England

Often considered one of the holiest sites in England, this mystical Northumberland island village is home to an ancient castle and you can spot seals from the shore

A secluded island village, cut off from the world twice daily, exists right here within the UK. Nestled off the Northumbrian coast, this island village is often hailed as England’s most sacred site.

Situated 13 miles south of Berwick-on-Tweed and 20 miles north of Alnwick, this enchanting village boasts an ancient priory, a grand castle perched on the brink of the stunning coastline, and a plethora of delightful cafes and pubs. To the joy of visitors, seals can often be spotted from the village shore. However, twice a day, this island village becomes unreachable as the fierce tide engulfs its causeway, severing it from the rest of Northern England’s mainland. This necessitates that those keen to visit must check the safe crossing times to the coastal hamlet.

Words fall short in capturing the allure of the mystical Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. As you approach the island village, the awe-inspiring views and dramatic entrance give the sensation of stepping into a hidden world, encapsulating the unique charm of this village.

England’s most sacred site

Boasting a rich history that stretches back to the 6th century AD, Holy Island was a pivotal centre of Celtic Christianity, under the stewardship of Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith, and Eadberht of Lindisfarne. Originally, the island housed a monastery, which fell during the Viking invasions but was later reborn as a priory following the Norman Conquest of England.

Often dubbed the holiest site in Anglo-Saxon England, Lindisfarne was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk from Iona, the epicentre of Scottish Christianity. Invited by King Oswald, St. Aidan brought Christianity to Northumbria. In 635, he established Lindisfarne Monastery on Holy Island, becoming its first Abbot and Bishop. The Lindisfarne Gospels, a 7th-century illuminated Latin manuscript created here, now resides in the British Museum. The 12th-century Lindisfarne Priory is situated at the other end, across the causeway, and was seen as the birthplace of Christianity during the Anglo Saxon era.

It also served as the former dwelling of St Oswald. Immersed in breathtaking beauty, this peaceful haven was once the home of the famed St Cuthbert. With its profound historical ties, castle and priory ruins, Lindisfarne remains a sacred site and pilgrimage destination for countless Christians to this day.

Why you should visit

Holy Island is a vibrant community, home to a bustling harbour dotted with shops, hotels and pubs. The island and the mainland offer plenty to discover, with bird watching, fishing, golf, painting and photography being some of the most popular pastimes. Nestled atop a rocky volcanic mound known as Beblowe Craig, the majestic Lindisfarne Castle commands views over the island. Perched precariously on the coastline, the castle was found in 1901 in remarkable condition, leading many to surmise that its military history was largely peaceful. Today, the National Trust oversees the castle, allowing visitors to marvel at its stunning architecture and breathtaking sea vistas, reports Chronicle Live.

In addition to its rich history, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is also home to an impressive variety of wildlife. Its island status protects tidal mudflats, salt marshes and dunes, which together makeup the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Bird enthusiasts should keep an eye out for wildfowl in autumn and wading birds in winter on the reserve. Pale-bellied brent geese migrating from Svalbard (Spitsbergen) often spend their winters on Holy Island, and grey seals are frequently seen playing in the waters around the island village and sunning themselves on the sands. Visitors to Lindisfarne can drop into one of the island village’s quaint cafes or try one of the numerous pubs and restaurants for a meal.

“That would be outstanding if we could snag him. He is some kind of an athlete.

“We were just doing some stats on him and he is in the top 10 for dominant carries, dominant tackles, out of all the second rows in the Top 14.

“That is as a 19/20-year-old and just shows the foundation of where he could get to.

“He is an international athlete and someone needs to make him into an international player. We feel like we are good at that.”

Any move for Kpoku is complicated by a contract which commits him to Racing until summer 2027.

But Sale, whose co-owner Simon Orange sold his investment business for a reported £1bn in January 2025, could strike an agreement to buy out the final season of Kpoku’s deal.

“There is still a transfer fee for anyone who wants to negotiate and we are duking it out with the big boys in France like La Rochelle,” said Sanderson.

“Fortunately, transfer fees don’t come into the salary cap so, as long as our owners are feeling generous and we feel he is a good prospect for our group, there is a good chance.”

Kpoku, who was born in London and joined Racing from Exeter in October 2023, is highly rated by England.

He took up an invite to train with the senior squad during last year’s Six Nations, and England’s hierarchy reportedly considered offering, external him one of their enhanced central contracts to ease his path back to the Prem.

Without a senior cap, Kpoku could become eligible for France on residency grounds if he remains in the Top 14, but he would prefer to play for England.

“France is not really what I want to pursue because it’s not my country,” he told BBC Sport in December 2024.

“I want to represent my own country, where I was born and raised.”

With Maro Itoje as captain, Martin, Northampton’s Alex Coles and Leicester’s Ollie Chessum are the leading candidates to partner him in the second row at the World Cup, which begins in Australia in September 2027.

