Welcome to Bristol Croquet Club! Established in 1897, Bristol Croquet Club has maintained its reputation as a leading club in the croquet world. With a membership of around 110, including national and international players, as well as members who simply love playing at the club, we pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming community.
Our club boasts three full-size courts, one of which can be divided into two half-size courts. Our clubhouse is equipped with a clubroom, changing rooms, toilets, and a kitchen where soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase. We also have car parking space within the grounds and plenty of adjacent on-street parking.
The main playing season at Bristol Croquet Club runs from late March to late September, although our beautifully maintained lawns are open year-round. Annual membership fees cover unlimited use of the courts, which must be pre-booked to ensure fair access for all members.
Within the club, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in competitive play at the local, regional, national, and even international levels. We encourage all members to explore their potential and challenge themselves in this exhilarating sport.
For those curious about croquet, Bristol Croquet Club is the perfect place to experience this thinking-person's sport. Croquet is a competitive game of strategy and skill enjoyed by players of all ages and genders worldwide. There are two main codes of the game: Association Croquet (AC) and Golf Croquet (GC), both overseen by the national governing body, Croquet England.
Contrary to its public image, croquet is a skilful and complex game. However, our handicapping system allows players of various skill levels to compete against each other. AC combines elements of snooker with the tactical thinking of chess, while GC has simpler rules and focuses on specific skills of Association Croquet. Mastery of croquet is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.
Croquet is an inclusive sport that doesn't require a partner or extraordinary fitness levels. It can be played while following government guidelines on social distancing, making it a suitable activity for all. All you need is an active mind and a pair of flat-soled shoes (most trainers fit the bill), and we will provide the rest.
If you're interested in trying croquet for yourself, we invite you to join a beginners course consisting of five two-hour sessions held weekly. These sessions will introduce you to the strokes and tactics that form the foundation of the game. Upon completion of the course, you'll have the opportunity to join the club at a discounted fee for the remainder of the year.
If you already have a croquet handicap and would like to become a playing member at Bristol Croquet Club, please reach out to our Secretary. We also welcome those who have played in the past but may feel a bit rusty. Get in touch, and we'll arrange a session to refresh your skills and discuss how we can support your croquet journey.
For more information and any inquiries, please email Chris Frew, who will be more than happy to assist you. We also invite you to explore our website for a short history of Bristol Croquet Club and other fun features.
Experience the joy of croquet at Bristol Croquet Club where strategy, skill, and camaraderie unite.