Sopwell House
St Albans, United Kingdom
Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, United Kingdom, AL1 2HQ
Original Property Opened in 1603
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2015
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Located in the peaceful countryside of Hertfordshire, Sopwell House is only a 20-minute train ride from London. This historic, Georgian-style hotel dates back over 300 years, as the earliest known record of the location is a deed from 1603. Guests can visit the wealth of remarkable attractions that call the country home from the Sopwell House. Brilliantly preserved Roman ruins reside throughout the area, such as the Six Hills barrows and the Verulamium. Guests can go for a pleasant stroll at the nearby Amwell Nature Reserve to take in the inherent beauty of the local landscape. Fantastic cultural institutions—such as the Natural History Museum at Tring—abound throughout the region that connect visitors more closely with the heritage of southeast England. And the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London in nearby Leavesden showcases filmmaking history by introducing guests to the ways in which the Harry Potter movie franchise was made for the silver screen.
Discover
- Discover the remarkable Tudor architecture of the Sopwell House. The earliest known record of this marvelous historic building dates back to a deed authored in 1603.
- Admire the breathtaking historical ambiance of this amazing holiday destination. Many British nobles have resided at the Sopwell House over the years, including Duchess Alice Dudley and Prince Louis of Battenberg.
- Stroll over to the Sopwell Nunnery just beyond the front door of the hotel. Constructed in 1670 by Sir Harbottle Grimston—who also owned the Sopwell House for a time—the Sopwell Nunnery is believed to be the site where Anne Boleyn sought refuge after her ill-fated marriage to King Henry VIII
Explore
- Explore The Cathedral & Abbey Church of St. Alban. Known locally as “The Abbey,” this iconic medieval church has been a celebrated historic landmark in St. Albans for centuries. The Norman portion of the building features the longest nave of any cathedral in England.
- Travel to the magnificent Buckingham Palace in downtown London. This glorious building has served as the official residence for the British Royal Family since the reign of Queen Victoria.
- Visit the Palace of Westminster, home to the iconic Big Ben clock tower. It is within these hallowed walls that the British Parliament has governed the United Kingdom for centuries. This historic landmark is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience
- Experience the remarkable Verulamium Museum. Located at the end of Verulamium Park, this impressive cultural institution chronicles the rich history of the Iron Age and Roman settlements that once resided in the area back during antiquity.
- Witness the beautiful artwork on display at the National Gallery. The museum has been open since the 1820s, and features an extensive collection of some 2,300 paintings from Western Europe. These terrific pieces of art all date from the 13th century to early 20th century.
- Shop at some of the finest storefronts in London at Covent Garden. Opened in the 1830s, this spectacular historic marketplace features a wealth of upscale shops to experience, such as Mulberry, Petersham Nurseries, and The Shop at Bluebird.
Taste
- Head into London to savor the delicious cuisine of London’s most historic pubs. Pubs have long been a fixture in London, with many having been in continuous operation for several hundred years. A few—like the Ye Olde Mitre and The Lamb & Flag—are even protected as listed buildings by Heritage England for their great historical significance.
- Feast upon Pie & Mash when touring London. Another one of the city’s culinary classics, Pie & Mash can be found at celebrated restaurants like Goddards at Greenwich, Arments Pie & Mash, and M.Manze.
- Try Fish & Chips when visiting the British capital nearby. An iconic British dish, Fish & Chips is served throughout London at such renowned eateries like Poppie’s, Shoreditch, and Golden Union.