Common questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
This week, Chelmsford is open Mon-Sun closed. Our hours change for bank holidays, school holidays and one-off events, so it's worth checking this page before you set off. Availability late in the evening is the first thing to go on a busy night, so if you want a late game, book it rather than turning up at the door.
Chelmsford is at Unit 38 , The Meadows Shopping Centre, Chelmsford, CM2 6FB. Put CM2 6FB into your sat nav or maps app and it will bring you to us. For anything local -- where to park, the best drop-off point, which bus stop is closest -- get in touch and the team here will talk you through it.
Booking online is the only way to guarantee a lane. Friday and Saturday evenings, school holidays and wet weekends are the busiest times in Chelmsford, and the lanes here can be taken hours ahead on those nights. Walk-ins are welcome whenever we have space -- we just can't promise we will. Booking also lets you pick your slot instead of waiting for one to come free.
Around 45 minutes for a group of up to six players, or about an hour and a half for two games. Bigger groups take longer because everyone bowls in turn -- allow roughly ten minutes per player per game. Your confirmation shows an estimated finish time, and you're welcome to stay on afterwards in the Bar & Diner.
Yes. Bumpers can be raised on any lane so nothing goes in the gutter, lighter balls are available for smaller hands, and ramps let very young children push the ball themselves. Junior pricing applies to under-16s. There are amusements alongside the lanes for between games.
Accessibility differs from building to building, so the useful answer is a specific one rather than a general promise. Get in touch and we'll tell you exactly what to expect at Chelmsford -- step-free routes, accessible toilets, lane ramps for wheelchair users, and where to park closest to the door. We'd rather have that conversation before you travel than after.
Outside food and drink isn't permitted, but you won't need it. Our Bar & Diner serves a full menu -- burgers, wings, pizza, sharing platters, kids' meals, soft drinks and cocktails -- and you can order from your lane and eat between frames rather than breaking off. Tell us about allergies or dietary requirements when you book and we'll talk you through the options.
A VIP lane is set apart from the main floor with its own lounge seating, dedicated waiter service so you order without leaving your seats, and priority check-in when you arrive. It suits groups who want to sit and eat around the bowling rather than treat it as one activity in a queue. VIP isn't at every centre, so ask when you book to confirm whether Chelmsford has it and to add it to your booking.
Yes. Groups of 20 or more and any corporate booking are handled by our events team rather than the standard online journey -- they can put you on adjacent lanes, arrange catering and a drinks package, and invoice you rather than take payment on the day. Use the events contact on this page and they'll build the run of the day around you.
Opening Hours
| mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| tue | Closed |
| wed | Closed |
| thu | Closed |
| fri | Closed |
| sat | Closed |
| sun | Closed |