Christmas newsletter

NATALEM CHRISTI DIEM THE OPTIONSCELEBRARE CARDIFF MMXV CHESTERLONDON CALLING CHRISTMAS POINTS OFEVENT INTERESTChristmas is coming!! (Really!!) and it is time ACCOMODATIONto consider our options, much has beenenjoyed in location, events and THE MEALS!!companionship and it is our hope to continuethis fine tradition with TWO different options Mto consider the final decision is yours!! THE DATES THE COSTS THE CHECK LIST THE CHOICE IS YOURS!!

ULTIMA INTRA PUGNA PRIMA INTRA TABERNA!!CARDIFF- The capital city of walesCardiff, Wales capital city, offers a starling range ofunique attractions top class entertainment and qualityshopping with a difference all within walking distance.Innovative architecture sits alongside historic buildingsand Cardiff Bay offer entertainment for everyone.CHESTER- A classical contemporary cityWhen it comes to beautiful cities, Chester is one of the bestand should be on every tourists ‘must see’ itinerary. Thecity comfortably ranks for charm alongside the cities ofLondon, York, Bath and Edinburgh. As well as having somuch history, Chester is a vibrant, dynamic city full of bars,pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants.

KEY POINTS OF INTERESTCARDIFF  Cardiff CastleThe foundations of the castle date back to 50AD, and the imposingbuilding walled with elaborate gargoyles is a 19th century gothicfantasy. It was created by renowned architect William Burges for thethird Marquis of Bute, who was reputedly the richest man in theworld at the time. It’s a monument to eccentricity that should be onyour must-see list.  Cardiff BayA car or bus ride from the city centre is Europes largestwaterside development.Cardiff Bay is home to a number of attractions such asTechniquest Science Discovery Centre , Craft in the Bay, TheWelsh Assembly at the Pierhead, Butetown History and ArtsCentre, Goleulong 2000 Lightship, the Norwegian ChurchArts Centre and the Wales Millennium Centre, a stunninginternational arts centre.  Wales Millennium CentreYou won’t need to ask for directions to the striking slate and steelstructure of The Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. It’s nicknamedThe Armadillo due to its copper-coloured dome. The centrehosts a huge range of concerts and performances in one maintheatre and two smaller halls. It also features a number of cafesand restaurants, with regular free events creating a vibrantatmosphere.  Doctor Who ExperienceOn the outskirts of Cardiff Bay (access by car or Bus fromcity centre) and housed in a specially constructed facility inCardiff's Porth Teigr - a stone's throw from the BBC studioswhere Doctor Who is filmed - the Doctor WhoExperience offers a unique, exciting and sometimes scaryjourney into fifty years of adventures in space and time.

ACCOMODATION The options…….CARDIFF. LINCOLN HOUSE PRIVATE HOTEL - A family run, service-focused Bed and Breakfast to the highest standard of customer care. With a comfortable lounge, a well provided choice of welsh breakfasts and secure car parking it is no surprise that this guest house has won many gold awards for customer care. It is a good 15 minute / 20 minute walk to the city centre (but plenty of pubs on route!). A twin room is £95 per night including breakfast and free parking. Either Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November or Friday 4th and Saturday 5th December http://www.lincolnhotel.co.uk THE ANGEL HOTEL- This Victorian landmark hotel is located at the very heart of Wales’ capital city, neatly positioned between the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle. Free use of a nearby health club and on site secure car parking. A full breakfast is included and an optional evening meal can be provided. Standard double bedroom is £218 including Breakfast. An optional evening meal can be included For £20.00 per person. Car park £10 per night Either Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November or Friday 4th and Saturday 5th December http://www.thehotelcollection.co.uk/hotels/cardiff-angel-hotel/

KEY POINTS OF INTERESTCHESTER  Chester CathedralChester Cathedral is many things to many people, a vibrant communityof worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a culturalhub, a centre of musical excellence and a unique blend of modern andmedieval history.  Chester ZooDiscover over 11,000 wonderful animals and 400 different speciesincluding some of the most endangered in the world!From the magnificent elephants and rhinos to the delicate butterflies,there is a different animal to see around every corner of this amazing110 acres of award-winning gardens. Voted as the UKs number onezoo.  Blue Planet Aquarium Get up close to Awesome Sharks at Blue Planet Aquarium and see real scuba divers in our daily feed shows in the Aquatheatre. With one of the best collections of Sharks, Fish, Frogs, Spiders and Otters- Blue Planet Aquarium is the must see day out!!  Roman Soldier Tours For people who like something fresh, interesting, factual and fun - a perspective on history that perhaps you haven't considered before, touring Chester with an authentic Roman Soldier guiding you on a light-hearted journey through Chester's Roman Heritage

ACCOMODATION The options…….CHESTER. KINGS GUEST HOUSE– A welcoming modest and compact bed and breakfast, Conveniently close to the city centre of about 5 to 10 minutes, Free car parking, possibly exclusive use of guest house and lounge area. £68 per room per couple. Friday December 4th and Saturday 5th 2015 http://www.kingsguesthouse.co.uk/ MILL HOTEL & LEISURE VENUE – A modern hotel which was an originally a Corn mill built in 1830, it offers 5 eateries, Free parking and a leisure centre boasting a spa bath, sauna and steam room. There is also a modern gym. 10 minutes walk from the city walls. Standard double rooms £95 per room per night bed and breakfast. Or £155 on one of the nights which would include a full Christmas dinner. Friday December 4th and Saturday 5th 2015. http://www.millhotel.com/

DINING OPTIONSTo get those taste buds working an idea of the type of restaurant delights awaitingyou……. Bon appetite Ciao Andrew and Sue !!CARDIFF Giovannis Restaurant - An authentic Italian restaurant, which has been providing traditional Italian food for over 30 years. Giovanni's Italian Restaurant on the Hayes attracted a loyal customer base including celebrities such as Shirley Bassey, Luciano Pavarotti and Tom Jones, all of whom testify to the delicious home cooked Italian food the venue provides. Chapel 1877 Restaurant – Owner David Bevan bought the Grade II listed 19th Century gothic chapel in 2008, and, with decades of experience in building has revamped this building into a unique mixture of glass arches, plaster and two giant antique chandeliers a great place to dine and wine!CHESTER Telfords Warehouse -Superbly located on the canal basin this spacious pub enjoys many original features with high ceiling, exposed timbers and brick walls housing industrial artefacts, while the feature glass frontage. Upstairs is a popular restaurant and contemporary art gallery with relaxed attentive service, excellent menu and weekly specials. Telford’s lower area is reserved for its highly regarded music nights. Duttons Restaurant - Tucked away on quaint Godstall Lane, not far from Chester’s stunning Cathedral, duttons is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Duttons is the ideal venue to enjoy exquisite food and drink. With a fantastic wine list catering for every palate, and a fine selection of real cask ales there is something to suit everyone.

Hotel Budgets:Two nights including breakfast and car parking .Cardiff:LINCOLN HOUSE PRIVATE HOTEL - £190 per couple.ANGEL HOTEL - £218 per couple Plus car park charge £10 per nightChester: - £136 per coupleTHE KINGS GUEST HOUSE - £190 per coupleMILL HOTEL & LEISURE VENUEAn evening meal can be added to the cost at:ANGEL HOTEL CARDIFF – £258 per coupleMILL HOTEL AND LEISURE VENUE CHESTER - £250 per couple CHECK LIST Which City? Which accommodation? Which dates? (if Cardiff) Meal at hotel? (If Hotel selected) Any Questions? Your intrepid researchers are at your service!