Cheltenham Croquet Club

Cheltenham Croquet Club is one of the largest and oldest in Britain. We have 10 full size lawns, 2 half size lawns and a practice area. We have a wide variety of members, ranging from complete beginners to players of county and international standard. The Club has hosted a number of major championships including the 2005 World Championships and the 2023 European Team Championship. All variations of croquet - association, golf, handicap, advanced, short and one ball - are played all year round. Lawns are available during the winter months for our hardier members! There are many Club competitions held during the main season (April to September). New members are very welcome. We organise free taster days throughout the summer.

For a small fee, a set of 3 introductory coaching sessions are provided for prospective members, with further free tutorials and coaching sessions available after joining the Club. We also arrange corporate sessions for businesses and local groups. Please email the Secretary for further information.

Croquet England, the sport's national governing body in England, has its headquarters in the Club grounds.

The Club is a member of the South West Federation of Croquet Clubs.

A newcomer's experience

"As a reasonably accomplished racquet games player, coming to croquet as a newcomer I was apprehensive but with 3 lessons for £25, reimbursed off the subscription if I joined, there was nothing to lose.

First impressions were that the rudiments can be quickly learned but becoming an expert player was going to take some time. After a couple of sessions with my mentor he introduced me to the free AC coaching sessions and roll up golf. It would seem there's not much in the way of hierarchy, the good players mix and play with the rabbits so social integration doesn't take very long. I used to say you had to invest a couple of years in a racquets club until you find your peer group. Not so at Cheltenham Croquet Club, integration into club life is fast tracked."