England find themselves on the wrong side of another controversial Snicko decision after Jake Weatherald is given not out despite there appearing to be a murmur on the Snicko technology, as the ball passes the bat – with Weatherald on 16 and Australia 33-0, chasing 160 to win the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney.

FOLLOW LIVE: The Ashes fifth Test – day five

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Former England striker and manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer.

Keegan had an illustrious playing career which included spells at Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle United, while he twice won the European Footballer of the Year award.

He moved into management after ending his playing career and had stints in charge of Newcastle United, Fulham, England and Manchester City.

“Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” the 74-year-old’s family said in a statement.

“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”

More to follow.

A FAMOUS market in a UK city has started a £9million revamp project.

Grainger Market in Newcastle is being renovated in hopes of rivalling the best of Europe‘s indoor markets, such as Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and Foodhallen in Amsterdam.

Works on the market include creating a pavilion upstairs and adding new flooring, according to the BBC.

There will also be new toilets at the venue as well as seating areas to eventually host gigs and plays.

Hand-painted signs and ceramic tiles with street names on the floor will make navigating around the market easier too.

The project is expected to be completed in the first part of this year.

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The market is known for selling a variety of products from independent businesses.

For example, you can pick up fresh meat or fish, cheese and baked goods.

There are a number of street food options at the market as well such as tapas and pizza.

After eating, have a mooch around some of the shops too, which sell locally crafted clothes, gifts and jewellery.

The market also features the original Marks & Spencer Penny Bazaar stall.

Today it is the last surviving example of a Penny Bazaar, which used to be a fixed-price shop, and has a cherry-red exterior with golden signage from when it first opened in 1895.

One recent visitor of the market said: “If you love food then Grainger Market is a must do.

“We had Korean dumplings and buns, chicken wings, a Cuban sandwich (the Cubanos), a pizza slice, a sausage on a stick and shucked oysters from one of the fishmongers.

“There were other establishments that we did not get to and will certainly be visiting again.”

Another visitor added: “One of the best places in town by far.

“A really cool market, indoors, and in a classic 19th Century environment, a truly beautiful building.”

The market is open from 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday.

The Grade I listed market opened back in 1835 and was a part of the 19th century Neoclassical redevelopment of the city.

The market was designed by John Dobson and replaced some older markets that had been demolished.

A number of other destinations across the UK will be getting revamps this year too.

In London, an iconic Grade II listed building is set to close for a year as part of multimillion-pound redevelopment.

Plus, a much-mocked UK city is set to be huge this year according to National Geographic.

England and Trailfinders Women back row Abi Burton has been chosen as chair of a landmark leadership group of PWR players.

Burton, who was part of the Red Roses squad that won the Womens’ Rugby World Cup in September, will lead the Women’s Rugby Board set up by elite players union The Rugby Players Association (RPA).

The 25-year-old’s Rugby World Cup triumph came three years after she had to be placed in a coma to treat a serious immune disease attacking her brain.

“I’m really proud to have been elected chair of the first Women’s Rugby Board,” said Burton.

“It’s an important opportunity to ensure players’ voices are heard, and I’m looking forward to working with the board and the RPA to represent players across the women’s game.”

The new separate women’s board will ensure women’s players are better represented and able to respond to “specific challenges and opportunities they face” say the RPA.

Bristol Bears and Wales full-back Jenny Hesketh has been elected as vice-chair with Emily Tuttosi, who started for Canada against England in last year’s World Cup final, chosen as Exeter Chiefs representative.

The Women’s Rugby Board representatives for the 2025–26 season

Bristol Bears: Jenny Hesketh (vice-chair)

Exeter Chiefs: Emily Tuttosi

Gloucester Hartpury: Sam Monaghan

Harlequins: Lagi Tuima

Leicester Tigers: Grace Deane

Loughborough Lightning: Elis Martin

Sale Sharks: Tysh Harper

Saracens: Ella Wyrwas

Trailfinders Women: Abi Burton (chair)

Village in Northumberland has a rich and complex history of conflict and war, but visitors can still explore its 12th Century castle ruins for free

Nestled on the southern bank of the River Tweed, the quaint village of Northam may seem tranquil now, but it was once a hotbed of conflict in Northumberland.

Situated on the border between England and Scotland, Northam has a complex history marked by centuries of wars. Central to this is its 12th-century castle, which has endured through time and played a crucial role in numerous skirmishes.

Northam Castle was at the forefront of cross-border conflicts for an impressive five centuries and has since been repurposed into a new existence. Amidst the turmoil, it gained recognition as it was depicted in several paintings by the renowned artist JMW Turner.

Moreover, it became the focus of a popular novel penned by Sir Walter Scott, wherein the protagonist journeys to Norham as it was then considered ‘the most dangerous place in England‘. Nowadays, visitors from far and wide flock to see the historic castle ruins and discover its resilient past.

