Tennis can almost be considered to be like a form of therapy. It might take some effort to go to a court, but it makes you feel great once you do. It is among the few sports that provide some fun as well as some excellent cardio too. Every muscle in your body is used to shift from one position to another. It involves short sprints, swift movements, flexibility and requires a lot of attention. This sport is as much a hobby as it is a passion for players. If you are looking for good places to practice your strokes, here are seven of the best tennis courts in London that will impress you:
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. Or, on a day when you don’t feel like heading to the court, you can pop down to their 60-station gym and fitness studio. Here you can do some cardio, yoga, full-body combat or dance away that fatigue with a Zumba session.
It is among the most engaging tennis clubs in London for members and non-members. So whether you want to improve your technique or just have an exciting game with friends, Islington is a smash hit. 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, London, 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 in London. 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. Although, the club only opens during the day time till it gets dark. The place is 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.
You’ll find Tower Hamlets at Victoria Park, London, 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 has lots of greenery and offers an outstanding place to hit the court for a match with your pals after work 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. Just register with Clubspark and then use your account to reserve a slot.
Plus, the park offers more than just 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 going. The paddling area, lido and duck pond add to the overall attraction of the place and the lovely aromas from the café might pull you in after all that exercise. It opens every day at 8 am and shuts at 9 pm.
You’ll find Brockwell Park Tennis Courts at Brockwell Park, Norwood Road, Herne Hill, Lambeth, London, 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. So you can go for lunch or head straight for a swim after a good match.
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. The court is open from 10 am till dusk and you can make the reservations there.
You’ll find London Fields Tennis Courts on Richmond Road, London, E8 3QN. Nearest station is London Fields.
5. Will to Win, Various Locations
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 Will to Win 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 can even participate in the ‘Tournaments and Leagues’ organised by Will to Win throughout the year. These matches can be anything from a social tournament to a professional LTA-rated contest. If you want to play doubles in the social matches but don’t have a partner who could tag along, then the coaches here can help you find one.
You’ll find Will to Win in multiple locations, including Will to Win Hyde Park, South Carriage Drive, London, W2 2UH. You can check their website for other locations.
6. Holland Park Lawn Tennis Club, Holland Park
The aforementioned places are mostly open to all. Anyone can go in and engage in some game time. But if you are looking for some exclusivity, then the Holland Park Lawn Tennis Club is for a closed group of people interested only in tennis and a great unwinding experience. It’s a private club for members only.
While you may have to wait for around three years to try your volley there, trust us, it will be worth it. You need two references from existing members. Legends like Billie Jean King and Jimmy Connors have stepped foot and played on these hallowed grounds. Abiding by Wimbledon’s convention, Holland Park employs a white dress code for all players in the summer.
This place is on a hilltop with magnificent Holland Park Avenue mansions surrounding the club. It’s home to one of the most sought-after tennis courts in London and is frequented by many lovers of the game from Notting Hill.
The lawns are beautiful, with eight sprawling grass courts, three natural greens and five artificial. You can head to their synthetic courts any time of the year, but the natural ones are only open between May and September.
You’ll find Holland Park Lawn Tennis Club at 1 Addison Road, London, W14 8DU. Nearest station is Shepherd’s Bush.
7. The All England Lawn Tennis Club
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.