Polo in England 2025

There is a tradition of priming the turf after the first two chukkers: spectators leave their seats and stroll around the field

Best time: May–September

Polo is the fastest ball sport in the world and is elite in every way. It can be played by men and women with helmets, and there is no age limit.

This game began in Eton and Millfield, then spreading to Oxford. In the United Kingdom, the representatives of many generations of the royal family were passionate fans of this sport. Prestigious tournaments are held in the United Kingdom—the Cartier Cup, the Queen's Cup, the Open Championship of England (Golden Cup), The Prince of Wales Trophy (Royal County of Berkshire), The Warwickshire Cup (Cirencester) and finally the Royal Salute Coronation Cup.

All tournaments receive wide coverage in the secular chronicle, and the games of the Cartier Cup are usually held under the patronage of the queen. The English aristocracy still forms the "backbone" of British polo.

The main polo season in the UK is from May to September, but sometimes the game can be played during the winter in indoor polo arenas.

Cowdray Park is the ‘Home of British Polo.’ It's one of the world's busiest clubs with over 400 matches played annually.

Practical info

When is the main Polo season in the UK?

Polo tournaments are held throughout the UK from May to September. Indoor arenas also host polo during the winter season. These months are the best time to visit the UK if you want to catch a Polo match.

Where is Cowdray Park located?

One of the world's busiest polo clubs, Cowdray Park, also called the 'Home of British Polo,' is located on 16,500 acres of land in Midhurst, West Sussex, England. Polo events are ideally suited to this setting.

What are some of the popular tournaments held in the UK related to Polo?

The Cartier Cup, the Queen's Cup, the Warwickshire Cup and more are among the famous Polo tournaments hosted in the UK. The Cartier Cup, which often gets the most media attention, is held under the patronage of the queen.

How did Polo spread in the UK and who were some of its early enthusiasts?

Polo was brought to the UK by British soldiers who had served in India during colonial times. Eton, Millfield, and Oxford became the first clubs to embrace the game, which became increasingly popular among the British aristocracy. Playing Polo is still famous among the British royal family to this day.

Can Polo be played all year round in the UK?

Polo is also played indoors during the winter months, although the best atmosphere is provided by the traditional polo season from May to September, which takes place under natural light. Indoor polo tournaments follow a similar format to the ones held during the summer season.