The best grounds in Britain part 2

Over the next few weeks, we are going to publish our favourite cricket grounds in the UK, in conjunction with those great people from Kingfisher. Sit back, pour yourself a cold Kingfisher and admire the stunning cricket grounds on offer in England's (and Wales') green and pleasant land. You don't just have to have one in your local Indian restaurant you know, and you can also win some great prizes by following them on www.facebook.com/kingfisher or on Twitter @www.twitter.com/kingfisherbeer. If you think your ground should be included then send us a photo on Twitter @themiddlestump or e mail us at info.themiddlestump@gmail.com Here are the next five.

We hope you enjoy!





The first is the Walker Cricket Ground, an oasis in the North London metropolis and home to Southgate Adelaide Cricket Club, where the Middle Stump boys play, and their neighbours Southgate CC. Used since 1854, Middlesex play there and the facilities are second to none. A great setting with Christ Church overlooking it. Virender Sehwag hit the church there once, whilst playing for Leicestershire - a carry of over 130 yards. It also holds the record for the highest opening stand of over 300 by Mike Gatting and Justin Langer. The ground was set up by the Walker brothers, six of whom played for Middlesex and a couple of whom played for England, and is now left in Trust for sport to be "played for evermore".

The historic Walker cricket ground in North London

Next on the list are two grounds sent to us by the legendary Fred Boycott, friend of the Middle Stump and connoisseur of all things Yorkshire. The first is the stunning Keswick Cricket Club, and although not in God's own county according to Fred, it was voted the most beautiful ground in the UK by Wisden in 2001. Located in the heart of the Lake District, this really does look like a top venue.

Keswick CC

In Yorkshire, we have the magical Scarborough Cricket Club, home to the famous festival and many a representative game in the past. I love the terracing around the ground, which adds atmosphere and didn't realise the sea is literally a stones throw from the ground. When the sun shines, you get a really good crowd in there. A brilliant venue, no wonder the White Rose boys love playing there.

Sunny Scarborough

On to Somerset now, and the gorgeous Chew Magna CC on the edge of the Mendips. A fantastic part of the world, where we have a lot of support here at the Middle Stump and you can see why this is a popular destination for touring teams. Top marks for artistic merit go the groundsman as well, although we think he may have got bored halfway!

Chew Magna CC

Last but not least in our list for this week is the wonderful Bourton Vale CC in Bourton on the Water in the heart of the Cotswolds. This amazing photo was taken by their ginger opening bowler, Joe Sam Jarvis who shows an artistic capability not normally known amongst the fast bowling fraternity! Big fans of the Middle Stump, Bourton is a beautiful part of the world and well worth a visit if you are in the Cotswolds.

Beautiful Bourton Vale CC

Please keep 'em coming!