South England Athletics: Track and Field Championships and Events

When are the SEAA Track and Field Championships held. Where do the South of England Athletics Association competitions take place. How can athletes enter SEAA events. What age groups compete in SEAA championships.

SEAA Track and Field Championship Overview

The South of England Athletics Association (SEAA) organizes a comprehensive series of track and field championships and events throughout the year. These competitions cater to various age groups, from under-13s to seniors, and cover a wide range of athletic disciplines. The events are held at venues across southern England, providing opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents and compete at a high level.

Key SEAA Track and Field Championships

The SEAA calendar features several major championship events:

• Under 20/Senior Championships
• U15/U17 3,000 Metres Championships
• U20/Senior Inter Counties Championships
• Combined Events Championships
• U13/U15/U17 Championships
• U15/U17 Inter Counties Championships
• Indoor Championships (U13/U15/U17 and U20/Senior)
• 5K Championships

These events take place at various times throughout the year, with outdoor championships typically held during the summer months and indoor competitions scheduled for winter.

Championship Venues and Locations

SEAA events are hosted at several prominent athletics facilities in southern England:

• Chelmsford
• Horspath, Oxford
• Lee Valley Athletics Centre
• Queen Elizabeth Stadium

These venues are selected for their excellent facilities and ability to accommodate large numbers of competitors and spectators.

Can athletes compete at multiple venues throughout the season?

Yes, athletes can participate in events at different venues throughout the season. This allows competitors to experience various tracks and facilities, potentially enhancing their performance and adaptability.

Age Groups and Categories

SEAA track and field championships cater to a wide range of age groups:

• Under 13 (U13)
• Under 15 (U15)
• Under 17 (U17)
• Under 20 (U20)
• Senior

Some events, such as the Combined Events Championships, may have specific age group categories. This structure ensures fair competition and allows athletes to progress through the ranks as they develop.

How are age groups determined for SEAA competitions?

Age groups are typically determined by an athlete’s age on August 31st of the competition year. This aligns with the standard used in most UK athletics competitions and ensures consistency across events.

Entry Process and Requirements

To participate in SEAA championships, athletes must follow specific entry procedures:

1. Check the SEAA website (seaa.org.uk) for entry forms and deadlines
2. Complete the required entry form for the relevant championship
3. Submit the form and any necessary fees by the specified deadline
4. Ensure compliance with any qualifying standards or eligibility criteria

It’s crucial for athletes to carefully review the entry requirements for each event, as they may vary depending on the championship and age group.

Are there qualifying standards for SEAA championships?

Some SEAA championships may have qualifying standards, particularly for higher-level competitions. Athletes should check the specific event information to determine if they need to meet certain performance criteria to be eligible for entry.

Combined Events Championships

The SEAA Combined Events Championships are a highlight of the athletics calendar, testing athletes’ versatility and all-around skills. These events include:

• Decathlon (men)
• Heptathlon (women)
• Age-specific multi-event competitions

Combined events championships are held for various age groups, including U15, U17, U20, and senior categories. These competitions provide a unique challenge for athletes and often serve as qualifying events for national and international championships.

What disciplines are included in SEAA combined events?

The disciplines included in combined events vary by age group and gender. For example, a senior men’s decathlon typically includes 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1500m. The women’s heptathlon usually consists of 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin, and 800m.

Indoor Championships

SEAA indoor championships provide athletes with opportunities to compete during the winter months. These events are typically held at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre and include:

• U13/U15/U17 Individual Championships
• U20 and Senior Individual Championships
• Combined Events Championships (all age groups)

Indoor championships offer a different competitive experience, with events adapted to suit the indoor environment. This can include shorter sprint distances and modified field events.

How do indoor championships differ from outdoor events?

Indoor championships often feature shorter tracks (typically 200m) and may include events not seen in outdoor competition, such as the 60m sprint. Field events may have modified rules or equipment to accommodate the indoor setting. The controlled environment can lead to faster times in some events but may present unique challenges in others.

Inter-Counties Championships

The SEAA Inter-Counties Championships bring together top athletes representing their respective counties within the South of England region. These events include:

• U20/Senior Inter Counties Championships
• U15/U17 Inter Counties Championships

Inter-Counties Championships provide an opportunity for athletes to compete not just as individuals, but as part of a larger team representing their county. This adds an extra layer of competition and camaraderie to the events.

How are athletes selected for Inter-Counties Championships?

