September is upon us, and that can only mean one thing—the return of another exciting bowls season at Potters Resorts.
Across both Hopton-on-Sea on the Norfolk coast and Five Lakes in the Essex countryside, our rinks are ready to welcome bowlers old and new. And whether you’re keen to compete in free-to-enter tournaments, sharpen your skills, or simply enjoy a friendly roll-up with friends, the coming season is packed with opportunities to do it all.
Familiar Faces
Our friendly bowls teams are ready to welcome you back to Potters Resorts this September, led by Potters Resorts Bowls Ambassador Greg Harlow at Hopton-on-Sea, and Bowls Manager Gary Mackay at Five Lakes.
Their knowledge, experience and understanding of what makes a Bowls Break at Potters so special is key to ensuring your comfort and relaxation during your stay, and while playing.
Tournaments for Every Bowler
From September to May, 4-Night Midweek Breaks at Potters Resorts feature a wide range of bowls experiences, with something to suit every bowler.
While many of our midweek breaks feature free-to-enter tournaments in a fours format, there are opportunities to also play in pairs and triples formats. You can play up to four 90-minute matches during the round robin stage, with the top-performing teams moving through to the knockout stages towards the end of each break.
If you’re team is short a player or two, our friendly Bowls Team at Hopton-on-Sea and Five Lakes will ensure you’re ready for action, matching you up with your fellow guests or bowlers from the local area.
Fans of carpet and short mat bowls will also find dedicated breaks to their favourite format—carpet hosted by Peter Orrin and Martin Bennet of Essex Carpet Bowls, and short mat hosted by our own teams. Whether you’re an old hand on the temporary mats, an experienced bowler trying something new, or just starting out and seeking a shorter format, these tournaments are open and enjoyable for all.
Those reaching the quarter finals and beyond during any of our tournament breaks can look forward to receiving a prize bag that includes Potters Break Vouchers worth up to £100 per player, as well as exclusive money-can’t-buy Potters mementos.
Andy’s Pro Coaching Breaks are always a hit with guests at Five LakesPro Coaching with Andy Thomson MBE
For those looking to refine their game, Five Lakes offers the opportunity to learn from Andy Thomson MBE—a three-time World Indoor Bowls Champion and one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Alongside Andy will be Five Lakes Bowls Manager Gary Mackay, and they’ll both be ready to provide guidance in technique, tactics, and mindset, with plenty of time to put those lessons into practice on the rinks.
Guests joining Andy and Gary in April 2025 had a brilliant time These breaks are hugely popular (as such, places are often limited in availability) because it’s not just about drills and advice—Andy’s coaching is famously approachable, enjoyable, and there’s always a story or two along the way, making them perfect for bowlers of all levels who want to improve while still having fun.
Bowls International Celebrity Breaks
The world’s leading Bowls publication Bowls International, bring their bi-annual break to Hopton-on-Sea over the festive and spring seasons.
Always a highlight of the calendar, Potters Resorts Bowls Ambassador Greg Harlow and Andy Thomson MBE draw bowlers from across the UK who can combine the usual tournament format, but with the added benefit of coaching sessions, Q&A, and the popular celebrity bowls match on these special breaks.
Bowls International are always on hand too, ready to answer your questions about the magazine, and maybe even grab your picture!
Association Breaks
Selected dates at Hopton-on-Sea welcome the sport’s national governing bodies including Bowls England, EBF, and ECBA for annual tournament breaks that provide valuable funds to support in raising the profile of bowls.
Champion of Champions
Every December, the top teams from the previous season are invited back to Hopton-on-Sea and Five Lakes to simultaneously compete in our prestigious Champion of Champions tournaments. It’s a chance for bowlers to represent their clubs at the home of World Bowls and battle it out for glory.
Better yet, the two winning teams from each tournament will then be invited back in January as guests of the Potter Family, to compete for the trophy on WBT’s famous blue rink in The International Arena, during the final weekend of the Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships.
This one is for the cream of the crop—will you rise to the top?
The Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships
Staged every January in The International Arena at Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea, and broadcast to millions around the world, The Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships is the sport’s flagship event, and has been synonymous with Potters for over 25 years.
From the drama of singles to the tactical intrigue of pairs, the Championships showcase the very best of bowls with four of the sport’s biggest titles up for grabs.
Judy and John Potter with 2025’s Treble Winner, Jason BanksFor players, it’s the pinnacle. And for guests, it’s a chance to be right at the heart of the action—watching live matches from the stands, soaking up the unique atmosphere, and rubbing shoulders with the sport’s elite. The buzz on resort is palpable, as the sight of champions past and present walking through our venues makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many bowlers.
There really is nothing quite like being at Potters during the World Indoor Bowls Championships.
BBC Sport hosts coverage during finals week, live from Potters Resorts Hopton-on-SeaWith Fully Inclusive Breaks and a range of day ticket packages available, tap the below button for more info.
Group Benefits for Clubs and Organisers
For clubs and group organisers, Potters offers dedicated support to make arranging a bowls break simple and rewarding. Groups of 20 or more guests can access exclusive benefits and incentives, from savings on bookings and reduced room supplements, to personalised assistance from the experienced Groups Team.
Our Groups Team help hundreds of clubs enjoy Fully Inclusive Bowls Breaks at Potters ResortsFor organisers, this means peace of mind. The Groups Team can help with everything from accommodation allocation to special requests, ensuring that every member of your party enjoys a seamless experience. For the bowlers themselves, it’s a chance to travel together, share in the competition, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from being part of a larger group.
Our team can also help you with your Summer Tour plansIf you’re considering a club visit for the new indoor season, or even planning your summer tour for next year, now is the perfect time to explore your options. With so many formats, tournaments, and special events to choose from, Potters has something to suit every type of bowler—and every type of group.
To learn more about group bookings and incentives, call the Groups Team on 0333 3207 474.
Why Bowlers Love Potters
For bowlers, Potters offers something unique: the perfect balance of competitive play, relaxed socialising, and fully inclusive value. With four meals a day, comfortable accommodation, drinks included, and West End–standard entertainment every evening, every moment of a bowls break is taken care of.
The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with your club. Many guests return year after year, making Potters not just a place to play bowls, but a home from home where lifelong friendships are forged.
Plan Your Season with Potters
With all that in mind, the stage is set for another unforgettable bowls season at Potters Resorts. From the variety of indoor formats to the thrill of the Champion of Champions, from expert coaching to the glamour of the Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships, the months ahead promise excitement, camaraderie, and plenty of competitive spirit.
So, whether you’re stepping onto the rink for serious play, social bowls, or simply the love of the game, Potters Resorts is ready to welcome you.
For full details of upcoming breaks, visit bowlsbreaks.com or call 0333 3207 524. Or, to learn more about group bookings and incentives, call the Groups Team on 0333 3207 474.
