England

More than 70,000 social and affordable homes to be built across England over 10 years

Ministers have announced where more than 70,000 social and affordable homes will be built in England over the next 10 years as part of an initial allocation of almost £10bn, in a bid to address the housing crisis.

Funding has been granted to Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North East England, and Liverpool. An additional £6bn was previously announced for London.

It is the first part of a wider plan to build 300,000 social and affordable homes across the nation, under the government’s £39bn social housebuilding programme.

Earlier this year, before he became prime minister, Andy Burnham had called for the entire 10-year £39bn affordable housing budget for England to be spent on homes for social rent – which means the cost of the unit is about half that of market rents, and there are strict criteria for who can apply for it.

“I would actually devote all of it to social housing,” Burnham told The Social Housing Podcast in May.

But of the new homes announced on Monday, 60% would be for social rent.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook told BBC Breakfast he did not accept Burnham had failed to meet his previous commitment, saying the government had taken a “pragmatic approach” and wants to “get money out the door”.

He said the next tranche of funding would be more focused on council houses – which are usually also classed as homes for social rent.

It is understood ministers decided against giving councils more of the funding announced in the first tranche because they did not believe councils would be in a position to build the required number of social homes.

Source link

England drop fast bowler Bryden Carse amid investigation into club incident | Cricket News

The 31-year-old Durham bowler will not play against Pakistan in the upcoming second Test match.

England fast bowler ‌Brydon Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second ⁠Test against ⁠Pakistan amid an investigation into an incident at a club in Derby, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said.

“Following a ⁠referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator has confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby,” the board said in a statement on Monday.

“Brydon ⁠Carse will no longer be available for selection for the second men’s test while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained.”

Carse, who did not play in the opening test victory at Headingley, will be replaced by Sonny ‌Baker.

Videos circulated on social media appearing to show the 31-year-old Durham bowler in handcuffs being spoken to by police officers outside a venue. According to reports, Carse was not arrested and no charges were brought.

It has been a busy summer for England’s Cricket Regulator, the body set up to investigate matters where there is an allegation of a breach of ⁠the ECB’s code of conduct.

In June, it concluded an ⁠investigation into former test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson after a nightclub incident following the first test against New Zealand.

Both were left out of the second test before ⁠the regulator ruled that there was insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred.

The latest investigation comes five ⁠days after England’s returning test captain Joe Root ⁠spoke of the players being “really good role models and human beings” following a series of incidents and accusations of a drinking culture.

Controversy has followed England recently, with off-field issues ‌during last winter’s tours – including Harry Brook being fined 30,000 pounds ($41,000) following an altercation in Wellington, New Zealand – as well as reports of drinking during a mid-Ashes series trip ‌to ‌Noosa.

Stokes retired from international cricket after returning for the third test against New Zealand and Brendon McCullum was sacked as test coach.

Source link

England bowler Brydon Carse under investigation for reported nightclub incident

England bowler Brydon Carse is under investigation after he was reportedly involved in an incident at a nightclub in Derby on Saturday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed.

Videos circulating on social media on Sunday appeared to show Carse in handcuffs, being led away from a club by four police officers.

The Durham bowler, who is England’s squad for the second Test against Pakistan this week, was seen with team-mate Matthew Potts.

“We are aware of an incident which is reported to have taken place in Derby last night, and are currently investigating,” an ECB statement read.

“We will provide a further update when possible.”

More to follow.

Source link

England vs Pakistan: Joe Root praised for his calmness on his return as captain by Marcus Trescothick

After taking a wicket with the first ball of the Test, England dominated Pakistan across two and a half rain-affected days.

They appeared more measured in their approach than during the ultra-aggressive Stokes-McCullum regime, but still scored at 4.55 runs per over – albeit against a poor Pakistan side.

“We played to the fashion that we wanted to,” Trescothick said.

“We wanted to be able to be clever and smart. There’s moments within the game we’ve done that brilliantly.

“We still have that mantra of applying pressure because that’s the best way of being dominant over teams, if you can put them under pressure.