Perched atop a grassy knoll, the castle maintains a commanding presence over the Tweed and continues to radiate grandeur, providing splendid photo opportunities. It’s no surprise that it was the most frequently attacked building by the Scots, believed to have been besieged around 13 times, due to its imposing facade.

Despite the imposing walls being unable to withstand much longer and crumbling in 1513, they were extensively reconstructed during the 16th century before being restored once more. Visitors can explore what’s left of this fascinating heritage without charge, as it remains accessible to the public.

A recent guest raved about their visit in a TripAdvisor review, stating: “This is one of the best ruins we have ever explored. It is a hidden gem, off the tourist track, and after battling the crowds at Lindisfarne in the morning, it was great to have the place to ourselves.”

Another reviewer commented: “It’s free to enter – which may be why I hadn’t visited previously, as I probably thought it was a minor castle. Not a bit of it! It has a fantastic location high above the river, which it guarded.

“It must have been awe-inspiring in its heyday. It’s pretty fantastic now. Lots to wander around and see. Well worth a visit — and we will come back to look round the pretty village next time.”

Nearby, additional historical treasures await discovery, as you can take a pleasant walk to witness the magnificent Duddo Five Stones. A brief ramble will lead you to this 4,000-year-old Bronze Age stone circle site, strategically positioned atop a hill, with stones reaching approximately five to ten feet in height.

Upon experiencing this incredible attraction, one visitor commented: “A beautiful revisit to this stunning stone circle. A lovely atmosphere, worth a visit if you are in the area. It is signposted as you approach; parking is available along the roadside, and then it is a short walk, but on a path cut through the side of a couple of fields. The views are breathtaking, and the tranquillity is fantastic.”

Today, it’s believed that fewer than 600 residents live in Northam, experiencing much less turmoil; rather, it serves as a resting point for many journeying to and from Scotland.

I spent the day in one of the most popular cities in the UK, and while it was pretty, it was lacking something else entirely, and I wouldn’t return in a hurry

I was filled with anticipation and excitement as I made my way up North to spend the day in a UK city that is, by all accounts, a blockbuster location.

Yet, as I wandered the winding cobbled streets and explored the walled city that had been so loudly hyped before my visit, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

The UK is packed with thriving cities that boast fascinating architecture, rich history, iconic landmarks and diverse collections of amenities set against the backdrop of a picture-postcard destination. Some of the most popular cities in the UK to visit, which have long been renowned for their beauty, include Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, London, and Oxford.

Another city that often tops this list, attracting thousands of tourists annually, is the historic city of York. The ancient North Yorkshire settlement was named the top place in the UK for quality of life in 2025 in the Good Growth for Cities Index, and was included in a list of the best ten Christmas market cities in the country.

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Additionally, York was named as one of the happiest places to live in the UK by The Guardian last year, noting its “modesty and unreserved warmth”. It was also previously named the best city in England to visit by Condé Nast Traveller.

So it’s got its plaudits. But I’m not among them. York is one UK city that I won’t be returning to in a hurry, and it wasn’t just because of the tourist crowds.

I visited York for the day during a warm September, eager to discover what all the fuss was about and experience its charm. I had already heard so much about the walled city from friends who had visited that, admittedly, it already had a lot to live up to.

But it was so much smaller than I had imagined. I made my way into the city centre, wandering around as many cobbled paths and high streets as I could, and I was finished before lunch. I even ventured off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems, but found myself struggling, as the bounds of the city came to an abrupt end.

The iconic Shambles Market in the city centre was another slightly disappointing factor. It felt like any other UK market, with some unoriginal gift ideas. The Shambles area itself is popular with Harry Potter enthusiasts, with its cobbled and crooked medieval buildings resembling Diagon Alley.

Eager to transport myself to the wizardry world of magic, I walked along the cobbles lanes, but I was not spellbound. The experience was ruined by throngs of tourists grabbing a selfie and queueing up for one of the Harry Potter-inspired shops. While it was interesting to see, I wasn’t keen on hanging around and fighting my way through the crowds any longer, so I swiftly made my exit.

York is undeniably beautiful, with its Gothic and medieval architecture, yet its city centre lacked the charm I had been promised. While it offers plenty of landmarks, such as the ancient city walls, its stunning Cathedral, York Minster, and Clifford’s Tower, I felt it was missing that vibrant character that I’ve found in other popular UK cities.

In Bath, you’re treated to the bustling sound of performers and live music in the city centre, along with its thriving food scene, while Cambridge offers punting on the River Cam and a city renowned for its university, brimming with shops and eateries. Yet, I found that I didn’t need more than a day to explore York, as beyond its history and timber-framed buildings, there wasn’t much more to uncover in the city.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

PART of a popular beach in the UK has been forced to close due to safety fears.