Selection processes for Inter-Counties Championships may vary by county, but generally involve a combination of factors such as:
– Performance in county championships
– Achieving specific qualifying standards
– Overall season performance
– Selection by county team managers or committees

Athletes interested in representing their county should contact their local county athletics association for specific selection criteria and procedures.

Specialist Events and Championships

In addition to the main track and field championships, SEAA organizes several specialist events:

• 5K Championships
• Walks Championships
• 3,000 Metres Championships (for specific age groups)

These events allow athletes to focus on particular disciplines and distances, providing opportunities for specialists to showcase their talents.

Why are specialist championships important?

Specialist championships serve several important purposes:
– They allow athletes to compete against others who excel in the same discipline
– They provide opportunities for athletes to set records and achieve qualifying times for higher-level competitions
– They help to promote and develop specific events within the athletics community
– They offer a platform for athletes who may not compete in a full range of track and field events

SEAA Policies and Athlete Information

The South of England Athletics Association maintains several policies and guidelines to ensure fair competition and athlete safety:

• SEAA Indoor Seeding Policy
• SEAA Outdoor Seeding Policy
• Championship Best Performance (CBP) records eligible for cash prizes
• Important information for athletes

Athletes, coaches, and officials should familiarize themselves with these policies to ensure compliance and understand the rules governing SEAA competitions.

What is the purpose of seeding policies in athletics?

Seeding policies serve several important purposes in athletics competitions:
– They ensure that athletes of similar ability levels compete against each other in heats or qualifying rounds
– They help to create fair and competitive races by distributing top performers across different heats
– They can improve the overall quality and excitement of competitions by setting up potentially close finishes
– They help to streamline the competition process, particularly in events with large numbers of entrants

SEAA Regional Council and Governance

The South East Regional Council plays a crucial role in the governance and development of athletics in the region. Key members include:

• James de Vivenot (Chair)
• Stuart Horsewood
• Kay Reynolds

The council also includes co-opted members who bring additional expertise to the organization. These individuals work to promote and develop athletics across the South East region, collaborating with England Athletics and local clubs.

How does the SEAA Regional Council support athletes and clubs?

The SEAA Regional Council supports athletes and clubs in several ways:
– Organizing and overseeing regional championships and competitions
– Developing and implementing policies to ensure fair competition
– Providing guidance and support to local athletics clubs
– Liaising with national governing bodies to represent regional interests
– Promoting athletics and encouraging participation at all levels
– Supporting athlete development pathways and talent identification programs

Athletes, coaches, and club officials can contact the council for guidance and support in various aspects of athletics within the South East region.

seaa.org.uk – Track and Field

South East Regional Council – England Athletics

Council Members

• James de Vivenot (Chair)
• Stuart Horsewood
• Kay Reynolds

Co-optees

• Tom Easten

You can get in touch via southeastchair@englandathletics. org

James de Vivenot

James came back to athletics in 2014, having been a sprinter at school, starting with a couch-to-5k programme in January 2014 with Ealing Eagles, before going on to complete the Ealing Half Marathon in September 2014 and the London Marathon in 2015. He has completed numerous other races, including the Berlin and Tokyo marathons, and has represented his club in numerous races including cross country leagues, Welsh Castles Relay and Green Belt Relay.

James started his coaching journey with the Leadership in Running Fitness course in 2014, before going on to qualify as a Coaching Assistant in 2016, Athletics Coach in 2017 and finally Endurance Event Group coach in 2018. James’s daughter is a keen athlete and he has done most of his coaching with young athletes to help support her journey. He helped to set up the Junior section of Ealing Eagles in 2015, before moving with his daughter to the youth endurance group at Ealing Southall & Middlesex AC in 2018. When his daughter moved to the multi event group at Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow AC in 2020, James also moved and he currently delivers endurance sessions to the group. James has also recently developed an interest in Masters Athletics, particularly sprints and competed for Ealing Eagles in their debut season in the Southern Counties Veterans AC track and field league in 2021.

Stuart Horsewood

Stuart is Secretary of both Winchester & District AC and Hampshire Track & Field Championships, having spent over four decades in Finance across 21 countries. He has extensive experience as an international marathon Race Director and organiser of athletics and cross-country competitions. He is an active qualified timekeeper. Stuart has worked with local authorities, sports and educational institutions to promote the positive impact of sports. He has coached community athletics and football, while sharing running experiences. He also sits on the Winchester (University) Stadium Management Committee.

