Britain's best cricket grounds

Britain's best cricket grounds

With the Ashes in full swing, Liz Barrett slips into her whites and explores some of the most beautiful, picturesque or just plain bizarre rural cricket grounds.

Published: July 17, 2013 at 9:17 am

Elie Beach, Fife

Perhaps better suited for a spot of volleyball, Elie Beach in Fife has hosted the Ship Inn Cricket Club and its matches since 1990, while, conveniently, the Ship Inn itself acts as its pavilion. With views right across the Forth estuary a cricket match on the beach has to be seen to be believed.

Set against a spectacular backdrop of Lakeland fells and a melodic soundtrack of cracking willow, the home of Patterdale Cricket Club is nestled in one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. Even Wordsworth described it as "the prettiest field in England".

Marchwiell Hall, North Wales

Take your cricket with a hint of azalea and rhododendron, both within smelling distance of the pitch at Marchwiell cricket ground in North Wales. Sights around the club include views of the Cheshire hills, the River Clywedog and the 17th-century Erdigg Hall.

Bridgetown, Somerset

Quintessentially English, with spectacular views over Exmoor National Park and accessible by a wooden footbridge over the River Exe, Bridgetown Cricket Club in Somerset even comes complete with its very own thatched-roof pavilion. Is this the perfect English cricket green.

Abinger, Surrey

Sheltered under the branches of an ancient oak tree, the village green of Abinger Cricket Club sits peacefully in an area of outstanding natural beauty. After a few innings, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby village of Shere, visit the famous Abinger Hammer clock, and step back in time on the North Downs Way where Canadian soldiers trained for the Normandy landings.

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