New Bowler Intakes

Welcome to Colchester Indoor Bowls Club

Whether you’ve never picked up a bowl in your life or you’re an experienced player looking for a new club, we’d love to welcome you.

Open Days

Join us for an Open Day at Colchester Indoor Bowls Club!

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to get back into the game, come along and see what we’re all about. We’ll show you the ropes, let you have a go on our six indoor rinks, and introduce you to a friendly, welcoming club that’s been part of the Colchester community since 1982. Anyone aged 8 and up is welcome — bowls is a sport for the whole family!

No experience needed — just bring comfortable, flat-soled shoes and a willingness to give it a go! Free introductory coaching is included for anyone new to the sport. Our bar and dining room will also be open, so come along for some food and refreshments while you’re here.

we welcome new members all year round, so pop in any time, get in touch, or just come and watch a session to see if it’s for you.

Giving it a try

We offer an initial three introductory coaching sessions with our qualified and experienced coaches — there’s absolutely no obligation to join. If you need a little more time to find your feet, we’re happy to extend these. All you need to bring is the flattest pair of shoes you can find. We provide the bowls, and the only charge is the standard two-hour rink fee of £4, plus £1 for bowl hire if needed.

After your sessions, you’ll be invited to become a member — and in our experience, the vast majority of people are keen to do so.

As a member

Once you join, a whole range of activities opens up to you:

Book a rink for any of our two-hour daytime or evening sessions, or the one-hour lunchtime sessions (These can be booked via our online booking system or with the Duty Steward)

Join our weekly Points game, where up to 48 bowlers of mixed ability play together across all six rinks — a great way to improve and make friends

Play in Winter Leagues running Monday to Sunday, and Summer Leagues running Monday to Friday throughout the season

Take part in Friendly Matches against other clubs at weekends — the fee includes a meal from our restaurant

Attend a wide range of social events including Burns Night, Race Nights, Quiz Nights, Bingo, Bridge, Cribbage and our New Year’s Eve Party

Our Duty Stewards are always on hand to help match you with bowlers of a similar level if you’d like a friendly game.

Dress code

For your introductory sessions, just come as you are — flat shoes are the only requirement. As a member playing on the rinks, the club has a dress code: coloured bowls shirts (polo or tailored style), black or grey trousers, shorts or skirts, and proper bowling shoes. Full details are available from the Duty Steward.

Bar and restaurant

Your visit needn’t start or end with your game. We have a well-stocked bar serving coffees, teas, soft drinks, beers and spirits, and our restaurant offers everything from sandwiches to steaks.

Ready to get started?

Call our Duty Steward on 01206 570432 and we’ll arrange everything for you. If you’re already an experienced bowler looking to join, ask for the Club Manager directly.