It’s officially the season to eat strawberries-and-cream and watch a little yellow ball be whacked back and forth for hours. And if – like us – watching the ultimate tennis competition has you wanting to hit the courts yourself; you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s the prestigious lawns of Wimbledon or the hidden gems tucked away in local parks, London offers a diverse array of venues and clubs that not only cater to seasoned professionals, but to enthusiastic amateurs, too.
If you’re looking to learn something new, or get some extra cardio, practice your strokes and ace your serves; here are some of the best tennis courts in London to help you make your Wimbledon dreams come true.
1. Islington Tennis Centre, Islington
This is one of the busiest places offering outdoor and both indoor tennis courts in London and is always bustling with old and new players. Islington Tennis Centre has six indoor courts with cushioned acrylic and two outdoor courts which are floodlit and hard-surfaced. So you can pick up your racket and drive to this place whether it is raining or sunny. Plus, the ‘pay and play’ sessions organised by Islington Council let you play on a regular basis.
Islington Tennis Centre ticks all the boxes for fitness enthusiasts. After a nail-biting match, you can opt for a sauna or steam bath. It is among the most engaging tennis clubs in London for members and non-members. They usually open from 7 am until 10 pm on weekdays, and from 8 am until 6 pm on weekends. However, these times can change, so we recommend checking their opening hours on their website before going.
🎾 You’ll find Islington Tennis Centre at Market Road, N7 9PL.
🚇 Nearest station is Caledonian Road.
2. Tower Hamlets Tennis, Victoria Park
In the 86-hectare large Victoria Park lie the Tower Hamlets tennis courts. The four porous macadam courts facing a practice wall welcome everyone who wishes to enjoy some net time.
Rally with an opponent or go solo, this place allows both members and non-members. The courts are in the open and are placed close to each other and the courts are well located, making it a hit among tennis players in the city. Besides, when you want a break from rallying, you can go cycling, head for a treat in the local café, or just chill out on the grass. Tower Hamlets is open from 8 to 6.30 pm every day. Book your court via their website.
🎾 You’ll find Tower Hamlets at Victoria Park, E9 5HT.
🚇 Nearest station is Hackney Wick.
3. Brockwell Park Tennis Courts, Brixton
An enticing garden, a calming duck pond, a photo-worthy clock tower, attractive greenery, an alluring pool, and a running track. Brockwell Park really does have it all, including an outstanding place to hit the court for a match with your pals at a reasonable price. It is conveniently located near Brixton tube station and you can book an outdoor court for a pay as you play game.
Plus, the park offers more than just some of the best tennis courts in London. It is a beautiful area where you can walk your dog after a match or take a swim in the pool before leaving. The paddling area, lido and duck pond add to the overall attraction of the place and the lovely aromas from the café may well entice you after all that exercise. Book your court via their website.
🎾 You’ll find Brockwell Park Tennis Courts at Brockwell Park, Norwood Road, SE24 0NG.
🚇 Nearest station is Herne Hill.
4. London Fields, Hackney
London Fields lies on the edge of Richmond Road and Hackney. It has two excellent outdoor courts that serve players well till it gets dark. Although the place doesn’t have lights to let you play at night, its location draws crowds. The place is well-located with Broadway Market and a lido nearby.
Making online bookings at London Fields is as smooth as the courts themselves. Just book the court online and take a printout when you go. We recommend booking the place via their website at least a week in advance as it’s a very popular spot.
🎾 You’ll find London Fields Tennis Courts on Richmond Road, E8 3QN.
🚇 Nearest station is London Fields.
5. Park Sports, Various Locations
Park Sports (previously Will to Win) is an organisation that runs multiple outdoor and indoor tennis courts in London. The play area is set in synthetic grass or the usual hard court. You can book a court three days in advance through the pay-and-play scheme.
Wherever you are, there will be a Park Sports serving the tennis lovers near you. All you need is to keep your ears open for the sound of a backhand. Their aim is to improve tennis facilities in public parks and encourage everyone of all ages and abilities to play to their heart’s content. They are at Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, Chiswick House Gardens, Lammas Park, Regents Park, and even Pitshanger Park.
🎾 You’ll find Park Sports in multiple locations, including Hyde Park, South Carriage Drive, London, W2 2UH. You can check their website for other locations.
6. Wimbledon Park Tennis Courts, Wimbledon
Where better to brush up your tennis skills that just 10 minutes up the road from where the actual Championships are taking place? Wimbledon Park has some brilliant public tennis courts that anybody is able to book. There are 20 courts available in total; 10 floodlit astroturf courts and 10 hard plexi-pave courts.
To really help players get in the zone, the courts even have a Wimbledon-themed colour scheme. You’ll be so close to the Wimbledon action; you’ll be able to pretend all the cheers are actually for you. You can book a court via their website.
🎾 You’ll find Wimbledon Park tennis courts in Wimbledon Park, Home Park Road, SW19 7HR.
🚇 Nearest stations are Wimbledon Park and Southfields.
7. The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon
Okay, we’re ending the round up of the best tennis courts in London with a slightly less inclusive and more exclusive one. Counted among the most recognisable tennis courts in London and the world. The All England Lawn Tennis Club, or AELTC, is a prestigious club with over 500 members and a queue of more than 1000 members. It’s probably easier to win a match against Federer than get your way into this clique!
Still, any list of tennis clubs in London is incomplete without talking about AELTC. This members-only club offers a fully functional gym, a restaurant, a clubhouse, a croquet court, and a sports shop. Home to one of the best tennis courts in London, AELTC offers Honorary membership to Singles Champions, revered tennis players, club benefactors, and those who have served the game. The Duchess of Cambridge has been the Club’s Patron since 2013.
Eager to get in? With a stroke of luck, you may roll into this coterie if you play regularly. AELTC allows around 100 temporary members every year who are active players participating in matches and using the club’s facilities every now and then. If you find your way in, you may rub shoulders with the likes of Tim Henman, Maria Sharapova, McEnroe or Federer!
🎾 You’ll find The All England Lawn Tennis Club at Church Road, London, SW19 5AG.
🚇 Nearest station is Wimbledon Park.
A sport that offers an adrenaline rush with a full-body workout in an inviting setting is bound to be popular. These seven places with sprawling tennis courts in London are must-visit for all tennis players.