Stuart has run marathons and beyond on all seven continents, achieving the Grand Slam at the North Pole, raising six-figure sponsorships and donations.

Kay Reynolds

Kay became an athlete at 10 years old and competed in school, county and national events up to national senior trails events as well as a master athlete, predominantly as a hurdler.

She has been an administrator of the sport for many years and is currently Chair of her Club. She is a coach (previously on the national coach development programme-NCDP), an official (level 4P field and level 2 timekeeper) and is passionate about the continual development of the sport.

London + Southern England – (8 days / 7 nights) – tour of the UK from Amigo-S

06 Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

1 day
Arrival in London. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Free time.

Day 2
London sightseeing tour
Introduction to the capital of Great Britain,
during which you will see the historical monuments and sights of the city: Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Square, the Prince Albert Memorial, old Edinburgh, during which you will see the historical monuments and sights of the city
: Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, Prince Albert Memorial, Old Scotland Yard. You will drive along Fleet Street, which will take you to the City area, which is a separate city, where you will see a stunning dome with a rare dome for London architecture – St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Castle, Tower Bridge and much more. In the afternoon – free time. Time for additional excursions, visits to popular attractions and restaurants.

Day 3-4
Free time. Time for additional excursions, visits to popular attractions and restaurants.

Day 5
Meeting of the group at the Royal National Hotel (38-51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG) , start of the journey along the route: Bath
– Glastonbury – Exeter Bath (Bath) – listed by UNESCO in the list of cultural and natural heritage sites humanity. The city is famous for the ruins of Roman baths and the ensemble of the Georgian era by the architect J. Wood, the prototype of which was the ancient Colosseum.

Glastonbury – considered the most magical place in the UK, where the ancient legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin the Wizard and Morgan the Fairy come to life. Glastonbury Abbey is one of the attractions.

According to legend, the first church on the site of the abbey was founded in the 1st century by Joseph of Arimathea, who brought the famous Grail to the British Isles. According to one of the legends, the castle on top of Mount Thor is the very place where the Holy Grail is kept.
The lake surrounding the mountain, in turn, is mentioned in the legend of the sword of King Arthur – the magical Excalibur.

Exeter is a small, friendly city, one of the most beautiful in England , far from the noise of
metropolitan areas. The majestic building of the 13th century cathedral will reveal the secrets of its ghosts. The University of Exeter is one of the most sought after universities in the United Kingdom. The city is a lively cultural center with cinemas, theatres, excellent shops.

Day 6
A trip to the coast of the Celtic Sea: Boskastel – Tintagel
Boscastle (Boscastle) – a charming village with picturesque cottages, where there are fishing boats, friendly meets guests in cafes, restaurants and pubs. The road leading from the sea will lead you to the little churches hidden in the greenery, and you will discover the hidden connection between North Cornwall and the writer Thomas Hardy. A safe harbor, the atmosphere of patriarchal England, saturated with medieval history, reigns here.

Tintangel – located on the north coast of Cornwall and famous for its involvement in the legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. On a steep cliff is the castle of King Arthur, dating back to the 13th century. Here Arthur was born and from here the wizard Merlin secretly took the baby away. Later, a love triangle unfolded in Tintagel: King Mark, his wife Isolde and Tristan.

Every year, 200,000 fans of Arthurian legends visit the picturesque ruins of the castle. Currently, the castle belongs to the Dukes of Cornwall and is part of the historical heritage of England.

Day 7
Stonehenge – Salisbury – Portsmouth
Stonehenge – according to various scientific theories, Stonehenge could have been built by aliens – as it is an accurate cross-sectional model of the solar system, it could have served as an ancient observatory, could have been a druid temple , and also represent the magical act of Merlin and have great healing power.

Salisbury – the oldest city in England with a magnificent cathedral , where one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta (Magna Carta) is kept. Portsmouth is the cradle of the British Navy. There is a visit to the famous Victory ship built in 1765. On this ship, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson defeated the Franco-Spanish fleet at Cape Trafalgar. In 1922, the Victoria was turned into a museum as a tribute to Nelson’s victory.

Day 8
Brighton – Leeds Castle
Brighton is a resort town in Sussex. Visit the Royal Palace (Royal Pavilion) .
The architect of the palace – the famous George Nash – gave it a resemblance to the palace of a powerful Indian rajah.