An ‘active and ongoing landslip’ has resulted in huge boulders falling from the cliffs on Monmouth Beach.

The beach – part of the 95-mile Jurassic Coast in Dorset – has since closed off sections to the public.

Anyone in the area has been warned to avoid the area, with it currently cordoned off.

The Lyme Regis Coastguard said: “Large boulders have been falling from the top of the cliff and have been rolling down onto the beach and into the water.

“Consequently, the beach area immediately near the base of the slip has been closed to the public.”

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“We strongly advise all members of the public to stay well clear of this area.

“Do not attempt to climb the slip or walk near the base of the affected cliffs.

Fossil-hunters have also been told that the boulders are unlikely to contain any new fossils.

This is because the area is known for its historic dinosaur remains, dating back thousands of years.

And dog walkers have been urged to keep them on leads and to keep them away from the base of the cliffs.

The coastguard added: “The cliffs along the Jurassic Coast are naturally unstable and can crumble without warning.”

“Please respect the closures and signage in place for your own and others safety.

“In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

Back in 2021, the cliffs saw its biggest landslide in decades after 4,000 tonnes of rock fell onto the beach.

Landslides can be triggered by a number of factors including intense rainfall in a short period of time.

Despite this, most of the Jurassic Coast is seen as still safe to visit.

One of the most famous sections is Durdle Door, home to the famous rock arch.

Often compared to both Portugal and California, it was even named one of the world’s must-see beaches by National Geographic last year.

Here’s where to find the UK’s longest seaside town, also on the Jurassic Coast.

If Smith’s recent lull has been unnerving, this knock featured all of his trademark quirks.

He stopped the game whenever a spectator sneezed within shouting distance of the sightscreen and twice he ended up flat on his back – once with his hands, feet and bat positioned above his head.

The rest of Sydney – crisp, pristine and dashed with pink – watched on as Smith eventually waved his bat with his shirt caked in dirt.

For one so great, Smith somehow manages to look ugly.

At another point, Smith berated himself for failing to hit part-time spinner Jacob Bethell for four.

“Ah Steve,” he said. “That’s awful, absolute throwdown.”

He showed Matthew Potts similar disdain when attempting to replicate Lleyton Hewitt’s forehand smash to a bouncer in the final hour.

In Potts’ next over he took it upon himself to hold his arms wide to signal a wide.

Smith – so often the butt of the jokes – has never seemed bothered about gaining the love of England fans.

“I don’t know I am doing it,” he said.

“When I am doing all of those things it probably means I am in a good zone.”

“You won’t see it in the textbook the way he plays,” added former Australia batter Mark Waugh.

“It has been a funny innings that has ebbed and flowed. At times frantic, then he looked like he was struggling to concentrate and got himself going.

“Talking to himself, gesturing, rolling on his back and stopping people at the top of the grandstands. He has got the job done.”

Bradman’s 5,028 Ashes runs and 19 centuries are surely beyond Smith but, though we know Khawaja’s career will end at the conclusion of this Test, further English pain dealt by the New South Welshman cannot be ruled out.

“He prides himself on his batting ability but also his leadership,” said fellow centurion Travis Head.

“That’s also a motivation to continue. While he’s enjoying it, he will hang around. I hope he’s here for a long time.”

When he walked off at The Oval on the final day of the 2023 Ashes, it felt like a goodbye. Smith has offered no such certainty.

“It’s a shame he’s [Khawaja] gone, now I’m the oldest one here,” Smith said before this Test.

“I want to keep playing, I’m still enjoying it. We’ve got a really good team.

“I’ve said for a while I’m taking it day by day, series by series and we’ll see where things land.

“I feel like I’m doing alright at the moment, I’m contributing and having fun so there’s no real end date for me.”

He may no longer be the relentless run-scorer of that 2017-18 series but with his latest Sydney showpiece, Smith showed he is not done frustrating England yet.

A QUIET UK beach in the UK has been named one of the country’s most secluded.

A study conducted by Jeep and Ordance Survey named Berrow Beach as one of the best, off-the-beaten-track spots.

The Somerset beach is often overlooked in favour of the nearby, more famous Brean Down and Burnham-on-Sea.

Stretching six miles, the beach is completely flat, and protected by dunes across the top.

One of the only things on the beach is a shipwreck, where the Norwegian SS Nornen ran aground in 1897.

And the beach is mainly used by dog-walkers in the winter months.

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However in the summer months, there is an ice cream van that comes right onto the sand.

There are some warnings to avoid going into the soft sand areas during low tide, as well as a beach patrol car.

Many have said it is good for people with mobility issues or young kids, being mainly flat and being able to drive right onto the beach.

One person wrote: “This is one, huge sandy beach, especially when the tide is out.

