St Albans or Hertford for a day trip

[JamNittyGritty]

Teen & I like to have a wander around places with pretty streets, independent shops, nice cafes - which of these best fits the bill ( and will be mainly open on the bank holiday)? Doesn’t have to be big.

Open to other suggestions but picked these as easy & cheap train from London.

I haven't been to Hertford but make sure to visit Books on the Hill if you do St Albans. Great independent book shop.

I live between both towns and would always choose St Albans, rarely go to Hertford.

Thank you!

Teen is very into books so will definitely stop there

Lived in Hertford a few years ago, there was nothing there in terms of shops to be honest! Having visited St Albans it seems much better, and bigger.

Definitely St Albans. Barely any shops in Hertford. Hitchin is a nice alternative to St Albans.

Not Hertford. You’ll be done in about 30 mins.

I live in Ware (very near Hertford) and have relatives in St Albans. St Albans is a much better option.

Yep, definitely St Albans. You didn’t ask, but Hitchin second, not Hertford!

St Albans is lovely.

Agree, don't bother with Hertford, there's not a lot there. Hitchin isn't too bad, but the station is a fair hike from the town centre, and it isn't exactly a picturesque walk!

I haven't been to St Albans for years, but from what I remember it was nice, and there's the abbey and whatnot.

Absolutely. I live in Hertford and very happy but not in same league as St Albans or Hitchin which are both lovely towns to visit.