Leeds Castle , located on two small islands, in the middle of a lake surrounded by picturesque hills
. One of the owners of the castle was the conquering king Edward I, who annexed England, Wales and Scotland (during his reign).
At the end of the tour, transfer to the airport Heathrow for the evening flight BA237.

*guide reserves the right to make changes to the program in case of force majeure.

The price of the tour includes:

• 7 nights accommodation in cozy hotels according to the program with breakfast
• excursions along the route with Russian-speaking guides
• transport service on a comfortable air-conditioned bus
• group transfers from Heathrow and Gatwick at life and wires under flights approved in the flight program for the season.

Additional charge:

• entrance tickets to castles and museums under the program are paid only in cash in English pounds on the spot, approximately 95-00 GB
• surcharge for the first row in the bus in South England 15-00 GBP

901 05 surcharge for 2nd and 3rd rows in the bus in Southern England 10-00 GBP

• individual transfers
• as a thank you for good service, tourists can tip the driver about 10-15 pounds per person per tour

Spring trip to the south of England during cherry blossom days

El-Al flights:
Tel Aviv – London 14. 04.20 – 05.00
London – Tel Aviv 26.04.20 – 22.30

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Hotels

Bath: APEX CITY OF BATH HOTEL (4*)

Plymouth: THE JURYS INN (4*)

Portsmouth: HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS GUNWHARF QU AY (4*)

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This is preliminary hotel list. The final information about the hotels will be published a month before the tour.

Southern England is the blessed land most associated with good old England: country houses with thatched roofs, cozy pubs with large fireplaces, emerald hills dotted with white sheep , ruins of ancient abbeys, ancient palaces and castles, surrounded by luxurious gardens and parks.
The southern counties, which are called the “Garden of England”, are especially beautiful in spring, when the delicate pink sakura blooms, the forests are covered with a blue carpet of bluebells, the fields turn yellow with rapeseed, the rhododendrons cover the gardens and groves with a bright rainbow, the bushes put on silk camellia brooches, tulips adorn the flower beds with an incredible variety. colors and types.

1 day. The estate of the English aristocrats.

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Southern England is the blessed land most associated with “good old England”; the villages here seem to have stepped out of the pages of Agatha Christie stories, and the rich estates seem to be the perfect setting for the Jane Austen novels. It is no coincidence that almost all film adaptations of classical English literature were filmed in these parts. One of these “cinematic” palaces is Highclere Castle – the setting for “Downton Abbey” – “the most talked about television series” (according to the Guinness Book of Records). The Earl of Carnarvon and his family still live in it today. The castle and its surroundings are really beautiful and we are planning to visit them.

Having experienced the majesty of palace landscapes, we will continue our way past rose-covered and thatched-roofed rural houses.
In the evening we will arrive at our hotel in Portsmouth, where we will stay for 5 nights.

Day 2. Nymans Gardens. Hever Castle.

Today we will visit one of the most beautiful gardens in England – Nymans Gardens. One can say about such gardens: “nature as art”. Magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, groves and forests covered with bluebells… Delight is guaranteed!
And then our path lies in the Hever Castle. This is a place that will allow both lovers of history and connoisseurs of everything beautiful to plunge into the mysterious past. It was in this castle that Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, spent her youth. There is still a special spirit of antiquity and grandeur. However, the castle owes its safety and splendor not to royal favor, but to the American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who acquired and restored the Hever estate. Thus the “Tudor Village” was built, and the gardens blossomed. And the gardens here are wonderful: cascades, grottoes, fountains, huge chess pieces carved from yew, a lake along which a chestnut alley stretches.

Day 3. Brighton. Chalk cliffs “Seven Sisters”.

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On the south coast of Great Britain there is a seaside resort – the city of Brighton. Tourists invariably flock here to visit the famous Brighton Beach, as well as to admire the Royal Pavilion. This outlandish palace was built in the colonial style for the future King George 4 and became the most exotic flower that bloomed on English soil in the 19th century: Chinese, Indian, Moorish motifs are presented here, everything here corresponds to the Prince Regent’s desire for luxury.
In the afternoon we will go to visit the “Seven Sisters” – the so-called high and steep chalk cliffs, which, like lonely guards in white robes, meet ships crossing the English Channel. It is because of these amazing rocks that the ancient Romans called this island Albion, that is, white.

Day 4. National Automobile Museum. Bewley Abbey and Manor. Exbury Gardens.