“I did enjoy the fact we were still scoring quite quickly especially when the ball was new.”

New Zealander Stephen Fleming has been appointed as McCullum’s replacement but will not take charge until the winter tour of South Africa, leaving Trescothick as interim.

Fleming was in contact with Root and Trescothick “every day” during the win over Pakistan.

“He was adamant me and Joe take it on and just run with what we feel is right, to try and get the group back in shape, with a few pointers on what he wanted and how he could see his style being implemented within the group,” Trescothick said.

Trescothick has worked with England as a batting and assistant coach since 2021, but former Australia coach Mike Hussey has been approached by Fleming to be batting coach when he takes over.

Hussey worked with England under Michael Mott during their 2022 T20 World Cup win and with Fleming at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Trescothick could move to a white-ball only role, where McCullum remains England coach, but said he would “love” to stay on with the Test side.

“I want to be involved in all formats of the game because it’s a wonderful place to be,” he said.

“Working with the best and seeing England cricketers do well.

“That’s not really for me to judge so I’ll wait and see what happens.”

Source link

England vs Pakistan: Joe Root says it would be “nice to have a choice” over Ashes venues after Headingley snub

For Root, the innings victory sealed inside three days against Pakistan was the ideal start to his second spell as captain.

It also extended England’s run of wins at Headingley, which began in 2018. Their longest winning streak at another ground is six at Chester-le-Street.

The decision for Headingley and Old Trafford to miss out on the 2027 Ashes roster was announced in 2023.

But the match allocation has once again come into focus after the schedule for next year’s series was confirmed in July.

Nottingham’s Trent Bridge will be the most northerly ground to host a men’s Ashes Test, with Southampton given an England-Australia Test for the first time. Headingley will instead play host to a women’s Ashes Test.

Headingley staged a men’s Ashes Test in 2019 and 2023, both matches England won. The 2019 win, inspired by Ben Stokes, was one of the most legendary contests in Ashes history, ranking alongside Ian Botham’s heroics of 1981 on the same ground.

Overall, England’s record of nine home Ashes wins in Leeds is bettered only by their 17 at The Oval, and The Oval has hosted 36 Ashes Tests compared to Headingley’s 26.

“I would love to play as many games as possible here,” said Root. “It’s a great Test-match venue, a surface that provides brilliant Test cricket, and one we’ve had quite a lot of success on recently.

“It’s a shame we don’t get to play here next year, but I’m sure we will see many, many more brilliant Test matches here.”

Headingley will next host a men’s Ashes Test in 2031, from when the England and Wales Cricket has said it will keep at least one Test in Leeds or Manchester in the allocation for every home Ashes series. Southampton will get a Test in alternate men’s home Ashes.

Source link

The best places in the UK to see the last 8pm sunset next week from seaside piers to ancient volcano

WHETHER you’re looking forward to cooler days or you’re going to miss the summer heatwave, autumn is on the horizon, quite literally.

Next Thursday, the sun will go down at 8pm for the last time until 2027 -so where should you go to make the most of it?

The sun will set at 8pm for the final time in 2026 next week Credit: Alamy
Travel Reporter Cyann watched the sunset from the top spot – Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh Credit: Cyann Fielding

Photo printing company CEWE and travel photographer Bella Falk have revealed the best UK spots to see a sunset and it turns out we’ve been to a lot of them.

In top spot is Arthur‘s Seat, an ancient volcano in Edinburgh which is a popular hiking destination.

It’s in Holyrood Park at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile but you will have to put in effort to see the sunset.

The circular hike is around 2.9miles and can take up to two hours.

HOL YES

Cheap holiday destinations with 86p beers, £15 flights & £129pp package breaks


CHEAP AS CHIPS

10 UK summer holidays that are CHEAPER than a takeaway – all £12pp or less

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding who made the journey to Edinburgh and saw the sun setting from Arthur‘s Seat gave us an insight into what it’s like.

She explained: “Edinburgh is a pretty city already, add in Arthur’s Seat and you get the best of both worlds – a city and the countryside.