“Perfect for my son to drive his RC car around without bothering anyone.”

Another commented: “There are sometimes horses having a gallop. People flying kites.

“It’s not a Blackpool type of beach! We love it people watching. Well worth it.”

Visitors can park right on the beach for £8 a day.

Taking of the stufy, Jeep Managing Director Kris Cholmondeley said: “There is so much of the Great British outdoors people have yet to experience.

“And together with Ordnance Survey, we want to enable people this Christmas period and beyond to travel ‘Off the Beaten Track’ in the Jeep spirit.

“Our ‘Get Lost with Jeep Compass’ map lists 100 ‘Off the Beaten Track’ outdoor locations – spots which showcase the best of Britain’s stunning landscapes, yet those that are lesser-known to the wider public.”

Other beaches to make the list include:

• Dungeness, Kent
• Crook Point Sands, Exmoor
• Shingle Street, Suffolk
• Sheringham Beach, Norfolk
• Saltwick Bay, Whitby
• Porth Joke Beach, Newquay

They didn’t just names beaches on the list either.

Lesser-known destinations named include Piddington Wood in Oxfordshire, Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre in Somerset and Oxendon Tunnels in Northamptonshire.

Crawley began the Ashes series with a pair in the first Test in Perth, facing only 11 deliveries in the match.

Since then he has made scores of 76 and 44 in the second Test in Brisbane, and a battling 85 in the second innings of the third Test in Adelaide.

The Kent man’s 37 at the beginning of England’s run-chase in the fourth Test in Melbourne was vital to the tourists recording their first victory in Australia for 15 years and cutting the series deficit to 3-1.

“Zak Crawley frustrates the life out of me,” said Vaughan, who captained England to their famous Ashes triumph of 2005.

“His concentration levels are not the strongest. If you go to the start of the series where he played the big booming drives, those drives have gone away now. He’s not chasing the ball outside off stump.

“But today I was watching him and that should not get you out as a quality opening batter.”

In Sydney, Crawley returned to the ground where he made an impressive 77 in the fourth Test of England’s previous Ashes tour in 2021-22 – an innings that kickstarted his career.

He has now opened the batting in 103 Test innings and returned an average of 30.82 – the lowest of any batter in Test history to have as many opportunities at the top of the order.

But Vaughan, who made three centuries as an opener in England’s Ashes tour of 2002-03, believes England should persevere with Crawley in the aftermath of this latest series defeat in Australia.

“I hear fans around the world saying Crawley averages 30, but there’s a bigger average in him than he’s giving at the moment,” said Vaughan. “It’s just concentration.

“I know there is a lot more in the tank and I do think England have to stay with him.

“The movement he had today was fantastic but he needs to understand the concentration levels required at this kind of level to go on and average 40 to 45 over the course of the next two or three years.

“I think he could do if he can find that concentration.”

England have selected off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in a 12-man squad for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney.

Bashir has not played in the first four matches despite starting the series as England’s first-choice spinner.

The 22-year-old missed out on the first Test after being named in a 12-man squad in Perth and has since been overlooked in favour of all-rounder Will Jacks.

Seamer Matthew Potts is also in the England XII, with the tourists guaranteed to make at least one change from the side that won the fourth Test in Melbourne after Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, England usually name their XI two days out from a Test.

However, the tourists have opted to wait longer before the final match, which starts on Sunday (23:30 GMT Saturday), in order to assess conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

On Thursday the pitch looked to have a thick covering of grass, but by Friday it was losing its green tinge.

Sydney usually offers assistance to slow bowlers. Three of the four leading Test wicket-takers at the venue are Australian spinners – Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill and Nathan Lyon.

But this Ashes has been dominated by seam bowling. So far only nine wickets have been taken by spinners, leaving it on track for the fewest taken by slow bowlers in an Ashes series of at least four Tests.

Australia omitted a spinner from their line-up for the fourth Test, which England won by four wickets in Melbourne to cut the series deficit to 3-1.

Now the hosts could include off-spinner Todd Murphy, while all-rounder Beau Webster may replace Cameron Green and also offers a spin option.

WHEN it comes to food, there’s much more to Lincolnshire than sausages and seafood (although you should try those, too!).

This is of course home to delicious local sausage rolls (made with Lincolnshire sausages, of course) and fish and chips fresh from the coast.

But there’s more on offer – from vintage tea shops to village pubs dating back hundreds of years.

You’ll also find plenty of wallet-friendly options along the coast, as well as restaurants that welcome families with kids’ menus and even pirate-themed animations. 

We’ve chosen some of our favourite places to eat and drink that are all within easy reach of your £9.50 Holiday in Lincolnshire.

As well as our expert picks, we’ve asked Sun readers who have holidayed here and local holiday park staff for their recommendations, including their favourite chippies, pubs and coastal cafes.

