For five days in September a group of Friends of Rochester Cathedral took part in an organised holiday to Cardiff and South Wales. This was the first such trip since before Covid and was arranged due to public demand. Sadly only twenty one people booked on to the holiday but what was lacking in number was made up for in enthusiasm.

Leaving Rochester on Monday morning we travelled in our own coach to Tredegar House just outside Newport. This National Trust property afforded us an interesting house visit, a chance to stretch legs in the grounds and to partake in lunch in the cafe. We travelled on to our hotel which was well situated in the centre of Cardiff within easy walking distance of the shopping centre and places of interest for those independently minded. Dinner each night was in our own dedicated room and gave us the opportunity not only to satisfy our appetites but also to chat and get to know our fellow travellers.

The week continued with days full of activities. We experienced a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway followed by a guided tour of Cardiff Castle. We visited The Royal Mint at Llantrisant and then joned our colleagues, The Friends of Llandaff Cathedral, for a guided tour, tea and Evensong. Our final full day was spent having a guided coach tour of Cardiff and its environs, a boat trip around Cardiff Bay with lunch provided and then a visit to the National Museum of Wales.

On Friday we journeyed home via Lacock Abbey, a National Trust property near Chippenham, Wiltshire arriving back in Rochester by early evening.

A very convivial time was had by all who had become friends as well as Friends with participants asking where are we going next year!.