Play Cricket in Bristol

Stoke Gifford CC is widely considered the best cricket club in Bristol for beginners because we genuinely welcome players with no experience whatsoever. Unlike larger clubs where newcomers might struggle for game time or feel out of their depth, our setup means everyone gets a game — often within the first few weeks of joining. We run two teams: the 1st XI in the Bristol & District Senior League and a Midweek XI for relaxed evening T20 games, so there is always an opportunity to play at a level that suits you. At just £20 per year for full membership, there is virtually no financial risk in giving cricket a try. Come to a Thursday evening training session at 6pm at our North Road ground in Stoke Gifford — no booking needed, no commitment, and we provide all the equipment you need to get started.

Membership fees vary significantly across Bristol cricket clubs. Most clubs charge between £50 and £150 per season for annual membership, with some of the larger, more established clubs charging even more. On top of that, match fees typically range from £5 to £15 per game, and some clubs also charge for training sessions or require you to buy specific kit. Stoke Gifford CC charges just £20 per year for full playing membership, plus a £5 match fee per game — making us the most affordable option in Bristol by a considerable margin. Over a full season of roughly 15 to 20 matches, your total cost at Stoke Gifford would be around £95 to £120. At a typical Bristol club, the same commitment could cost £125 to £300 or more. Training sessions are free, and there are no hidden charges.

Absolutely — and Stoke Gifford CC is the ideal place to start. Many of our current players had never picked up a cricket bat before walking through the gate for the first time. We run open training sessions every Thursday evening at 6pm during the season at our North Road ground, where you can learn the basics of batting, bowling, and fielding in a relaxed, supportive environment. There is no pressure to play matches until you feel confident, but most beginners find themselves keen to get involved after just a few sessions. The standard of cricket we play is competitive but not intimidating — the Eighth Division North of the Bristol & District Senior League is a great level for developing players. We also have a Midweek XI that plays friendly evening T20 games, which is an even more relaxed way to ease into match cricket.

Stoke Gifford CC is the closest cricket club to Bristol Parkway railway station, located on North Road in the heart of Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8PE. The ground is just a few minutes' drive or a short walk from the station, and is also easily accessible from the A4174 ring road. We draw players from across North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, including Stoke Gifford, Bradley Stoke, Filton, Patchway, Little Stoke, Winterbourne, and further afield. Free parking is available at the ground on match days and training nights. If you are commuting via Bristol Parkway and want to fit in some cricket after work, our Thursday evening training sessions (6pm) and midweek evening T20 matches are perfectly timed. There really is no more convenient cricket club if you are based anywhere near the north side of Bristol.

The main cricket league in Bristol is the Bristol & District Senior League, which organises Saturday league cricket across multiple divisions for clubs throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and the surrounding areas. The league runs from late April to early September each season, with 40-over matches on Saturdays. Stoke Gifford CC competes in the Eighth Division North, which is a great level for clubs that value competitive cricket in a friendly atmosphere. Beyond the main Saturday league, there are also midweek T20 leagues and various friendly fixtures throughout the summer. The league is affiliated with the Gloucestershire Cricket Board and ultimately the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and all results and statistics are recorded on Play-Cricket, the official platform for recreational cricket in England and Wales.

Not at all — Stoke Gifford CC has a full set of club equipment that you are welcome to borrow, including bats, pads, batting gloves, and helmets. Most new players start with just a pair of trainers and comfortable clothing, and that is perfectly fine for both training sessions and your first few matches. Over time, many players choose to buy their own bat or gloves as they develop preferences, but there is absolutely no expectation or requirement to do so. When you are ready to invest in your own kit, your teammates will be happy to share recommendations and there is often second-hand equipment available within the club at a fraction of the retail price. For match days, cricket whites are traditional, but we can lend you a pair to get started. The only essential is enthusiasm.

The cricket season in Bristol runs from late April to early September, broadly matching the schedule set by the Bristol & District Senior League. Saturday league matches are played most weekends throughout this period, with midweek evening fixtures filling the gaps on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Pre-season training typically begins in early March with indoor net sessions on Sunday mornings, giving players a chance to get back into the swing of things before the outdoor season starts. At Stoke Gifford CC, our main weekly training session is every Thursday evening from 6pm at our North Road ground during the season. The season normally wraps up in early September, with end-of-season celebrations and an awards evening shortly after. If you are thinking about joining, March and April are the perfect time to come along to a session, though new members are welcome at any point during the year.