Bristol Cricket Club Everything You Need to Know in 2026

January 3, 2026

Bristol Cricket Club is at the heart of Bristol’s thriving cricket scene. Established as a leading community club, it fields multiple senior, youth, and mini teams and competes in the top regional leagues. In this guide, we cover the club’s history, teams, facilities, and how it fits into Bristol’s wider cricket ecosystem. We also look at county cricket in Bristol and highlight other local clubs like Downend, Clifton, and Imperial Cricket Club. By 2026, Bristol Cricket Club continues to grow, with upgraded facilities and exciting matches on the horizon.

Bristol Cricket Club (BCC) plays its home games at Clevedon Road in Failand (BS8 3TL), near the Blaise Castle estate. The club fields four Saturday teams, a Sunday XI, a midweek team, and a large youth section (U10–U19) plus a Mini Cricket program for U7–U9. The 1st XI competes in Division One of the West of England Premier League (WEPL), with the 2nd XI in WEPL Division Two and the 3rd XI in the Bristol & District Cricket Association Division 4. A 4th XI plays friendly fixtures in summer. Bristol CC’s active youth academy and mini section nurture talent from school age up, with professional coaching and social events that make joining the club an engaging community experience.

Key highlights of Bristol Cricket Club include: – Location: Clevedon Road ground, Failand (North Somerset), easily accessible from Bristol.
– Teams: 4 senior Saturday teams, 1 Sunday XI, 1 midweek team, plus U10–U19 age-group teams and U7–U9 Minis.
– League: 1st XI in WEPL Premier One (top tier); 2nd XI in WEPL Division Two; youth teams in Bristol & District leagues.
– Community: Clubmark-accredited with active social events, sponsorship opportunities, and a family-friendly environment.

Bristol CC’s official website (bristolcricketclub.co.uk) provides fixtures, results, and membership info. The club prides itself on inclusion: players of all levels—from seasoned amateurs to beginners—are welcome. Parents often join in coaching sessions or relax with refreshments in the pavilion while youngsters train. For newcomers, contacting the club via email or visiting on match days is the best way to get involved.

League Participation and Competitions

Bristol Cricket Club competes at the highest level of club cricket in the region. The West of England Premier League (WEPL) is the designated ECB Premier League covering Bristol, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire. WEPL runs multiple divisions with the top Premier One division featuring the best teams across these counties. Each season, around 70 teams participate across WEPL’s tiers. The league structure (Premier One, Premier Two (regional), plus feeder divisions) ensures competitive cricket at all skill levels.

Top Competition (WEPL): Bristol’s 1st XI has a strong WEPL presence, playing against regional rivals. WEPL’s long history (since 1999) and high standard mean Bristol CC faces clubs like Bath CC, Frocester, and Clevedon.
Feeder Leagues: Beneath WEPL, the Bristol & District Cricket Association (BDCA) operates local divisions. Bristol CC’s lower XIs and many other Bristol clubs play in BDCA leagues, feeding into the WEPL system. Other feeder leagues include the Gloucestershire League (for Clifton-situated clubs) and the Somerset Cricket League (for North Somerset clubs).
Cup Competitions: Bristol CC teams also enter knockout cups (e.g. National Knockout T20 for 1st/2nd XI, and local county cups). These one-day and T20 tournaments add excitement to the season with knockout drama.

Recent seasons have seen Bristol CC’s 1st XI consistently hold its WEPL Premier One status. The club’s youth teams play in Sunday and midweek leagues (BYCL/GYCL), developing players through regular matches and training. Notably, WEPL has embraced women’s cricket too, and Bristol CC runs a ladies’ section that plays friendly and league games. All teams train during summer evenings; winter net sessions prepare players for the new season for Bristol Cricket Club.

Popular Competitions in Bristol (2026): WEPL matches, BDCA Premier League, ECB Knockout cups, and special events like England v West Indies T20 (played at Bristol County Ground in June 2025) and the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (partly hosted in Bristol). These fixtures draw big crowds to the city’s stadium.

