A Visitor’s Guide to Polo in Britain - Top Clubs & How to Join In

Amazing Britain
Oct 14
6 min read

Polo in Britain can feel both grand and accessible — it blends tradition, athleticism, the beauty of horses, and community. Whether you come to spectate in a blazer, or to swing a mallet for the first time, there are many clubs happy to welcome you.

Polo is one of Britain’s most elegant equestrian sports – fast, graceful and full of history. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning, here’s how to make the most of a day at polo (playing or spectating), plus tips on etiquette, safety and where to go.

Visit During Polo Season

The best time to visit a polo club in the UK is May to September, when outdoor matches are in full swing. Many clubs also run arena polo and training throughout the winter months (October–March), so enthusiasts can still enjoy lessons or smaller matches year-round.

Dress Appropriately

Spectators: smart casual is always safe. For big tournament or charity polo days, people often dress up (blazers, smart dresses), but comfort matters — wear sturdy, flat shoes (you might be walking on grass, sometimes muddy).

Players / those trying polo: bring or wear boots, gloves, a polo‐approved helmet, and clothing that allows movement (riding breeches or sturdy trousers). Don’t forget layers: UK weather can shift fast. Don’t neglect safety gear. Rules differ but safety is always non-negotiable.

Don’t wear impractical footwear: Heels on grass + muddy fields are a recipe for discomfort or mishaps.

Check Availability and Book Ahead

Many clubs require advance notice for lessons, pony hire, or “have-a-go” / beginner sessions. Contact the Polo Manager or academy in advance. Many places offer beginners’ coaching.
Don’t just turn up without checking availability: Many clubs have scheduled fixtures; grounds may not be open to the public or for play outside those times.

Start with a Lesson or “Try Polo” Experience

Even before stepping into a match, take a lesson to learn mallet skills, riding in the field, safety rules. Contact your chosen club in advance to find out if they offer lessons.

Don’t assume you need to own everything: You usually don’t need to own a mallet, or full kit as a beginner. Many clubs have pony hire and loaned equipment. Contact in advance to check on what you can loan.

Be Mindful of Safety

Respect the horses and ponies: don’t approach them suddenly, follow instructions, wear appropriate safety gear. Falling, or getting bumped, can happen even in lower speed chukkas; that’s why proper coaching matters.

Don’t neglect the rules: Even in casual play or arena polo, there are rules (how to cross, right of way, etc.). Not just for fairness, but for safety.

Spectate with Manners

Arrive in good time (before matches start).

If there’s half-time, sometimes spectators are invited to help “tread in the divots” – a great way to be part of the action. Wear shoes suitable for this.

Respect players’ space; don’t cross the field unless allowed

Clean up after yourself if picnicking.

Don’t be rude or inconsiderate - E.g., interfering with ponies, ignoring instructions, shouting across pitches. Polo clubs value tradition, sportsmanship and courtesy.

Inclusive and Accessible Experiences

Many clubs under the HPA framework emphasise that polo is for all ages and skill levels. Some run junior academies from age 8.

If mobility is an issue: check whether the grounds / clubhouse have accessible facilities. Ring ahead; many clubs are improving accessibility.

If cost is a concern: going through “Try Polo” days, arena polo rather than high-goal matches, or shared coaching sessions reduces expense.

If you’re not confident riding at speed: start with stick & ball, slow lessons, lower stakes, perhaps use wooden horse practice, many clubs offer that.

For families: junior lessons, family-friendly spectator areas, picnic spots are offered in many clubs.

Ask Questions, Ask for Help

Clubs often are very welcoming to beginners. If you don’t know rules, ask; many clubs have orientation, rule explanations, coaches who enjoy teaching. Being curious shows respect and helps you learn.

Where Everyone’s Welcome: The UK’s Most Inviting Polo Clubs

The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) governs polo in the UK, Ireland, and beyond. The HPA maintains lists of arena and outdoor clubs across UK & Ireland; many smaller clubs will offer beginner coaching.

You can find clubs nearer where you are on the HPA website. hpa-polo.co.uk

Here are some of our favourite clubs known for being inclusive, friendly, and great for beginners / first-time visitors.

