Bocce by the Bungalows: Discover Adelhof’s Bowls Court

Looking for a relaxed, low-impact game everyone can enjoy on holiday? Adelhof’s bowls court is the perfect pick. At our 4-star Camping & Bungalowpark Adelhof in Drenthe, the bowls court sits among a suite of sports options that make it effortless to get moving together—no matter your age or skill level. In this guide, you’ll learn how bowls works, why it’s ideal for multi‑generational fun, and how to turn a casual match into a memorable day on the park.

Bowls at Adelhof: A simple pleasure, perfectly placed

Adelhof offers a dedicated bowls court as part of its sports and leisure facilities, alongside an all‑weather tennis court, a mini‑golf course (April–October), football and volleyball pitch, table tennis, and more. It’s a friendly, pick‑up‑and‑play pastime: stroll over, set up, and start rolling.

Around the park you’ll find everything you need for a carefree day: Wi‑Fi throughout, a small shop during reception hours for daily essentials, plus on‑site café/restaurant and snack bar (both April–October). If you want to mix up the pace, you can also rent bicycles or go‑karts on site to explore the surroundings.

What is bowls (pétanque/bocce)?

Bowls—often played as pétanque in France or bocce in Italy—is a precision game where players roll or toss weighted balls to finish closest to a small target ball. It’s social, strategic, and easy to learn in minutes. Games are typically short, so new players can join in and switch teams often.

Why the bowls court works for all ages

• Minimal learning curve and gentle movement, ideal for mixed abilities
• Short rounds keep kids engaged and adults relaxed
• Strategy and teamwork encourage conversation and friendly rivalry
• Flexible team sizes—play one-on-one, pairs, or triples

How to play bowls: quick-start rules

Below is a simple, widely used format (pétanque-style) that you can use on Adelhof’s bowls court.

Objective

Roll or throw your bowls so they end up closer to the small target ball than your opponent’s. After each round (end), the team with the closest bowl(s) scores points.

Equipment

• 1 small target ball (often called the jack or cochonnet)
• 6 to 12 bowls, depending on team size
  • Singles (1 vs 1): 3 bowls per player
  • Doubles (2 vs 2): 3 bowls per player
  • Triples (3 vs 3): 2 bowls per player

Setup

1. Flip a coin to decide who throws first.
2. The starting team tosses the jack to a comfortable distance.
3. The same team throws the first bowl.

Throwing order

• After the first bowl, the team that is not closest throws next.
• Continue alternating turns until all bowls are thrown.

Scoring

• The team with the closest bowl to the jack scores 1 point for each of its bowls that are closer than the opponent’s nearest bowl.
• Typical games play to 13 points, but you can choose a lower target to keep matches short.

Etiquette

• Keep feet behind the throwing line.
• Don’t disturb resting balls.
• Congratulate good shots and measure any close calls calmly.

Equipment and getting started at Adelhof

• Bring a boules/petanque set if you have one—most sets are compact and easy to pack.
• If you have questions about where to play or friendly guidelines, ask at reception for advice.
• The on‑site shop is open during reception hours for everyday essentials you may need before or after your game.

Tip: Play a few short games (to 7 or 9 points) to rotate teams and keep the energy light and social.

Make a day of it: facilities around your game

A match on the bowls court pairs perfectly with the rest of Adelhof’s facilities:

• Sports & play nearby
  • All‑weather tennis court
  • Mini‑golf (April–October)
  • Football and volleyball pitch
  • Table tennis
  • Petting zoo
  • Professional entertainment team in peak periods (including Ascension, Pentecost and six consecutive weeks in summer)
• Family-friendly fun—rain or shine
  • Indoor playground ’t Hofje (April–October), with a toddler corner, multi‑level climbing cage with slides, table football, pool table and darts
  • House rules apply for the indoor playground: access via the Café‑Restaurant; play without shoes and under adult supervision; no outside food or drinks
• Water and nature
  • Large on‑site fishing pond with various whitefish and carp (no permit required; catch‑and‑release; no swimming or boating)
  • Municipal open‑air swimming pool “Bosbad” right next door (late April to early September; fee payable). Expect two main pools, a separate paddling pool with a water‑shooting duckling, a sandy beach with play features, a 10‑metre family slide, sun‑bathing lawns, and water heated to 21°C (partly via solar power)
• Food & convenience
  • Café/restaurant and snack bar (April–October)
  • Small shop during reception hours for basic groceries and camping necessities
  • Wi‑Fi across the park