Best local pub

Joanne Green, General Manager at Parkdean’s Sunnydale holiday park, recommends The New Inn in Saltfleet, which is within walking distance of the holiday park.

She said: “It’s popular with the locals. They’re a seasonal pub so they usually close over the winter.

There’s also The Axe and Cleaver in North Somercotes, which has good food that is reasonably priced.”

Tip: Make the most of The Axe and Cleaver “pie and pint night” on Thursdays (£12.95 for a pie, sides and a pint of ale or a wine).

Meanwhile, Alex Trembath, creator of the Lincoln and Beyond blog, recommends heading to Theddlethorpe village for the King’s Head Inn.

He said: “It’s a 16th-century thatched pub run by a local couple, with big portions at reasonable prices.”

Favourite brunch spot

If you’re staying near Sunnydale, Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, recommends GiGi, an Italian restaurant in North Somercotes, less than three miles away.

Linda, from Lincoln, said: “You will get the most amazing experience there, and it’s not overly dear.

“From the front, it’s a very unassuming little place – but when you enter it, it’s done beautifully with wooden beams, exposed bricks and a relaxed, Italian atmosphere.

“As soon as you go in, you’re greeted and taken to your table. It’s child-friendly and the food is exceptional.

It’s a very nice place to go, whether you want to go for a romantic meal or meal with a family.”

GiGi has a brunch menu (10.30am until 4pm, Thursday to Sunday) – including Italian eggs benedict (£8.90) and a gourmet cheeseburger (£13.90).

They also serve a brilliant range of pizzas (from £10.90), fresh meats and kebabs. Kids meals cost £8.95 and come with a free scoop of ice cream. 

Favourite place for a cheap eat

On the seafront at Mablethorpe, The Beck is very popular. Linda McDonnell said: “They do a carvery every day throughout the year and it’s great value, especially for kids (£3 for under-twos).

You can choose from three different sized carveries, depending on how many slices of meat you want (£8.99 for small, £9.99 for medium, £13.99 for large).

They also have lots of special offers, like two-for-one meals.”

Further down the coast in Skegness, The family-run Cosy Corner Cafe is a great value breakfast spot, with a Full English from £6.60 and kids’ breakfasts costing £4.50.

They also offer a two-for-one breakfast special (Tuesday to Friday mornings) for £11.95.

Best chippie

In Skegness, Linda McDonnell says Salts Fish & Chip Shop is the best chippie around.

She said: “Everybody’s heard of them and tried them. The queue is outside the door.”

Meanwhile Sun reader John Ellis, 72, rates The Marina Fish & Chips in Chapel St Leonards.

John, who is from Sheffield and was staying nearby at Golden Palm Resort on his most recent £9.50 Holiday, said: “It’s a great chippy. Fish and chips is no longer a cheap meal anywhere, but Marina’s is worth paying for.

“It’s better than the chippies in Skegness.”

Marina’s cod and freshly-cut chips cost £9.49. A mini fish deal (mini fish, small chips and a side) costs £6.99.  

Best for a pint on the beach

John Ellis recommends checking out the pubs on the seafront of Chapel St Leonards, like the fun Admiral Benbow Beach Bar.

He said: “It’s a bar in a boat on the beach and it has a fun atmosphere.”

The main building has previously served as everything from a public toilet to a workman’s hut and is named after the inn in the book Treasure Island.

This is also a good option for dog walkers, as it’s dog-friendly inside or you can enjoy an alfresco pint in the outdoor beach bar. 

Best quirky cafe

If you want to step back in time, Linda McDonnell  recommends Maplethorpe, saying: “It’s a nice place to sit and have a coffee and people watch.

“The town is quite small, and very quaint. It hasn’t changed a lot, and they keep it nice.

“I like The Blitz Tea Room – it’s designed like it would have been during The Blitz with taped windows and retro interior.”

The World War II theme includes walls decorated with posters and artefacts and tea served old school-style (as loose-leaf tea in a teapot with a strainer).

Food also harks back to old-fashioned British choices like stew with doorstep bread and steamed pudding and custard.

For more vintage feels, head to Lady B’s Tea Room down the road – perfect for afternoon tea or cocktails with an antique twist. 

Best place to take the kids

Alex Trembath reckons families should hot-foot it to The Trawler’s Catch, a pirate-themed fish and chip shop in Skegness.

He said: “Portions are generous and kids will love the animated fire cannons.”

The foundation has so far raised £65,000 through, in part, events like a ball at Worcestershire’s New Road and a golf day. But Lisa and Paul have hit an obstacle. Spending the money is proving more problematic than raising it.

“I thought it would be the other way around,” says Paul. “Raising money is never easy, but how do we change people’s lives, how do we make things better for people and have success stories to tell on the back of it?

“The aim is to give something back to the sport of cricket that we cherish as a family.

