Wales & London Holiday – 28 December 2025 to 4 December 2025

Travellers: Ms Portia Mabusa (Passport AE518289) & Mr Busani Mhlophe (Passport AE747947)

Hotels: Cardiff – Mermaids Hideaway | London – Chapter Portobello

Day 1: 28 December – Arrival in Cardiff

Morning: Arrive at Cardiff Airport and transfer to Mermaids Hideaway. Check‑in, freshen up, and enjoy a light brunch at the hotel lounge.

Afternoon: Stroll to the historic Cardiff Castle for a guided tour of the medieval keep and the opulent Victorian interiors.

Evening: Dine at The Potted Pig in the city centre, then take a relaxed walk along Cardiff Bay to admire the illuminated waterfront.

Day 2: 29 December – Rugby Match & City Highlights

Morning: Visit the National Museum Cardiff to explore Welsh art and natural history collections.

Afternoon: Attend the much‑anticipated South Africa vs Wales rugby match at Principality Stadium. Enjoy the electric atmosphere and post‑match celebrations.

Evening: Savor a traditional Welsh dinner at Walnut Tree followed by a nightcap at a local pub with live music.

Day 3: 30 December – Culture & Nature

Morning: Explore the open‑air St Fagans National Museum of History, wandering through reconstructed Welsh villages.

Afternoon: Take a scenic walk in Bute Park, then visit the contemporary Doctor Who Experience for fans.

Evening: Return to the hotel, enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel restaurant, and prepare for the journey to London.

Day 4: 1 January – Travel to London

Morning: Check‑out of Mermaids Hideaway and board a direct train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington (≈2 h).

Afternoon: Arrive in London, check‑in at Chapter Portobello, and have a quick lunch at a nearby café.

Evening: Take an introductory walk around Notting Hill, explore its colourful streets, and dine at The Churchill Arms.

Day 5: 2 January – Historic London

Morning: Guided tour of the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels and the medieval White Tower.

Afternoon: Walk across Tower Bridge and visit the Shard’s Observation Deck for panoramic city views.

Evening: Enjoy a West End musical (e.g., “Hamilton”) followed by dinner at Covent Garden.

Day 6: 3 January – Museums & Parks

Morning: Explore the world‑class British Museum, focusing on the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian galleries.

Afternoon: Relax in Hyde Park, rent a rowboat on the Serpentine, and visit the nearby Kensington Palace.

Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant along the Thames, then take a night‑time river cruise to see illuminated landmarks.

Day 7: 4 January – Departure

Morning: Last‑minute shopping on Oxford Street and a quick visit to St Paul’s Cathedral for a climb to the dome.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel, check‑out, and transfer to Heathrow Airport for departure.

Evening: Fly home with wonderful memories of Wales and London.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Cardiff Castle – 2 hrs – £15 per person
• National Museum Cardiff – 1.5 hrs – Free (donation £5)
• Principality Stadium (Rugby match) – 3 hrs – £80 per person (ticket)
• St Fagans National Museum – 3 hrs – £12 per person
• Bute Park – 1 hr – Free
• Train Cardiff → London – 2 hrs – £45 per person
• Tower of London – 2 hrs – £30 per person
• Shard Observation Deck – 1 hr – £35 per person
• West End Musical – 2.5 hrs – £90 per person
• British Museum – 2 hrs – Free (donation £5)
• Kensington Palace – 1.5 hrs – £20 per person
• Thames River Cruise – 1 hr – £25 per person
• St Paul’s Cathedral – 1 hr – £20 per person
• Total Estimated Cost (per couple): £658

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day in Bath to explore the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, or a day trip to the historic city of Oxford. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Tower of London and Tower Bridge visit with the Shard observation deck into a single morning and replace the West End show with a free street performance in Covent Garden.