County Cricket in Bristol

Bristol’s premier cricket venue is the Bristol County Ground (also known as Seat Unique Stadium), located on Nevil Road in Ashley Down (BS7). This historic ground has been home to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC) since 1889. It hosts county championship matches, Royal London Cup games, and T20 Blast fixtures. The ground’s Victorian pavilion, Grace Gates, and classic scoreboard give it character.

Capacity & Facilities: The County Ground holds around 8,000 spectators (more for big internationals) and has undergone recent upgrades. By 2026, the stadium has new player facilities, expanded dressing rooms, and improved hospitality areas to meet international standards.
International Matches: The ground regularly hosts England men’s and women’s internationals. For example, it welcomed an England vs West Indies T20 in 2025 and is slated to host Women’s T20 World Cup matches in 2026. These high-profile games raise Bristol’s profile on the global stage.
Notable Moments: Legendary matches at the County Ground include England vs Australia Tests and World Cup games. It’s also famous for featuring the city’s best cricketing talent. Many young Bristol players aspire to represent Gloucestershire CCC here.

In addition to the County Ground, Bristol’s cricket infrastructure includes historic venues like the Imperial Sports Ground in South Bristol. Owned by Imperial Tobacco, this ground was used by Somerset County Cricket Club for first-class and List-A games from the 1950s to 1970s. Although its stadium is now a housing estate, the legacy lives on: local Imperial Cricket Club still plays nearby in Bristol Cricket Club.

Notable Local Clubs in Bristol

Beyond the main Bristol Cricket Club, the city and surrounding area host several other prominent clubs. These clubs foster grassroots cricket and rivalries that enrich the local scene.

Downend Cricket Club (Bristol)

Founded in 1893, Downend Cricket Club is a historic club based at the W. G. Grace Memorial Ground on Downend Road, Bristol (BS16 5UE). The club is named after WG Grace in honor of his legacy and even hosted Grace himself in charity matches. Today Downend CC is a Clubmark-accredited Centre of Excellence, with three senior Saturday teams, a Sunday team, and a popular midweek T20 side. The club also runs youth squads from U9 through U17 (including girls’ teams).

League: Downend’s 1st XI has long competed in WEPL (Premier One until 2021, then Premier Two). The club remains ambitious, aiming to regain top-tier status.
History & Achievements: Over its 130-year history, Downend CC has become one of the region’s most vibrant clubs. It has been home to celebrated cricketers – even international stars like Australia’s Allan Border have played there. Many local schoolboys grow up playing in Downend’s youth programs.
Community: The club prides itself on inclusivity and social events. Annual fundraisers, coaching clinics, and a lively clubhouse culture make Downend a community hub. Sponsors range from local businesses to county suppliers.

Downend CC’s emphasis on family cricket and development complements Bristol Cricket Club’s programs. Together, they have helped double the number of junior cricketers in the Bristol area over the past decade.

Clifton Cricket Club (Bristol)

Clifton Cricket Club is one of Bristol’s oldest cricket institutions. Records show a Clifton team playing as early as 1813, with the formal club established in 1884. Based near Clifton Village and often playing on the Downs, Clifton CC has competed in local premier leagues (like the Bristol & District Premier League) and produced fine players.

League: Clifton’s 1st XI typically competes in the top divisions of the Bristol & District leagues. The club fields multiple senior XIs and boasts an active youth section.
Heritage: Many early Gloucestershire CCC players hailed from Clifton. The club’s colors and crest reflect its long heritage. In recent years Clifton CC has hosted local tournaments and community cricket festivals on Durdham Down.
Current Status: In 2026, Clifton remains a strong feeder of talent to county cricket. The club’s facilities include a clubhouse with training nets, and it runs summer camps for kids.

Clifton CC’s deep roots in Bristol’s social history (with ties to institutions like Clifton College) make it an important part of the city’s cricket fabric.