Why bowls belongs on your Adelhof holiday plan

• Easy to organise: no special booking windows or lengthy prep—just pick a time that suits your group and head over
• Social by design: quick rounds encourage conversation and friendly rematches
• Accessible: suitable for kids, parents and grandparents alike
• Complements the day: combine a morning match with mini‑golf, a cycling loop from reception‑provided routes, or a cool‑down swim next door at Bosbad

Practical tips for smooth play

• Choose off‑peak times for quieter play (early morning or later afternoon)
• Pack sun hats, water, and light layers; Drenthe weather can change quickly
• Supervise young players and set simple boundaries for turns and safe throwing
• Keep the court tidy—pick up personal items and leave the surface clear for the next group
• Snap a quick photo of close calls before measuring—memories and proof in one

Frequently asked questions

What is the bowls court at Adelhof?

The bowls court is a dedicated area for playing boules/pétanque, part of Adelhof’s sports facilities that also include tennis, mini‑golf (April–October), football/volleyball, and table tennis.

Do I need a fishing permit if I play and then want to try the pond?

No. Guests may fish in the large on‑site pond without a permit, following house rules and catch‑and‑release.

What can we do if the weather turns?

Head to the indoor playground ’t Hofje (April–October). It offers a toddler corner, a large climbing cage with slides, table football, a pool table and darts—great back‑up fun nearby.

Can we rent bicycles for a spin after the game?

Yes. You can rent bicycles (and go‑karts) on site to explore local routes. Reception provides free cycling and walking route maps, including the Lindevallei and Uffelte‑Havelte.

Is there food and drink nearby?

Yes. The on‑site café/restaurant and snack bar operate April–October, and a small shop is open during reception hours for basics.

Extend the fun: stays and smart savings

Whether you’re camping or staying in a bungalow, Adelhof makes it easy to balance activity and relaxation.

• Camping choices
  • Luxury camping pitches on the sports field with 16‑amp electricity, a water tap, grey‑water drainage and an on‑pitch internet connection
  • Four sanitary blocks across the park with showers, toilets and washing facilities
  • Pet‑friendly and pet‑free camping fields available
• Bungalows for every need
  • Single‑storey Type 6A variants (including Type 6A Comfort) for step‑free stays; some Type 6A and Type 6A Comfort units feature an open fireplace
  • Renovated two‑storey Type 6B bungalows (several include a storage shed)
  • The Cottage offers internet, a TV, and space to store bicycles
  • The Grass Roof bungalow is detached with under‑floor heating and a combi microwave
• Group stays and offers
  • Book two adjacent Type 6A houses for up to 12 people or three for up to 18, with a 10% discount on the standard Type 6A price
  • Two‑Persons Discount on bungalows: 15% off a week, 10% off a weekend or midweek (excludes school/national holidays; not combinable)
  • 55+ discount on bungalow stays: 10% off a week, midweek or weekend (excludes school/national holidays; not combinable)

Conclusion: Roll into easy holiday moments

Adelhof’s bowls court turns a simple game into shared memories—no screens, no rush, just gentle fun by the bungalows. Pair a friendly match with mini‑golf, a swim at Bosbad, or a sunset stroll around the fishing pond, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect park day in Drenthe.

Ready to play? Book your stay directly on our website, explore current Special Offers, and ask reception for walking and cycling maps to round out your itinerary. We look forward to welcoming you to the court.