“Arthur’s Seat is actually an ancient volcano that did erupt around 340 to 350 million years ago and if you head to the top you will find the main peak, which was formed from a lava flow.

“The hike takes between an hour and a half and two hours and is a circular route. You’ll see many people as it is a popular spot, but never feels too crowded.

“Once at the top, the views are endless of the green park below, the historic city centre and out to sea as well. Make the hike even better by going at sunset when I did.

“Despite being a cloudy day, the glow of the sun behind the clouds gently dimmed with undisturbed views all around. It was a spectacle to see, before enjoying the walk back down the volcano to a cosy coffee shop.”

Southwold Pier in Suffolk was named number two spot for UK sunsets Credit: Alamy

In second position is seeing the sunset from Southwold Pier.

The town in Suffolk has unobstructed skies across the coast where visitors can see pink and orange hues across the North Sea.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill spent many weekends on the Suffolk coast.

She said: “Southwold holds a special place in my heart because of the sheer amount of weekends I’ve had there with my family over the years and I always make sure to stay for the sunset.

“The clear views across the coast mean you can see for miles out to sea and when the sun goes down, the sky transforms and it’s just beautiful.

Next time I’m going to bag myself a spot at the very end of the pier rather than from the sands.”

Sophie would recommend heading the Durdle Door next week Credit: Sophie Swietochowski
Another top spot is Mam Tor in the Peak District Credit: Alamy

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said: “There’s a reason Durdle Door is plastered on so many pretty postcards and Dorset holiday adverts.

“The striking structure, jutting out from a small beach, is a brilliant example of what makes Britain’s coastal countryside so spectacular – and it’s best enjoyed at sun down.

“Instead of clambering down the wonky steps to the shore, I’d recommend taking a pew at the top of the cliff where you’ll have a prime view of the rocky door and the sun setting just beyond it.

“From up here, you can watch the waves slowly roll in and the stream of orange light spreading across the sands until it dips beyond the horizon.”

If you’re more of a hiker, Contours Walking Holidays has listed some of the UK’s Best Sunset Walks.

Mam Tor in the Peak District, otherwise known as the Shivering Mountain, is one of their top picks for watching the sunset.

In the south of England, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of the sunset along the South West Coast Path which stretches on for 630 miles.

Check out the views along the High Cliffs of Exmoor or tucked away at Kynance Cove.

Here’s the full top 10 list of where to see the UK sunsets…

CREWE revealed its top 10 places to see the sunset in the UK…

1. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
2. Southwold Pier, Suffolk
3. Durdle Door, Lulworth, Dorset
4. Golden Jubilee Bridges, London
5. Catbells, Keswick, Lake District
6. Mam Tor, Castleton, Peak District
7. Richmond Park, London
8. Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
9. Fishguard Lower Town Harbour, Pembrokeshire
10. Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset



Source link

Kate Cross: Former England bowler to retire at end of summer

Former England bowler Kate Cross has announced she will retire from cricket at the end of the summer.

The 34-year-old, who played 102 times for England between 2013 and 2025, has been playing in domestic cricket since losing her England contract last year.

“It is incredibly hard to imagine ever saying goodbye to playing the sport that has been such a huge part of my life and shaped me into the person I am today but the final chapter is in sight,” Cross said.

“I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to play the game I love professionally and get to do it at the highest level.”

Dame Sarah Storey, the chair of Lancashire where Cross made her debut aged 14 and became the first woman on the county’s academy, described Cross as a “true Lancashire legend”, adding she “made an incredible contribution to both Lancashire and England Women”.

Cross, who played in The Hundred final for Sunrisers Leeds last weekend, is due to play the reminder of the season for Lancashire, including against The Blaze on Sunday in Nottingham.

Cross made her England debut aged 22 in a T20 in West Indies and featured in England’s 2013-14 Ashes win – their most recent victory in the Women’s Ashes – that winter.

The seamer fell out of favour after a run across formats, meaning she watched England’s iconic 2017 World Cup win at Lord’s from a hospitality box.

But Cross regained her place and was a regular in the Test and 50-over England side until being left out by new coach Charlotte Edwards last summer.