“It’s not something we have the expertise in, so we’re finding out how we can divert funds into helping people, clubs, or the medical side of the game. It could be helping juniors get to matches, or helping families where finances are a barrier.”

Now, Lisa and Paul are asking anyone who can give the JB33 Foundation some direction to get in touch via the charity’s Instagram page.

“It’s something we’re very passionate about, because it means so much to us,” says Lisa. “We need to start spending and shouting about what we’re doing.”

Even while they’re in Australia, Lisa and Paul are continuing to take calls and hold meetings about the Foundation. When they get home in the new year, they want to press on with their work before the new season begins.

Before then, they will finish their Ashes trip in Sydney. On day one of the fifth Test they will once again be wearing their JB33 T-shirts, as they have on the opening day of each of the previous four.

“It hurts like hell because they have his face on the back, but it’s also beautiful,” says Lisa.

Like Melbourne, returning to Sydney will stir unbearable emotions that no parent ever should feel.

It was outside the Sydney Cricket Ground where Josh bowled during the Ashes Test of 2011, and it was in the city when Josh had his winter cricketing adventure just months before he passed away.

“He wasn’t a big Christmas person,” says Lisa. “I don’t doubt that he wouldn’t have spent a Christmas at home for a long time – he’d have been out here playing cricket.

“He loved his life. Music was a big part. Certain songs come on and I have to take a deep breath. He loved his music. He was always singing.

“Coming to Australia is very special to us now. We feel closer to him out here at Christmas than we would at home.”

In October, Taylor told BBC Sport that he was unsure how long he would continue refereeing, adding that he was “quite old for somebody to be operating at this level, running around after people a lot younger than you”.

Taylor said that the main focus was to have “two refereeing teams at the World Cup”.

Prior to 2018, 2013-14 was the previous time England had three elite officials: Atkinson, Mark Clattenburg and Howard Webb.

The elite list of referees take charge of tournament and Champions League games. The first list is for the Europa League and Conference League. The second list is for Conference League games and qualifying ties.

Germany continues to lead the way with four referees in the elite category. Kavanagh’s promotion finally puts England on a par with France, Italy and Spain, who all have three.

England still lags behind across the two key categories, elite and first, with fewer officials than all the other top leagues.

John Brooks is the only English referee on the first list, meaning there are four in total. Germany has seven, with France and Spain on six and Italy five.

The Premier League has six referees on the second list: Stuart Attwell, Sam Barrott, Darren England, Jarred Gillett, Rob Jones and Andy Madley.

Meanwhile, Emily Heaslip has been promoted to the women’s first list. England has been unrepresented on the elite list of the women’s game since Rebecca Welch retired at the start of the 2024-25 season.

Smith has been England’s one-day opener in their past nine matches, though has not played a T20 since June. The 25-year-old struggled in the one-dayers in New Zealand that preceded the Ashes, then has managed only one half-century in eight innings in Australia.

In contrast, 28-year-old Tongue has been England’s breakout star of the Ashes, claiming 12 wickets in his two Tests. He is in the squad for the T20s and not the ODIs.

Cox, the leading run-scorer in last year’s Hundred, can feel unfortunate to miss out. Tom Banton gets the nod as middle-order batting cover.

Duckett is in both squads despite a difficult Ashes and looks set to bring his Test opening partnership with Crawley to one-day internationals as England look for a combination that can build towards the 50-over World Cup.

Crawley has played eight one-day internationals, the last of which in West Indies in December 2023 was also his last List A game.

Root, who turns 35 on Tuesday, would have been a potential candidate to rest after the Ashes, yet travels to Sri Lanka for the ODIs only. His next cricket would then likely come in the home summer.

All-rounder Jacks missed the tour of New Zealand as he recovered from a broken finger and returns to both squads as one of a number of spin options in the subcontinental conditions.

Jacks joins Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed and Bethell in the slow-bowling ranks.

Along with Nepal, England join West Indies, Bangladesh and tournament debutants Italy in Group C of the T20 World Cup. All of their matches take place in Kolkata and Mumbai.

If Brook’s men finish in the top two, they would progress to a second-round group that could include New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The top two from that group advance to the semi-finals.

Gus Atkinson has become the third England pace bowler to be ruled out of the Ashes series after confirmation he will miss the final Test against Australia in Sydney.

Atkinson suffered an injury to his left hamstring on the second and final morning of England’s win in the fourth Test in Melbourne.

The tourists will not call up a replacement, leaving Matthew Potts in line to play in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday (23:30 GMT on Saturday).

Atkinson joins Mark Wood and Jofra Archer in failing to complete the series because of injuries. All three were in England’s first-choice XI for the first Test in Perth.

Wood has not played since Perth because of a knee issue, while Archer was ruled out after three Tests because of a side strain.