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If you think you’re indifferent to cars, it’s only because you haven’t been to Bewley yet, home to the stunning National Automobile Museum, arguably the best in Britain, and maybe Europe. Here you can see both super-modern and historical cars, as well as cinematic rarities: James Bond’s jaguar and Harry Potter’s “flying” Ford, Elvis Prestley’s last Cadillac and Mr. Bean’s Mini. The museum is located in an old estate, whose owner, Lord Montagu, became the founder of the museum. The house is open to the public and the picturesque abbey ruins adjacent to the house give the landscape a very romantic feel.
The picturesque village of Bewley is considered the historic heart of the New Forest. The New Forest is not just a forest, it’s a dozen small old-fashioned villages, rivers and lakes, hundreds of hiking trails, pubs, gardens, castles and manors. It was here, on the edge of this great forest, that Lionel Nathan de Rothschild fulfilled his lifelong dream of creating Exbury Gardens, surrounding a majestic neo-Palladian mansion. This truly fabulous place has won the prestigious UK award for Best Gardens in Britain.

Day 5 Isle of Wight.

Today we take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, the largest island off the coast of England, located in the English Channel. In the 19th century, the young Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert purchased Osborne House on the Isle of Wight as a retreat from the tensions and conventions of the Royal Court so that their children could play in the sand, splash in the waves and learn the basics of agriculture and business by growing food and selling it to his own father. An unusual approach to raising royal children, isn’t it? After the death of Queen Victoria, everything here remained intact, and we will learn a lot of interesting things about the life and character of the royal couple.
For lunch we will choose one of the charming island villages with good pubs, traditional teahouses and curious shops selling edible and non-edible souvenirs. Then we will walk through the gardens and groves, admiring cherry blossoms, delicate daffodils or bluebells, and maybe all colors at once (depending on the weather).
In the evening, the ferry will take us back to the mainland.

Day 6. Salisbury. Stourhead.
We are heading to the magnificent city of Salisbury, made famous in the paintings of the famous English artist John Constable. Together we will walk along the ancient streets and pavements of this once richest city in England, the development and prosperity of which took place in the 14th-17th centuries. The undisputed gem of medieval Salisbury is the Gothic cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in England and houses one of only four surviving originals of the 1215 Magna Carta or Magna Carta.

Next, we will drive to the village of Stourton to visit Stourhead Manor – one of the greatest examples of garden art, which has become a significant contribution to the landscape culture not only of the 18th century, but of our time. The garden owes its appearance to Henry II Hoare, who in 1725 inherited the house here from his father, a successful London banker. Transferring the garden in 1773 to his grandson Richard Colt Hoare, he took his word from him to leave the banking field for the sake of this estate. In the words of one of the great contemporaries, “The choirs lived to enjoy the transformation of the desert into paradise.”
We will arrive in Plymouth in the evening. Tomorrow we will have time to get acquainted with the sights of the city, where we will stay for the next 4 nights.

Day 7. Cockington. Plymouth.
We will spend the first half of the day in the village of Cockington and the gardens and forests adjacent to it. The ancient history of these places, amazing safety, well-groomedness and natural beauty surprise and delight.
The village of Cockington is a time capsule in the heart of the English Riviera, a beautiful bay in South Devon. Everything about Cockington is filled with history – there’s a water mill, a blacksmith shop and even a cricket ground that was once a medieval deer park. At the center of this lovely Devon village is Cockington Court, a 16th-century manor house surrounded by hundreds of acres of gorgeous country parkland. Today, Cockington Court is an arts and crafts hub where you can watch, buy, meet and interact with the creators of beautiful works of applied art.
After lunch, we will return to Plymouth and devote the afternoon to getting to know the city, which is associated with many events not only in English but also in world history. We will visit the very place from where Francis Drake and his squadron went to sea to crush the Invincible Spanish Armada in 1588. We will come to the pier from which 102 Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower in 1620 to cross the Atlantic and found the United States. We will see the shore that was the last Napoleon saw before going to his eternal exile on the island of St. Helena.
During the day you will have free time for shopping, and you should definitely spend the evening in one of the many restaurants in Plymouth Harbor: fresh fish, crabs and lobsters are their specialty.