Her last international was an ODI against India last July.

She finishes her career with 25 Test wickets, 101 in one-day internationals and 14 in T20s.

Source link

Australian Hussey open to Ashes Test role as England make approach | Cricket News

Ex-Australia batter Hussey said he was informally approached by Stephen Flemming, England’s new red-ball coach.

Australian great Mike Hussey could face his own country in the Ashes after saying he was open to joining England as their Test batting coach.

England host Australia in the Ashes in June, July and August next year, looking to take possession of the urn for the first time since 2015.

Recommended Stories

list of 4 itemsend of list

Hussey has had an informal approach from England’s new red-ball coach Stephen Fleming, the duo having spent 15 years as teammates and then coaches at Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings.

“We obviously get on really well and work a lot together,” former Test stalwart Hussey told Fox Sports, where he is employed as a commentator.

“So it was just a bit of a passing comment, really saying, ‘Look, what do you reckon? Would you think about being the batting coach?’”

Australian batsman Mike Hussey steers a ball away from the Sri Lanka bowling on the fourth day of the first cricket Test match, in Hobart on December 17, 2012. AFP PHOTO/William WEST IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP)
Australian cricketer Mike Hussey played 79 Tests and 185 ODIs for Australia before retiring in 2013 [William West/AFP]

Hussey, known as “Mr Cricket” for his technical expertise, has just returned home after coaching Welsh Fire in The Hundred and said he had not given it proper consideration yet.

“To be honest, I have not been able to give it any thought whatsoever,” he said.

“Would I? I mean, I wouldn’t say never to anything really. I just love the coaching side of the game, and just to be able to work with different players.”

Should Hussey accept, it could see him plotting the downfall of Australia with Fleming when they tour England for the Ashes series next year.

Hussey admitted it would “feel a bit weird”.

“I have worked with England once before at the T20 World Cup (in 2022), and I must admit it did feel very weird pulling on that training shirt for the first time,” he said.

“But once you get in the nets and you start working with players, you sort of almost forget what shirt you’ve got on.

“So, look, I haven’t fully considered anything at this stage. I’m sort of just trying to take a bit of a break from it all at the moment and will give it some thought in due course.”

Fleming was appointed coach in late July following the sacking of fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge of England’s white-ball teams.

Source link

FIH World Cup: England women’s tournament hopes end at group stage

England women’s hopes of success at the FIH Hockey World Cup ended at the group stage after a 0-0 draw with India.

David Ralph’s side finish third in Pool D on four points, with two teams moving forward to the next round, and will now play in a classification phase that sees teams placed from 9th to 16th.

England won their opening match 4-0 against South Africa on Sunday but lost to China two days later, conceding four before Tess Howard and Sophie Hamilton reduced the deficit.

The national side have not challenged in tournaments since winning Commonwealth gold in 2022, finishing fourth in the 2023 EuroHockey Nations Championship, and fifth last year.

Teams from England and Great Britain have finished no higher than sixth in the FIH Pro League since a third place in 2020-21, while Great Britain also finished eighth at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile England’s men are through to the second stage of the men’s World Cup, topping Pool D with three wins out of three.

They defeated Pakistan 4-1 and India 4-2 prior to beating Wales 8-2 in their final group stage match on Wednesday.

They move in a second stage pool with India, with their 4-2 win carried forward, and will face two qualifiers from Pool A on Saturday and Monday as they attempt to reach the semi-finals.

England women play Chile on Friday and Japan on Sunday in their classification pool, with both World Cups being held in Wavre in Belgium and Amstelveen in the Netherlands.

Source link

England all-rounder Sam Curran’s hopes of Test recall this summer ended by injury

England all-rounder Sam Curran has been ruled out of the remainder of the English season with a groin injury, ending his hopes of a potential Test comeback this summer.

Surrey’s Curran, 28, last played a Test in 2021 but had been considered for a recall for the series against Pakistan as England look to balance their side after the retirement of Ben Stokes.

Selector Marcus North suggested Curran could have been picked for the ongoing first Test had he not been managing his fitness through The Hundred and said he would come into contention for the third Test on 9 September.