Imperial Cricket Club (Bristol)

Imperial Cricket Club plays in the South Bristol area, historically linked to the Imperial Athletic Ground. In the late 1980s, Imperial CC gained international fame when Australian spinner Shane Warne played a season there, taking 49 wickets in 1989. He even lived in the club pavilion attic during his stint.

Ground: Today, Imperial CC plays at Upton Hall (Winterstoke Road, BS3), near the site of the old Imperial Sports Ground. While Somerset CCC left the Imperial Ground decades ago, Imperial CC continues the tradition of tough, competitive cricket in south Bristol.
League: Imperial competes in the West of England Premier League’s Bristol & Somerset division or the Bristol & District leagues, depending on promotion/relegation. The club fields men’s teams and encourages youth cricket as well.
Legacy: The club’s connection to Warne is celebrated, and it welcomes international players as occasional pros (common in UK league cricket). Imperial CC exemplifies how even small Bristol clubs can have a big story.

Other Clubs in Brief: Bristol also has well-known clubs like Clifford CC, Stapleton CC, Chew Magna CC, and Sonning CC on the outskirts. The Bristol West Indian CC and other community clubs serve diverse neighborhoods. Each club contributes to Bristol’s friendly yet competitive amateur scene.

Youth, Women’s & Community Cricket

Cricket in Bristol is not just about senior mens’ cricket. Clubs across the city have robust youth academies and women’s sections, reflecting the sport’s growth:

Mini & Youth Cricket: Nearly every club runs Sunday cricket for ages 5–11 (AllStars and Dynamos programs) and various age-league teams (U10, U12, U14, etc.). Bristol CC alone has dozens of juniors. The Gloucestershire Cricket Board and Somerset Cricket Board fund school programs, bringing cricket into PE lessons at primary schools. By 2026, junior cricket participation in Bristol has grown significantly thanks to these initiatives.
Women’s & Girls’ Cricket: The ECB’s national focus on women’s cricket has boosted interest in Bristol. Many clubs (Bristol CC, Downend, others) now have ladies’ teams and girls’ teams. Girls’ cricket in schools (like Clifton College, Bristol Grammar) feeds into club teams. The success of women’s internationals in Bristol inspires local girls to pick up a bat.
Community Programs: Cricket-for-all events, “Have a Go” days, and charity matches are common. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation and ECB run occasional coaching visits. Some Bristol CC youth members have gone on to represent Gloucestershire Youth teams.

Overall, community cricket in Bristol is vibrant and inclusive. Urban fields, park initiatives (e.g. street cricket nets in estates), and club outreach ensure cricket reaches beyond traditional suburban grounds.

Cricket Facilities in Bristol

Bristol’s cricket infrastructure extends beyond club grounds. Key facilities include:

Nevil Road (County Ground): As mentioned, the international-class stadium in Ashley Down. It features multiple pitches and modern practice nets.
Imperial Sports Ground: Now a housing area, but its legacy lives in name and local lore.
Regional Grounds: Ashton Gate and Nevil Road host some club matches too. Blaise CC (Failand), Failand CC (same ground as Bristol CC), and Durdham Down (fair pitch near Clifton) are picturesque venues for local cricket.
Indoor Nets and Domes: To cope with winter weather, many clubs use indoor practice nets. Recently, the ECB and local councils have installed covered cricket nets (“cricket domes”) around Bristol for year-round training. For example, facilities at Clifton College and local sports centers offer indoor practice.
Clubhouses: Clubs like Bristol CC and Clifton CC have been renovating pavilions. Notably, ahead of 2026’s world events, the Bristol County Ground is upgrading dressing rooms and media facilities (ensuring it meets ICC standards).

By 2026, Bristol’s status as a key cricket hub is cemented by these facilities. Visitors to the city during cricket season find well-maintained grounds and active club communities eager to welcome spectators.

