EXPERIENCED AND WELL TRAVELLED PLAYER REVIEW

" Probably the best lawns I have ever played on."

Tournaments  |  Social events  |  Gardens and allotments  |  Club house  |    Parking​   |  History

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Tournaments

We regularly host major British and International Tournaments, including the European Golf Croquet Championships.

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Social events

Members enjoy a variety of social and fund raising events across the year.  These are organised by club members and include Quiz Nights and Themed Suppers. Afternoon teas are arranged on a Wednesday and Saturday after friendly games to give members an opportunity to meet and chat.  During the summer months social games are also arranged on a Thursday evening followed by a drink at the bar.

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Gardens and allotments

Our lovely gardens are a delightful complement to our outstanding grounds and facilities, and contribute to the enjoyment of the club by members and visitors alike. Green-fingered members can enjoy growing their own produce in one of the established allotments. ​

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Clubhouse

We have a large and attractive clubhouse with a bar, large modern kitchen, comfortable bridge and function rooms looking over the grounds and to the sea beyond. These facilities can be booked by other organisations.

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Car Parking

There is plenty of off road parking available for members and visitors.

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History

A variety of sports have been played on the land that belongs to Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club. The earliest records show that Archery was the first activity played in 1856.  By the 1870’s croquet was played followed by tennis and bowls.  It was not until 1973 when the last tennis tournament was played that Croquet became the dominant sport.

1856

First Archery game played

1870

First Pavilion built with entrance from Cricket Field Lane.

1872

Croquet begins followed by tennis

1879

1890

Replacement Pavilion (middle Pavilion) and Secretaries office built

1896

First Open Croquet Tournament, won by Mrs Evans, wife of Dr TGC Evans and mother in law of Joyce Dennys

1897

August Tournament

1906

Dressing rooms built for tennis players (lower pavilion)

1908

First Open Tennis Tournament

1911

Golf croquet introduced

1914

WW1: Belgian refugees welcome into the Club

1922

Present Clubhouse built, designed by W Hatchard-Smith who was a member

1930

Bridge Room added together with a small Bridge Room in 1937

1939

WW2: Military including Home Guard took over Dressing Rooms and Bridge Rooms with some Nissan Huts on site

1956

International Croquet Matches played. Concrete grandstand added to Lawn 1 (Show Court)

1970

The Centenary of first Pavilion and Croquet passed unnoticed

1972

Purchase completed for the Freehold from Clinton Devon Estates

1973

Last Open Tennis Tournament played

2018

Replacement of Middle pavilion built in a similar style to its 128 year old predecessor

2020

150th anniversary celebrations cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions

2022

Lower Pavilion converted into three apartments