Further assessment has revealed Curran requires surgery on the groin issue, however.

He will have an operation on Friday, ruling him out of the remainder of the season with Surrey and England’s white-ball matches against Sri Lanka in September.

In March, Curran pulled out of this year’s Indian Premier League with a groin issue.

The MI London captain missed one of his side’s Hundred matches and did not bowl his full allocation in four of their other seven group games.

Without Curran, Stokes or another seam-bowling all-rounder, England opted not to pick a frontline spinner for the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

They instead attempted to balance their side by picking Dan Lawrence to bat number six and fill the role of spin bowler with his part-time off-spin.

England all-rounder Will Jacks, who filled a similar role in the Ashes last winter, is also absent from Surrey’s squad for Thursday’s County Championship match against Nottinghamshire after having an operation to remove his appendix.

His availability for the T20 and ODI series with Sri Lanka will be assessed.

Source link

World Cup 2026: Racism suffered by England players on X amplified by algorithms – new report

Hope Not Hate said current attempts to tackle online abuse often focused too heavily on what happens after a racist post had already been seen.

Players can block users, report messages and platforms can suspend accounts, but Hermansson says those measures do not address the way abusive content is amplified.

“X doesn’t take racism seriously enough,” he added. “We’ve seen it for a number of years now. There is no change or improvement.”

He said social media companies already had the tools to alter how their algorithms recommended content, particularly during periods when abuse is surging.

“It’s actually a relatively small number of accounts and originating tweets that then get tons of replies,” he said.

“I think it’s entirely feasible to stop this, or a vast amount of it.”

Hope Not Hate said one option would be to downrank posts attracting large volumes of abuse, meaning they were recommended to fewer people.

Before the new Premier League season the group called on UK’s media regulator Ofcom to use its existing powers under the Online Safety Act more effectively and address predictable spikes in hate.

They want Ofcom to outlaw the algorithms fulling abuse and also to designate major sporting events as “high risk”.

This would require platforms to deploy strict safety-by-design rules, remove abuse proactively and downrank rapidly escalating viral hate through algorithmic adjustments.

In a statement to BBC Sport, Ofcom said: “We’re pushing tech firms hard to make their services safer, and we’ll be holding them to account if they don’t.”

Ofcom also cited a new partnership with police and footballing bodies before the World Cup to tackle online abuse.

Source link

England vs Pakistan: Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson split Headingley ball in half

Much like it is a tradition for a footballer to take away the match ball after scoring a hat-trick, a bowler will pocket the cricket ball after claiming a five-wicket haul.

But what happens if two bowlers take five-wicket hauls in the same innings?

England seamers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue came up with a solution after they snared five apiece on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan.

“Robbo said we can split the ball in half,” Tongue told Test Match Special. “The groundstaff have kindly done that.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen that happen. I’m sure I’ll be putting that up somewhere.”

Robinson showed off his half in a media conference and explained: “We were walking off the field.

“Josh said it and I said: ‘We actually should do that, it would be quite cool.’

“You don’t really have too many halves of a cricket ball, so it would be something that we never forget.”

The efforts of the pace-bowling duo helped Joe Root get off to an ideal start on the first day of his second stint as England Test captain.

Tongue claimed 5-46 and Robinson 5-51 to skittle Pakistan for 171 after England won the toss. The home side moved to 112-2 by the close in Leeds.

Tongue and Robinson are the first pair of England bowlers to register five-wicket hauls in the same Test innings since Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar against Pakistan at Old Trafford in 2006.

They led England off the field at Headingley hand in hand, hatching their plan to make one ball into two halves.

“Wayne Bentley, the team manager, took it down to the groundstaff,” said Robinson.

“I said: ‘Do you reckon they will be able to do it?’ Within five minutes he brought it back up and it was done. It’s really nice.”

Source link

Forget theme parks – the English farm shop village that’s a ‘hidden gem’ for families with playground, mini golf and B&B

SKIP the big rides and rollercoasters for one of the best family days out. The location? One of the UK’s best farm shop villages.

