Finding the Festival To some, we’re an international attraction; to others, a hidden gem - either way, here’s how to find us. Expand Finding us Located in the historic heart of St Albans, St Albans Cathedral is easy to reach whether you’re travelling by rail, road, or on foot. Just 20 minutes from London St Pancras, the city is well connected across Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties. A visit here places you in one of England’s most charming destinations – a vibrant market town rich in history, with Roman ruins, characterful old pubs, and a growing scene of modern cafés and restaurants to explore. Address St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY View the Cathedral's location in St Albans city centre on Google Maps. By car: Close to the M1 (junction 6), A1(M), and M25 (junctions 21A and 22), St Albans is easily accessible from all parts of the UK. Unfortunately, visitor parking is not available at St Albans Cathedral. Details of the closest city centre car parks are available on the St Albans City and District Council website. London Road car park is just a 5-minute walk to the Cathedral. By train: St Albans City station (SAC) is just 20 minutes from London St Pancras International, and a 15-minute walk to the Cathedral. Taxis and buses are also available. St Albans Abbey station (SAA) links St Albans with Watford Junction via the Abbey Line and is a 10-minute walk to the Cathedral. Taxis and buses are available. By bus: St Albans city centre is well connected via the local bus network. More information can be found at Intalink. By bicycle: Bike racks are available, with space for up to 10 bicycles.
Accessibility We are committed to making The Martyrs’ Garden as welcoming and accessible as possible. Expand Accessibility for all our visitors is an important part of our welcome and mission. For all information about access to the Cathedral, from step-free entrances for buggies and wheelchairs to accessible toilets, please click here. The Cathedral has full step-free access, with lifts and ramps in sections of the building to provide full access to the whole Cathedral. There will be seating dotted around the building for those that need to rest throughout the day. Quiet spaces and prayer chapels will be available for those looking to take some time out. Companion tickets are available free of charge for those requiring a carer. No other concessions are available.
Opening Hours Take a moment to check the flower festival’s opening times so you can plan a perfect day around your visit. Expand The Flower Festival runs from Tuesday 18 May to Saturday 22 May 2027, with a range of daytime and evening experiences available. Doors open at 10am for daytime viewing, with timeslots available every 15 minutes until 4pm. Evening events will be announced in the coming months. Tickets are timed to help visitors move through the Cathedral at a comfortable pace. We recommend allowing at least 2 hours for your visit.
Group Bookings Explore group options here - because everything’s better with friends! Expand Group bookings provide an opportunity to experience the Martyrs’ Garden together. When booking 15 or more tickets, an automatic 15% discount will be applied to the total basket price*. If you are planning to arrive by coach, full details can be found here. Book your group visit *If booking as a group, all visitors must enter together during the selected timeslot. If you are a school and would like to experience the Martyrs’ Garden, please contact our schools team for more information.
Enjoying The Martyr's Garden A few handy tips to make your visit even more unforgettable. Expand For a smoother experience, advance booking is recommended, as we expect tickets to sell out quickly - especially at Super Early Bird rates. Photography is welcomed and encouraged throughout the festival - we want everyone to take home lasting memories of this rare and special event. Book Now
Ticket Options Explore the different ticket types for our momentous flower festival. Expand Standard Daytime Admission Explore the installation at your own pace during the day. Open from 10am, with the final timeslot at 4pm, from Tuesday 18 May to Saturday 22 May 2027. Timeslots are available every 15 minutes. Super Early Bird (limited availability) | £25 Early Bird (released after Super Early Bird sells out) | £30 1 January – 30 April 2027 | £35 From 1 May 2027 | £40 Enhance Your Visit Printed exhibition guide – £7 when purchased with a ticket, or £10 on the day A full programme of workshops, recitals, and experiences will be announced soon. Book Tickets
The Crossing Expand The Crossing: A Living Canvas The reds, blues, golds, and purples refract through our iconic rose window and are reflected in an equally kaleidoscopic mirror of flowers and art. Rose windows express creation, and this area has inspired so much of it.
The Lady Chapel Expand The Lady Chapel: A Sanctuary A gentle stream runs through the Lady Chapel, carrying the memory of the garden and the journey it traces. Among medieval tracery and carved botanical forms dedicated to Mary, flowers and flowing water meet in quiet reflection - life held between what has been and what is yet to come.
The Shrine Expand The Shrine Deep greens echo the hillside where Saint Alban gave his life, while rich martyr reds bring warmth and intensity to the space. Standing at the heart of one of Britain's most enduring stories, visitors encounter a landscape of colour and form shaped by history, memory, and devotion.
The Quire Expand The Quire: Light and Learning The Quire emerges as a place of contemplation and discovery - its ancient carved wooden choir stalls illuminated by flickering candlelight, creating a setting defined by wisdom, growth, and enduring light.
The Nave Expand An Ethereal Beginning The nave unfolds as a serene Elysium — a soft landscape of white florals, silk, and light, where every detail evokes a sense of quiet beauty and spiritual peace.