Engagement & CTA

Bristol Cricket Club and its neighbors encourage everyone to get involved. If you’re in Bristol:

Join a Club: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cricketer, there’s a team for you. Contact Bristol CC or any local club to try a net session or game.
Attend Matches: Support your local clubs on weekends. Big games at the County Ground or local derbies offer great spectator atmosphere.
Stay Updated: Follow clubs on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to track fixtures and club news. Bristol CC’s official site and the Gloucestershire Cricket website provide schedules and scores.
Get Certified: Many clubs welcome coaches, umpires, and scorers. The ECB subsidizes training courses (as promoted by the WEPL) for volunteers.

Engage with the community: Cricket Bristol often organizes youth tournaments and charity matches. Volunteering at junior matches or joining a club fundraiser are fun ways to meet people.

If you enjoyed this guide, share it on social media and let others discover Bristol’s cricket world! Have questions or experiences to share? Comment below or contact the clubs directly. Bristol’s cricket community welcomes your voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where does Bristol Cricket Club play its home matches?

A: Bristol CC’s home ground is at Clevedon Road in Failand (just outside Bristol), near Blaise Castle. The picturesque ground has full facilities and is the base for all its Saturday and Sunday teams.

Q: Which leagues do Bristol Cricket Club teams play in?

A: The 1st XI plays in the West of England Premier League (WEPL) Premier One. The 2nd XI is in WEPL Division Two (Bristol/Somerset section), and lower XIs play in the Bristol & District leagues. Youth teams compete in regional junior leagues on Sundays.

Q: What is “Bristol County Cricket Club”?

A: This term often refers to the county-level cricket played in Bristol, namely matches at the Bristol County Ground. The ground hosts Gloucestershire County Cricket Club games. In effect, the county club in Bristol is Gloucestershire CCC, which plays home matches there.

Q: How can I join a cricket club in Bristol?

A: Most clubs welcome new members of all ages. To join Bristol Cricket Club or others like Downend CC or Clifton CC, visit their websites or social media pages. Attend a training session or contact the club secretary. Many clubs offer “beginners” programs and will provide coaching and kit guidance.

Q: What’s happening at Bristol’s cricket grounds in 2026?

A: The Bristol County Ground will host international fixtures (e.g. Women’s T20 World Cup games) in 2026. It’s being upgraded with new dressing rooms, terraces, and expanded hospitality. The ground will look its best, offering fans a great match-day experience in Bristol.

Q: Who are other notable cricket clubs around Bristol?

A: Besides Bristol CC, other key clubs include Downend CC (Downend), Clifton CC (Clifton), and Imperial CC (South Bristol). Each has rich histories and strong community programs. The Bristol & District leagues feature these clubs along with others like Wood bank, Stapleton, and Chew Magna.

Q: Is there cricket for girls and women in Bristol?

A: Absolutely. Many clubs run girls’ teams at youth levels and have senior women’s teams. There are local women’s leagues, and the strong performance of Bristol’s own Natalie Sciver-Brunt (England’s star) inspires many young girls to play cricket here.

Q: How do I watch professional cricket in Bristol?

A: The best venue is the Bristol County Ground (Seat Unique Stadium). You can buy tickets for Gloucestershire CCC home games and England internationals there. For local club cricket, just turn up at weekend matches – entry is usually free and spectators are welcome.

Conclusion

In 2026, Bristol Cricket Club remains a pillar of local sport, offering cricket for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re aiming to represent the club’s 1st XI or just learning cricket in the mini section, Bristol CC provides resources and a friendly environment. The city’s love of cricket is evident in its well-kept grounds, thriving club network, and calendar full of matches and events. From county-level fixtures at the County Ground to grassroots games on park pitches, Bristol celebrates cricket year-round.

Stay connected with Bristol’s cricket scene: follow Bristol CC and the Gloucestershire Cricket Board on social media for news, and don’t miss out on visiting a match. Cricket in Bristol isn’t just a sport – it’s a community tradition. Join in, share your passion, and be part of the fun this season!