The complex in Cheshire is inside a 250-year-old barn conversion with a farm shop, play area, plenty of shops and even an on-site B&B.

Hopley House in Cheshire has a farm shop and café Credit: Hopley House
It also bas a bespoke mini golf course and a play area too Credit: Hopley House

Found in Middlewich, Hopley House is open seven days a week and is popular with families thanks to all it has to offer.

At the centre of Hopley House is its farm shop where visitors can pick up local produce from bread to pastries, meat, fruit and vegetables to cakes.

When it comes to drinks, there are wines, beers and spirits from local breweries and Il Gusto spirits which can be bottled and personalised on-site.

Outside are a selection of plants from shrubs to flowers

HOL YES

Cheap holiday destinations with 86p beers, £15 flights & £129pp package breaks


CHEAP CHIC

Cheap UK stays from £9.50pp – with FREE bottomless wine & £11pp coastal cottages

The café is open seven days a week serving up cooked breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea and kids meals.

There’s also a selection of homemade cakes and alcohol-like beers and boozy hot chocolates.

To entertain the kids, visitors can get competitive on the mini golf course found on-site which costs £5pp.

And children can burn some energy at the play area which has swings, a slide, rock wall and climbing frame.

If that isn’t enough, it even has its own shopping village.

One of the shops is AVM Furniture which sells a selection of antique, vintage and modern furniture as well as garden ornaments.

It even has its own B&B which starts from £68 based on two people sharing Credit: Hopley House

JO’S Accessories is a ladies’ boutique, there’s also The Crystal Boutique, SKULLS n’ MOR, E a pet shop and a reptile rescue sanctuary.

Families have raved about it, with one saying: “Absolutely perfect place for a large family to stay.”

Another added: “Me, my partner and my two children visited Hopley House last month….. to say we were impressed is an understatement!”

A third simply called it a “hidden gem”.

It also holds events throughout the year – at the moment it has a mini fairground is back with tea cups and a mini big wheel.

Visitors can also stay at Hopley House in one of its rooms which are found inside a converted barn.

Guests can enjoy a cooked breakfast and use the kitchen to make a home cooked meal Credit: Hopley House
Currently there’s a mini fairground at Hopley House Credit: Hopley House

Some of the rooms have original barn features, each with en suite or a private bathroom.

Guests can enjoy a cooked breakfast from the café or head to the farm shop for a homemade pizza.

Anyone staying overnight can also make use of a kitchen area which has a fridge and microwave.

Rooms start from £68 based on two people sharing or £42 for single occupancy.

One overnight guest said in a review: “Lovely stay at Hopley guest house, huge big room and the comfiest bed ever! The owner made us feel very welcome.

“My only regret is we didn’t book for longer.”

If you fancy another trip to the farm shop, check out the ‘Harrods of the North‘ that’s loved by Molly-Mae – with forest lodges and hot tubs.



Source link

England v Pakistan: Joe Root calls on team-mates to be ‘good human beings’ at start of second captaincy reign

Root, England’s greatest batter and a veteran of 166 Tests, said he hoped his “natural persona” is suited to bringing a sense of calm to the men’s national team.

Off-field issues dominated last winter’s tours, including an incident involving Harry Brook being punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington and the team’s drinking during a mid-Ashes trip to Noosa, culminating in a heavy 4-1 defeat by Australia.

The issues continued into the summer when Stokes broke a team curfew, setting in motion a chaotic six weeks that resulted in a 2-1 series defeat by New Zealand, Stokes’ retirement and the sacking of McCullum.

Fellow New Zealander Stephen Fleming has been appointed as McCullum’s replacement, but batting coach Marcus Trescothick will take interim charge of the Test side for the three-match series against Pakistan.

Root, who has already led England in 65 Tests having held the role between 2017 and 2022, said one of his “big challenges” is “trying not to be Ben Stokes”.

“He is a very unique player with unbelievable qualities that I don’t think are easy to replicate,” Root said. “I don’t think there is any point trying to.

“It is going to have a slightly different look to it but that is OK.