South West England

Beaufort Polo Club (Cotswolds, Gloucestershire) — offers coaching at all levels, pony hire, relaxed spectator environment. beaufortpoloclub.com

Taunton Vale Polo Club (Somerset) — lessons, “have a go” days, pony hire; great setting and welcoming atmosphere. tauntonvalepoloclub.com

New Forest Polo Club (New Park, Hampshire) — welcomes beginners, juniors, and pros alike with affordable lessons, pony hire, and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. newforestpoloclub.co.uk

Tedworth Park Polo Club (Tidworth, Wiltshire) — A low-goal, inclusive club offering lessons, clinics, pony hire, beginners’ courses and regular club chukkas. tedworthparkpolo.com

South East England

Cowdray Park Polo Club (West Sussex): Located in the scenic South Downs National Park, Cowdray Park is renowned as the "Home of British Polo." The club offers a Polo Academy that welcomes beginners and non-riders. It's also famous for hosting the prestigious Cowdray Gold Cup, attracting top international teams. cowdraypolo.co.uk

Hurtwood Park Polo Club (Surrey): Located in the Surrey Hills, Hurtwood Park is described as a “hidden gem… family-friendly events in a relaxed and unique way.” It has excellent facilities and is relatively accessible from London and other South East areas. hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk

Oakwood Park Polo Club (East Sussex / Sussex County): Based near Uckfield, this club (formerly Oakwood Park Showgrounds) offers both winter and summer polo. They cater to a range of skill levels and are known in Sussex as “the friendliest Polo Club in West Sussex”. oakwoodparkpoloclub.co.uk

London / Home Counties

Guards Polo Club (Windsor) — In the London / Home Counties region, Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park is a standout. Founded in 1955 with deep royal connections, it hosts over 500 matches per season on ten championship fields, and runs the Guards Polo Academy for all levels. guardspoloclub.com

Ham Polo Club (Greater London) — has an Academy; welcomes beginners including juniors; provides pony hire. hampoloclub.com

Silver Leys Polo Club (Hertfordshire) — vibrant academy; they run “have a go” / introduction events; lovely countryside setting for a day out. silverleyspolo.com

Epsom Polo Club — offers top-class indoor and outdoor facilities, beginner lessons, pony hire, and a friendly, family-run atmosphere on the edges of south west London. Perfect for newcomers. epsompoloclub.com

Midlands / Central England

Rugby Polo Club (Warwickshire region) — strong coaching, “grass roots” focus, good facilities. rugbypoloclub.com

Thoresby Park Polo Club (Nottinghamshire, North-Midlands) — “Watch, Learn, Play”-style club; caters to total beginners, pony hire included; relaxed, friendly atmosphere. thoresbypolo.co.uk

Shrewsbury Polo Club (Shropshire, West-Midlands) — welcomes all levels, offering coaching, pony hire, social events, and a friendly, family-run atmosphere in beautiful countryside surroundings. shrewsburypoloclub.co.uk

Northern England

White Rose Polo Club (Yorkshire, East Riding near York): Provides lessons six days a week; excellent facilities (indoor/outdoor arena), friendly beginner environment.
whiterosepolo.co.uk

Toulston Polo Club (Tadcaster, West Yorkshire): Traditional club with centre-ground pitches; holds weekend chukkas, academy lessons for all levels. toulstonpoloclub.com

Cheshire Polo Club (Tarporley, Cheshire): Established club with 5 grounds, weekend matches May-Sept; spectators welcome, traditional atmosphere and social events. cheshirepoloclub.com

Scotland

Edinburgh Polo Club — open to beginners, coaching, pony hire; relaxed atmosphere; with amenities and paths for spectators. edinburghpolo.com

Stewarton Polo Club (South Queensferry, near Edinburgh) — Located just ~20 minutes from Edinburgh in the scenic Dundas Estate in South Queensferry. You can expect casual games and clinics, and they emphasise fun and learning. stewartonpolo.co.uk

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Polo Club (NI Polo Club) — Based at Tyrella Beach & Rhone Hill; lessons, pony hire, and welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels. northernirelandpoloclub.co.uk

SeaHorse Polo (Tyrella, Downpatrick): Offers polo lessons, beach rides, safe ponies, and activities tailored for beginners in a scenic coastal setting. seahorsepolo.co.uk

Let other people play at other things. The king of games is still the game of kings.“ - Unknown (ancient inscription found in Asia).

Sample Itinerary: What a Polo Day Might Look Like

Here’s what you could expect if you decide to try a polo day as a visitor with no prior experience:

Morning: Arrive, brief safety orientation & lesson (on the ground / wooden horse). Meet the horses/ponies. Try your swing, familiarise with riding gear.

Midday: Lunch at the clubhouse or bring a picnic. Watch a match or two, learn rules (umpire commentary often helps).

Afternoon: Practice chukka (“half match”), ride a hired pony if available, or spectate major matches. Perhaps help tread divots at half-time.

After polo: Socialise — clubhouses often have refreshments or bars, sometimes entertainment.

Saddle Up for Your Next Adventure

Polo in Britain can feel both grand and accessible — it blends tradition, athleticism, the beauty of horses, and community. Whether you come to spectate in a blazer, or to swing a mallet for the first time, there are many clubs happy to welcome you. By preparing (in terms of safety, attire, booking ahead) and choosing clubs known for their warmth, you can have a truly memorable day.

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