My daughter is a huge fan of Dr. Who. My wife likes it too. While I am not as big of a fan, I have grown to like it. Our main reason to go to Cardiff was for the Dr. Who Experience. This was our gift to our daughter for her 13th birthday, which was last week. We arrived into Cardiff Central station at about 10:30 am and walked to our hotel, about 10 minutes away. It was sunny, but colder than London was due to the wind. The Novotel staff told us it was too early for us to check in, so we stored our bags and went to get a bus to the Dr. Who Experience. It was a quick ride, and once there, we explored the place for 2-3 hours. Our daughter loved ... read more

We awoke early and began packing up, while Nikki got hubby and kids ready for work and school. We had a quick bite to eat for breakfast and then Nikki drove us from Basingstoke into London, where we caught a train at Raynes Park station. She got us another groupsave pass for rail and tube. We said our goodbyes and then rode the train to Clapham Junction station where we caught a new train to Victoria Station. It had started to rain when we arrived and started walking to our hotel. Luckily it was a short walk though. We checked in early and the staff was very friendly. We put up our stuff in the room and left to explore London again. My wife and I had been before so this was mostly for our daughter. ... read more

We chose to stay closer to Basingstoke this day, and visit Winchester. What a beautiful little place! We strolled around the streets and saw all the sights. We went to lunch at the Royal Oak pub, which was very good. They had a lunch special that we all got, which was a sandwich, chips, and a drink. I had duck on a baguette and a beer. After lunch we walked around for another few hours and then drove back to Basingstoke. Our friend's husband had to work this day and we went back to meet him and the kids. He works for the Lord of Portsmouth, so we met him at the property for a little tour.... read more

After Corfe Castle, we drove to Swanage and checked out the coast. We then went to dinner at The Ship Inn. It was a lovely little pub, and the portions were large. I had fish and chips with a Guinness. I was barely able to finish. Later, we walked through Swanage a little and then headed back to Basingstoke. We were so tired, and I fell asleep on the drive back. When we arrived back at their home, it was very easy for all of us to fall asleep quickly, and we did just that!... read more

Our daughter has always wanted to visit the UK. We had avoided it due to the horrendous exchange rate for us. Well, it was now time to suck it up and go for it! We made our plans early and hoped it would all work out. We would fly to London, then stay with friends in Basingstoke for a few days, then visit London, and finally go out to Cardiff. As of the afternoon on October 18, we really did not know if we would leave this day, or leave the next. I worked this day and while at work, decided to go after I was off. I hurried home to change and finish packing. We actually were behind schedule on the way to the airport, and I wondered if we would make it. Traffic was ... read more