“There has been a lot of good stuff that has happened in the past four years that will serve us really well.

“It is about not ripping it up, just fine tuning and evolving that and taking that to the next level. We have got to find a way of evolving the team without him.”

More to follow

Source link

The UK’s best beaches have been named

THE summer holidays are still in full flow and there’s still plenty of time to head down to the beach.

If you’re stuck on which ones to visit, Skyscanner has just announced the best ones in the UK, making it much easier to decide where you head next.

Beautiful Sandbanks in Dorset came in top spot on Skyscanner’s best beaches Credit: Alamy
The second best beach is Botany Bay in Kent Credit: Alamy

The top picks were announced on its The Paradise Guide and were chosen from data like the average air and sea temperature to sun lounger availability and reviews.

At number one spot is Sandbanks Beach along the Dorset coast.

The beach is always highly regarded and has even been dubbed “The jewel in the crown of the English Coastline” by some.

Skyscanner said it was “ideal for families, swimming and watersports” thanks to its long and gently sloping sands.

HOL YES

Cheap holiday destinations with 86p beers, £15 flights & £129pp package breaks


CHEAP CHIC

Cheap UK stays from £9.50pp – with FREE bottomless wine & £11pp coastal cottages

It holds Blue Flag status and has done since the awards began in 1987.

The beach also has an average peak-season temperature of 20.8C and a Tripadvisor rating of 4.6.

For a bit of sightseeing afterwards, head to Panorama Road which is also called ‘Millionaires Row’.

It’s home to celebrities like Harry and Sandra Redknapp, Graeme Souness and Geoffrey Boycott.

Other famous Sandbanks residents include Celia Sawyer, J.R.R Tolkien, John Lennon and Liam Gallagher.

In second place is Kent’s Botany Bay.

Botany Bay has bright blue waters and chalky cliffs Credit: Alamy

Skyscanner described it as one of the UK‘s “most distinctive beaches” thanks to its “striking” white chalk cliffs.

Botany Bay sits between trendy seaside towns Margate and Broadstairs.

Even better news for anyone keen to visit Botany Bay is that it doesn’t get much rain compared to other spots in the country.

On average, Botany Bay gets 58 days of rainfall each year – to put that in perspective, the UK gets an average 164 days of rain a year.

It’s also one of the warmest beaches in winter thanks to where it sits on the Channel with average temperatures of 9.5C.

Not only that but it even saw bright blue bioluminescent waters back in 2023.

In third place was St Andrew West Sands in Scotland.

St Andrew West Sands Beach in Fife came in third position Credit: Alamy
The beach is just a 15-minute away from the town centre Credit: Alamy

Found in Fife, the beach is a 15-minute walk away from the town centre with “rolling dunes”.

Skyscanner said: “Made famous by the opening scene of Chariots of Fire, it’s a favourite for long walks, beach games and taking in sea views.

“At low tide, the expansive shoreline offers plenty of space to explore, while the nearby West Sands boardwalk provides an easy way to enjoy the surrounding dunes and coastline.”

While the beach is a little chillier at 15.8C, it has an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.7.

Skyscanner has introduced its new ‘beach match’ tool so travellers can find the ‘beach destinations that match’ their travel style.

Just pick the month you’re planning to travel and then choose from four categories.

These are ‘quiet and relaxed’, ‘lively and social’, ‘family friendly’ and ‘adventurous’.

Then choose amenities, the airport you’re flying into, how far you plan on travelling from there and a budget before finding your beach ‘match’.

Here are Skyscanner’s best beaches…

The UK’s Best Beaches

  1. Sandbanks Beach, Dorset, England
  2. Botany Bay, Kent, England
  3. St Andrews West Sands, St Andrews, Scotland

The World’s most talked-about beaches

  1. Palm Beach, Oranjestad, Aruba
  2. La Jolla Cove, California, USA
  3. Siesta Key Beach, Florida, USA

The world’s most underrated beaches

  1. Embleton Bay, Northumberland, England
  2. Rendezvous Bay, Montserrat
  3. Castlerock Beach, Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland



Source link