The Codes
Bowls in Wales is played in four different forms — each with its own character, community and governing body. Whether you play outdoors on a summer green, indoors through the winter, in a community hall or on a crown green, there is a version of the sport for you.
BowlsWales works with all four codes. Follow the links below to find your game and connect with the organisation that runs it.
Lawn Bowls
Played outdoors on a flat grass or artificial green, lawn bowls is one of Wales's most popular summer sports. Enjoyed socially and competitively, it is a sport that rewards skill and strategy and is genuinely accessible to players of all ages.
Lawn bowls in Wales is administered by Welsh Lawn Bowls. Visit their website to find a club, enter competitions or find out about membership.
Indoor Bowls
Indoor bowls is played on a carpet green inside a purpose-built centre, making it a year-round sport regardless of the weather. It has a thriving social and competitive scene across Wales.
Indoor bowls in Wales is administered by the Welsh Indoor Bowling Association. Visit their website to find your nearest centre and get involved.
Short Mat Bowls
Short mat bowls is played on a portable mat in community venues — village halls, sports centres, community rooms. It is one of the most accessible forms of the sport, bringing the game to communities rather than the other way around.
Short mat bowls in Wales is administered by the Welsh Short Mat Bowls Association. Contact them to find a club near you.
Crown Green Bowls
Crown green bowls is played on a green with a raised centre — the 'crown' — which slopes away on all sides, creating a distinctive and challenging playing surface. It has a strong and loyal following, particularly in North Wales and the border areas.
Crown green bowls in Wales is administered by the Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association. Visit their website for clubs, competitions and more.