Day 8. Tintagel Castle, Boscastle village.
Today we will leave for the Cornish peninsula and find ourselves on the very edge of Britain, where the Celtic culture is still alive, where the legends of King Arthur and the Holy Grail are part of the local history. We will visit Tintagel Castle, a beautiful and amazing place. Part of the castle had long since rested at the bottom of the sea, and the wind, rain and sea foam continued to destroy – as a result, the ruins were carved no less beautiful than the surrounding rocks.
Not far from the castle is the village of Boscastle: it stands on both sides of a long narrow valley that descends to a steep and rocky entrance to the raging sea. The landscape, coastline and old cozy houses are beautiful. Walks along the river or to the tops of the hills are picturesque. And the food in cozy pubs and cafes is delicious.

Day 9. St. Michael’s Mount Island, Lanhydroc Manor.
We will start another day in Cornwall with a visit to St. Michael’s Mount (weather permitting). This is an island similar to a mirage, the top of which is crowned with a castle, and gardens bloom at the foot. The owners of the island, Lord and Lady Saint Aubyn, still live in the castle; in a tiny village adjacent to the harbor, fishermen and gardeners live; and all this seems to be a revived legend about brave knights and beautiful ladies. On the island, we will visit both the gardens and the castle, have lunch at a local restaurant, and then move on to the Lanhydrok estate. This is a magnificent country estate with a park and a forest, where the filming of the film “Twelfth Night” (film version 1996 years of Shakespeare’s play). In addition to beautiful landscapes, both natural and ennobled by human labor, there is also a magnificent house where we can look “under the stairs” and see how and by whom the luxurious life of the English aristocrats of the 19th century was created.

Day 10. Cheddar Gorge. City of Wells.

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Today we will go to Somerset to see two amazingly beautiful places: one is a creation of nature, the other is human hands.
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in England. Rocks rise to a height of 140 meters. The depths of the gorge are no less amazing. Here, in one of the many caves, prehistoric remains of the first inhabitants of Great Britain were found. A picturesque road running through the depths of the gorge leads to the caves, where the cheese of the same name, the oldest in England, ripens. He got his name from the name of the village of Cheddar, where he was first made.
The Cheddar Valley will take us to the smallest town in England, which well deserves the title of the most charming! The city of Wells, despite its modest size, holds true medieval treasures: the Cathedral – a masterpiece of the Gothic English style, the Bishop’s Palace of the 13th century with magnificent gardens, and the Priests’ Lane, with its fifty old buildings, forming the most beautiful Gothic arcade in England. All this is a perfectly preserved single architectural complex and the core of the city.
In the evening we will arrive at the banks of the River Avon, where, surrounded by hills and green valleys, stands the city of Bath.
Accommodation: 2 nights in a hotel in the Bath area.

Day 11. Baht.

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Today we will devote the whole day to the wonderful city of Bath. Founded by the ancient Romans on the site of healing springs, in the 19th century Bath became the most fashionable resort in England – after all, as the master of ceremonies Bentham assured, “time spent in Bath is minutes stolen from paradise” (“Notes of the Pickwick Club” by C. Dickens). Oh, how true that is even today. Bath is a holiday city, a garden city, a city of beautiful life and an architectural reserve.
After the city tour, in the afternoon, you will have free time for independent walks, culinary pleasures and shopping.

Day 12. The most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

Today, on the final day of our tour, we will travel through one of the most beautiful, unspoiled by the benefits of modern civilization, areas of England – the Cotswolds. In addition to pastoral landscapes of hills and valleys, the Cotswolds is also a protected area of ​​​​traditional English villages. You’ve probably seen them on postcards and in movies—narrow, hilly streets lined with neat honey-colored houses and perfectly manicured lawns. When you get here, you seem to find yourself in another dimension, where time stopped a hundred or two hundred years ago. No wonder the Cotswolds are so sought after by filmmakers.

Back in 1962, the English called the village of Castle Combe the most beautiful village in England, although this title was already held by the village of Bayburi, which we will also visit. In its original form, all the main buildings and attributes of a traditional English village of the 15th century have been preserved here. Castle Combe has been the setting for many films including Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Doctor Dolittle, Stardust and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse.
In the village of Lacock, which is completely under the protection of the National Heritage Foundation, the wonderful ruins of the abbey, where many scenes of Harry Potter were filmed, have been preserved. The film “Tess of the D’Urbervilles”, both adaptations of “Pride and Prejudice”, some scenes of “Downton Abbey”, and many other famous films were filmed here.
The village of Baiburi has also repeatedly become the setting for famous films and TV series, for example, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and several stories about Miss Marple based on the stories of Agatha Christie. Bayburi is also considered one of the oldest villages in England. The first mention of it is found in the Book of the Last Judgment of the 11th century.