St Albans is a heritage city with history spanning over 2000 years. In Roman times, St Albans was called Verulamium and was Britain's third largest Roman City. It could also be said to be the birthplace of the British Film Industry. Arthur Melbourne-Cooper was the son of the city's first professional photographer. In 1894 he and Birt Acres, took a series of photographs in rapid succession and the 'filmed' the opening of the Machester Ship Canal, he then opened studios in Alma Road in 1901 (now Telford Court) and a picture house on London Road in 1908 (the site of the Odeon Cinema). The River Ver runs through what is now Verulamium Park, a 100 acre parkland close to the city centre popular for walks and recreation. Visitors can explore the magnificent cathedral, its churches, museums, coaching inns and historic streets which are packed with specialist shops, historic pubs, cafés and restaurants. In particular the city has over 120 restaurants and St Albans is home to CAMRA [Campaign For Real Ale]; they organise the annual Beer Festival every Autumn. There is also an annual programme of events and a regular market. With accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets St Albans is perfect for a relaxing break and ideally located to explore the surrounding countryside. A number of private houses in and around the city have been used for filming.