Surrey’s Atkinson struggled in the first two Tests, managing only three wickets, and was subsequently left out of the third.

The 27-year-old looked nearer his best when he was recalled for the fourth Test, taking three wickets and making 28 with the bat in England’s first innings.

He grabbed his left hamstring at the end of the fourth over of his spell on the second morning and immediately left the field. Atkinson played no further part as England completed a four-wicket win later the same day.

There is no confirmation on when he will return to the UK, at which point he will be assessed further. Earlier this year Atkinson spent two months out with an injury to his right hamstring.

Atkinson’s absence leaves Durham’s Potts in line to add his to his 10 Test caps and make an Ashes debut.

The 27-year-old has not played a Test match since the defeat by New Zealand in Hamilton last December.

A regular in the first summer of the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era, Potts has made sporadic appearances over the past two years. His previous seven caps have come against six different opponents.

Former Newcastle United, Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll is due to appear in court on Tuesday after he was charged with breaching a non-molestation order.

Carroll, 36, who now plays for National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge, was arrested in April with the alleged offence said to have been committed a month earlier.

The 36-year-old, who has nine caps for England and was signed by Liverpool in 2011 for a then club record fee of £35m, is listed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court.

Essex Police said: “A man has been charged with breaching a non-molestation order. Andrew Carroll, 36, of Epping, was arrested on April 27 and the alleged offences relate to an incident in March. He is due to appear at Chelmsford magistrates’ court on December 30.”

A non-molestation order is a court injunction typically issued to prevent a person from communicating with another and could also stop someone from coming within a certain distance of a specific address or a place of work.

The punishment for breach of a non-molestation order ranges from a fine to up to five years in prison for the most serious of cases.

Prior to the Test, stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith described the pitch as “furry and green” and said “batters would have to be on their game”.

Speaking after his side were beaten, Smith said he was “not sure” why MCG head groundsman Matthew Page had opted to leave so much grass on the pitch for the Boxing Day Test – a marquee event in the Australian sporting calendar. Page will talk to the media on Sunday.

“We let them judge it and do what they see fit,” said Smith.

“I said before the game it looked like it was going to offer a fair amount and it probably did more than we thought it was going to.

“It’s tough as a groundsman, always looking for the right balance. Maybe if he took it from 10mm to eight it would have been a nice, challenging wicket, maybe a little bit more even. Groundsmen are always learning and maybe he’ll take something from that.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan had criticised the MCG pitch after day one and said it had “done too much” and the result was an “unfair” contest between bat and ball.

Pitches and outfields that have hosted international matches are given a rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Following the 2017 Ashes Test on this ground, the MCG pitch was given a “poor” rating for being too friendly for batting. Only 24 wickets fell across the entire Test and England’s Alastair Cook made an unbeaten 244.

On this occasion, England batter Joe Root, who also played in 2017, said this pitch was “challenging” to bat on.

“The argument is was it too one-sided – bat v ball? People are more qualified to judge that,” said Root. “It was certainly challenging from my point of view.

“You have a world-class attack and the ball is moving a considerable amount. Your job is to get on the right side of the result.”

England captain Ben Stokes says he is proud of the way his players “held firm” to win the fourth Ashes Test after a wave of criticism during the build-up to the match.

A failure to capitalise on good positions after they surrendered the Ashes inside only 11 days of cricket, questions over their preparation and attitude, plus off-the-field issues related to drinking are among the headlines to have blighted the tour.

But a pulsating four-wicket victory in the space of two days in Melbourne, in front of jubilant travelling supporters, meant England avoided the prospect of an Ashes clean sweep.

Stokes said he was “very proud” of the way his side reacted to secure victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, ending an 18-match winless streak in Australia.

“On the back of everything we had to deal with in this game, I couldn’t be prouder of the way we held firm as a group and as individuals as well,” Stokes told Test Match Special.

“You get tested as leaders within sporting teams and organisations in different ways.

“That was a test of character, a test of qualities of leadership. The way we went about it, not only in public, in terms of all the media and all that sort of stuff.”

Stokes said there was no sense from his players they had been distracted by the extra scrutiny following their controversial mid-series break in Noosa.

He said: “Behind the scenes, it was important that everyone’s focus was on the cricket.

“It would have been so easy to put our focus and attention on all that stuff outside the dressing room. At the end of the day, the most important thing is what we need to do out there.

“I thought the way we bowled this week was exceptional, the way we went about that run-chase was exceptional.”

Stokes said his side are now determined to end the series with another victory in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which starts on 3 January [23:30 GMT, 2 January].

“It is a very proud moment knowing how tough this tour has been and how everything has gone before this tour coming here,” Stokes added.

“So to get that win in over a long period of time we have been waiting for is pretty pleasing.

“We still have one more to go, and the focus has not moved away from that. We had two games, and we want to get two results go our way.”