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Whether you’re looking to catch a quick game after work or are planning an active day out in London, there are plenty of tennis courts to choose from in the capital.
Tennis is a fantastic sport with an array of benefits beyond the obvious physical ones. As well as being a solid form of aerobic and cardiovascular exercise, tennis is a social sport. You can chat while you play which makes it the perfect opportunity to catch up with a friend or even build a new friendship.
Plus, tennis is suitable for almost any age. From children looking to develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to retirees wanting to keep their minds and bodies agile, tennis is a game anyone can enjoy.
With some court bookings entirely free, a game of tennis makes for an affordable, healthy way to pass a couple of hours. And you don’t even need your own equipment, as many of the tennis clubs listed below have equipment available for hire.
Read on to discover 10 of the best tennis courts in London.
Tennis courts in Central London
Colombo Centre, Southwark
The Colombo Centre is less than 10 minutes’ walk from London Waterloo and has two outdoor tennis courts. Bookings are operated on a pay-as-you-play basis with no membership required. Added to this, you can even hire racquets and balls – perfect if you’re new to tennis and don’t have any equipment of your own! If you’re looking to improve your game, one-on-one coaching is also available.
Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn
Another pay-as-you-play option, Lincoln’s Inn Fields has three outdoor courts. Open from 08:00 until dusk, Camden Active do a particularly good job of maintaining these facilities, which are just a five-minute stroll from Holborn station.
Spa Fields Park, Farringdon
Nestled amongst the flowerbeds and grassy parklands of Spa Fields Park in Farringdon, these outdoor courts are completely free to use. They’re run on a first come, first served basis so there’s no need to pre-book. They’re just over ten minutes’ walk from Farringdon station.
Tennis courts in North London
Parliament Hill, Hampstead
If you’re looking for tennis courts in north London, you can’t beat Parliament Hill. Situated on the south-east corner of the beautiful and sprawling Hampstead Heath, these 10 outdoor courts are just a 10-minute walk from Gospel Oak station. Discounts are available to those with an annual membership, but pay-as-you-play bookings are also available.
Islington Tennis Centre
Just over five minutes’ walk from Caledonian Road station is Islington Tennis Centre. The centre comprises of six indoor and two outdoor courts. The outdoor tennis courts are floodlit, making them perfect for an evening game all year round. No membership is required, but we do recommend booking ahead, as these popular courts get booked up fast.
Tennis courts in South London
Wigmore Lawn Tennis Club, Streatham
Wigmore Lawn Tennis Club is one of the most popular tennis clubs in London and consists of eight all-weather outdoor courts and a practice wall. Although the club dates back more than 100 years to 1911, the modern premises are fully floodlit, making it a top choice during the winter. To top it all off, once you’re a member, it’s easy to book online through the club’s online booking system. There are all sorts of discounts for families, over 60s, juniors and more. You’ll find Wigmore Lawn Tennis Club just 10 minutes’ away from Streatham Hill station.
Lambeth Parks, Clapham Common
Less than five minutes’ walk from Clapham South station, these eight outdoor courts are some of the fanciest in London. They’re modern, well-maintained and many of them are floodlit too. Added to this, they’re open late. They’re available to use on a pay-as-you-play basis and can be made in advance online.
Sydenham Wells Park
Just under 15 minutes from Sydenham station and situated in the beautiful Sydenham Wells Park, these two outdoor courts are completely free to use! Because of this, these courts do get very booked up, so we advise booking ahead via their online reservation system. Bookings can be made up to a week in advance, so get in there early to avoid disappointment.
Tennis courts in East London
Tower Hamlets Tennis, Victoria Park, Hackney
Amongst the 86 hectares that make up Victoria Park, there are four porous macadam courts and a practice wall. The tennis courts are just 10 minutes away from Hackney Wick station, between the vibrant People’s Park Tavern pub and St Marks Gate. No membership is necessary, and bookings can be made online.
West Ham Park, Newham
Situated in the southeast corner of West Ham Park, next to the ornamental gardens, there are 12 outdoor tennis courts. Pay-as-you-play bookings are available. However, if you do find yourself playing regularly, you may want to consider one of the park’s very reasonably priced memberships. The courts are found just 10 minutes’ walk from Plaistow underground station.
Playing tennis in London
Whether you’re a Londoner looking for a fun way to keep fit or are planning an activity-filled day trip to the capital, we hope we’ve proved that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to playing tennis in London.
If all of that has got you excited for Wimbledon Tennis Championships, then check out our amazing spots where you can watch Wimbledon.
If you are travelling from outside London, we always recommend booking your train tickets in advance. Advance tickets come with impressive savings and can be booked up to 12 weeks before your departure date. If you’re not quite that organised, don’t forget they can also be purchased the night before – up until 23:59! Plus, remember you can save an extra 34% by using a Railcard too.
