Shaftesbury Bowling Club is proud to offer the visitor one of the best full-size 6-rink outdoor bowling greens in the area, set within the ‘Shaftesbury in Bloom’ award-winning garden. We are able to host visiting teams in the Club House with our catering facilities and a well-stocked bar.

There is a free public car park adjacent to the Club, and the Town centre is within easy reach by foot, where you will find a good selection of pubs, restaurants and shops. We are able to provide teams of ladies, men or mixed rinks.

In 2014/2015 extensive alterations were carried out to our clubhouse facilities. The reception/seating area was increased in size, the kitchen was enlarged and totally refitted and new toilets were incorporated. Outside, new storage facilities were provided for green keeper’s equipment and green accessories.

Significantly also was the installation of solar panels on the clubhouse roof and a heat pump system all to improve our performance in energy saving.

As well as the public car park,which is often very busy, the club has its own parking facility for members and visiting bowlers. Visitors should enter the public car park where they will see the Bowling Club Parking directly opposite, behind a barrier.



If the barrier is down they should call the club house on 01747 850346.

The bowling club was formed in 1914, a site was found close to its present position in Barton Hill Recreational field and the green was constructed at a total cost of £48 11s 6p.

The first committee was held on 15th May 1914 when it was decided to buy two sets of Bowls, one costing £2 and the other £1, and a set of jacks. The question of mats was discussed but it was decided pieces of carpet would do instead.

The first match was arranged between the members and Shaftesbury Town Council.

Over the years the Club has won many honours including the Macklin Cup in 1920,1921 and 1922.

Since the Clubs formation in 1914, it has moved twice, first in 1934 and, because of road alterations at Ivy Cross roundabout, again in 1953.

The Club is ambitious for the future with plans to replace its ageing Club House and to incorporate three indoor rinks into the new development.

Extracts from ‘A History of Shaftesbury Bowling Club’ compiled by R.Dowell

Perched on a hill with extensive views to King Alfred’s Tower in Wiltshire and the gentle unspoilt views of Dorset’s Blackmore Vale, you will discover one of England’s most charming and historic market towns.

Though the 20th century has seen a lot of changes, Shaftesbury has remained largely unspoilt. In 1973, Ridley Scott made the famous Hovis ‘Boy with a Bike’ advertisement on Gold Hill and Rank Hovis contributed �10,000 to the restoration of the famous cobbles. It has made Gold Hill, with its medieval wall, one of the most recognised views in Britain.

Shaftesbury is a small Market Town with a history that goes back to the Saxon hilltop forts. The beauty of the surrounding Dorset countryside is complemented by the collection of fine historical buildings that make up the centre of Shaftesbury itself.

There are a wide variety of independent shops, pubs and restaurants for the Tourist to enjoy in one of the friendliest towns in the area.

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