Another recommends a weekend trip, noting that there are "lots of historical buildings in a small area, so very walkable."

Of the Cathedral, one mesmerised visitor remarked It is such an amazing building with a very special atmosphere".