Ross on Wye Bowls and Petanque Club

Watching proper bowls being played is oddly hypnotic - the careful measurement, the strategic placement, the gentle thud of woods on the green. Ross on Wye Bowls and Petanque Club sits right in the market town centre, where you'll find both traditional English bowls and the French variant petanque being played on well-maintained outdoor greens.

Club members are a friendly bunch, often happy to explain the finer points to curious onlookers. If you fancy having a go yourself, most clubs welcome beginners for a small fee, though it's worth calling ahead to check when they run taster sessions. The bowls season typically runs from April through September, with petanque often continuing into the winter months.

Families might find it a bit slow for younger children, but anyone with an interest in traditional British sports or looking for a gentle introduction to competitive games will find it worthwhile. The setting is lovely too - Ross-on-Wye's historic market square is just a short walk away for post-game refreshments.

If you're staying at one of the nearby sites like Broadmeadow Caravan Park or the glamping options around Ryeford Ponds, it makes for an easy evening activity when you've had enough hiking in the Wye Valley. Just don't expect high-octane thrills - this is sport at a more civilised pace.