Wanstead Bowling Club
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A green just outside Wanstead station where you can turn up for a lawn bowls roll-up without booking a thing.
This is a proper bowling club rather than a soft-play version of the sport, so what you're getting is a green, a set of woods and other members happy to show newcomers how it's rolled. The site doesn't spell out an age range for players, so if you've got a keen ten-year-old who fancies a go, it's worth turning up on one of the open roll-up sessions and asking rather than guessing.
Weekends and bank holidays in season run from 10am until dusk, which on a bright evening gives you a proper stretch of time. Friday roll-ups start at 2pm, and there's a Tuesday evening session from 6pm in season too, though that one isn't currently happening every week, so check the WhatsApp group before you plan around it. Entry itself is free, which is rare for anything with grass this well kept.
The catch is the dress code. You need flat shoes and loose clothing to actually play, so trainers over sandals and nothing too fitted, or you'll be stuck watching from the side. There's no booking system and no mention of a clubhouse café or parking, so this reads as a walk-up, bring-your-own-snacks kind of visit rather than a full day out.
The green shuts for winter and doesn't reopen until April 2027, so this is very much a fair-weather activity. Wanstead Underground station is under five minutes' walk, which makes it an easy one if you're coming without a car. First-year members get half off their fees plus coaching, which is worth knowing if a child gets properly hooked and wants to keep going past a single visit.
Need to know
- Getting there by bus or train
- Wanstead Underground station, less than 5 minutes walk
- Worth knowing
- First-year members receive 50% reduction in fees plus coaching
- Tuesday evening roll-ups aren't happening every week at the moment, check the WhatsApp group first
- Flat shoes and loose clothing are compulsory if you want to actually bowl, not just watch
- The green closes over winter, so this only works as a spring or summer visit
- First-year membership comes with 50% off fees and coaching included
Plan your visit
What age can kids start playing?
There's no age range given, so the best bet is to turn up on a roll-up session and ask whether your child can join in on the day.
Do we need to book?
No booking link is listed, so these look like walk-up sessions, especially the Friday and weekend roll-ups.
How much does it cost to play?
Entry is free. First-year members get 50% off fees plus coaching if anyone wants to join properly.
What should we wear?
Flat shoes and loose clothing are required to play, so no sandals or anything too fitted.
Is the green open all year?
It closes for winter and isn't due to reopen until April 2027.
How do we get there?
Wanstead Underground station is less than five minutes' walk away, and it's accessible by bus and train too.
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