📋 In This Article
- The fastest way to find a club
- Finding clubs by county in England
- Indoor bowls clubs
- What to expect when you make contact
- What to ask before joining
- Joining fees
- Crown green or flat green?
There are over 2,500 affiliated lawn bowls clubs across the United Kingdom — more than almost any other sport. With that density, there is almost certainly a club within easy reach of wherever you live. This guide tells you exactly how to find it, what to expect, and how to take the first step.
The Fastest Way to Find a Club
The quickest method by far is the official governing body club finders:
- England: Visit bowlsengland.com → click "Find a Club" → enter your postcode. All affiliated clubs within your chosen radius are listed with contact details and facilities information.
- Scotland: Visit bowlsscotland.com → use the club finder tool. Scotland has an exceptionally dense network particularly in the central belt and west coast.
- Wales: Visit bowlswales.co.uk for a full directory of affiliated Welsh clubs.
- Northern Ireland: Visit irishbowls.co.uk for clubs across Northern Ireland.
💡 Google Maps shortcut: Search "lawn bowls club near me" or "bowling green near me" on Google Maps. Most clubs have a listing with photos, opening times and a direct link to contact them. You can see the green on satellite view before you visit.
Finding Clubs by County — England
If you want to find clubs in a specific English county, each county has its own bowls association with a full club directory:
- London: Middlesex County Bowls Association, Surrey Bowling Association, Kent County Bowling Association
- South East: Sussex County Bowling Association, Hampshire Bowling Association
- South West: Devon Bowling Association, Cornwall Bowling Association, Somerset Bowling Association
- Midlands: Warwickshire Bowling Association, Worcestershire Bowling Association
- North West: Lancashire Bowling Association, Cheshire Bowling Association
- Yorkshire: Yorkshire Bowling Association — one of the largest county associations in England
- North East: Durham Bowling Association, Northumberland Bowling Association
Search "[county name] bowls association" to find the relevant association and access their club directory.
Indoor Bowls Clubs
If you want to play year-round, or if you are starting in autumn or winter, you will need an indoor bowls centre. Indoor clubs have separate membership to outdoor clubs.
To find indoor clubs: search "indoor bowls club near me" on Google, or contact your county bowls association — they maintain lists of all affiliated indoor facilities in their area. The Bowls England website also lists indoor clubs.
What to Expect When You Make Contact
Bowls clubs are among the most welcoming in British sport. When you call or email a club:
- You will be invited to visit for a free taster session — most clubs run these regularly
- You will be told what to wear (smart casual is fine for a first visit)
- You will be told whether to bring flat-soled shoes or whether loaner shoes are available
- You will be given a time to arrive and the name of who to ask for
Most clubs follow a similar first-visit pattern: short introduction, help finding correctly sized loaner bowls, basic guidance on the delivery from an experienced member, then joining a relaxed social game at whatever pace suits you.
What to Ask Before Joining
- What is the annual membership fee and when does the season start?
- Do you run any beginner coaching sessions?
- What days and times do members usually play?
- Is there an indoor facility nearby that members use in winter?
- Do you play in any leagues or county competitions?
- Are loaner bowls and shoes available for new members?
Joining Fees — What to Expect
Annual membership at UK bowls clubs typically costs between £40 and £120 depending on the club, region and facilities. Some clubs charge a small additional green fee per session; others include unlimited play in the annual subscription. Many clubs offer a reduced rate for the first year to encourage new members.
There are also a small number of municipal bowling greens in public parks where you can play without club membership, paying a session fee directly to the council. These are a good way to try the game before committing to a club. Search "[your town] bowling green" to find them.
Crown Green or Flat Green?
If you are in the north or midlands of England, you may find that nearby clubs play crown green bowls rather than flat green (lawn bowls). The two games are distinct — see our full comparison article for the differences. Both are enjoyable; if you have the choice, flat green bowls is the international standard and gives you access to indoor play throughout winter.