Looking to book a padel court in the UK? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide covers top locations across the country, including London, Manchester, Bristol, West Sussex, Hampshire, Yorkshire, Vale of Glamorgan, and Northern Ireland. From indoor to outdoor courts, we've got you covered with details on facilities, community vibes, booking processes, coaching availability, and membership benefits.
- Stratford Padel Club, London: Indoor courts, coaching, and no membership required.
- The Triangle, Burgess Hill, West Sussex: Outdoor courts, LTA-approved coaches, and membership needed.
- The West Hants Club, Bournemouth, Hampshire: Outdoor court, friendly community, and various membership plans.
- Huddersfield Padel Club, Yorkshire: Outdoor courts, member nights, and coaching available.
- Windsor Penarth LTC, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales: Outdoor courts, LTA-certified coaches, and membership offers.
- Eddie Irvine Sports, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland: Indoor courts, welcoming vibe, and membership options.
The Early Days
The first padel court in the UK opened in 2011 at Huddersfield Tennis Centre. At first, there weren't many places to play, and fans had to travel a lot to find a court.
Growing Interest
Interest in padel started to pick up around 2016. More sports clubs and local councils began to build courts because more people wanted to play. The number of courts went up fast, doubling between 2016 and 2018, and then doubling again the next year.
Surging Popularity
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, padel became even more popular. Since many sports were stopped, padel was a good choice because you could play it outside and keep distance from others. More people wanted to book a padel court, so places had to add more courts quickly.
Current State of Play
Now, there are over 1,000 padel courts in the UK. You can find them in big cities and small towns. The sport is not just for a few people anymore; lots of different people enjoy playing.
The Future
Padel is still growing. New courts are being built all the time, and some are even part of new building projects. There are more competitions and clubs now, and you can easily find a coach. The Lawn Tennis Association is helping padel grow, hoping it will become the second biggest racket sport in the UK in the next ten years.
Top UK Locations to Book a Padel Court
1. Stratford Padel Club, London
Facilities
Stratford Padel Club has two indoor courts made really well, with good lights. They also have a gym, a bar, places to change, and you can borrow equipment. If you need it, there's a professional who can help with muscle soreness or injuries.
Community Vibe
This club is full of energy and welcomes everyone. They set up competitions for both young and old players, no matter how good you are. This makes it a great place to meet other padel fans. The coaches are friendly and happy to help beginners.
Booking Process
You can book a court online or over the phone. This club lets you pay each time you play, so you don't have to pay a membership fee. They even give discounts to students and NHS workers.
Coaching Availability
They have coaches who know a lot about padel. You can get private lessons or learn in a group, depending on what you want and how well you play. They also have special lessons for kids.
Membership Benefits
You don't need to be a member to book a court here. But if you choose to become one, you get some nice extras like being able to book courts as much as you want, bringing friends, getting cheaper prices on gear, and joining tournaments just for members.
2. The Triangle, Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Facilities
The Triangle in Burgess Hill offers four outdoor padel courts that are kept in great shape. They have lights for evening games. There's a clubhouse with places to change, showers, and a cafe. Plus, parking is easy at the sports complex.
Community Vibe
This club is known for its welcoming group of padel players. They organise social events, mix-ins, and club nights to help you meet others. The coaches can also match you with players at your level for games or to join leagues.
Booking Process
To reserve a padel court here, you need to be a club member. They offer different membership plans, from pay-per-play to unlimited bookings. You can book online or talk to the clubhouse receptionist. Guests can play too, but they'll have to pay a small fee.
Coaching Availability
The club has five coaches approved by the LTA who offer private and group lessons for both adults and kids. You can arrange lessons online or at the club. The coaches are friendly and adjust the lessons to fit how well you play.
Membership Benefits
Members get lower prices on booking courts, lessons, equipment, and can join in on social activities. Other perks include being able to book courts online, joining league teams, and inviting guests to play. Members are also the first to hear about tournaments and training camps.
3. The West Hants Club, Bournemouth, Hampshire
Facilities
The West Hants Club offers one outdoor padel court with lights so you can play in the evening. It has changing rooms, showers, and a lounge area in the clubhouse. There's parking too.
Community Vibe
This club has a friendly group of tennis and padel players. They like to get together for social events and welcome everyone, no matter how good you are at padel.
Booking Process
You need to be a club member to book the padel court. They have different membership plans, including options to pay each time you play or to book as much as you want. You can book a court online or by talking to the receptionist at the club. If you want to bring a friend who's not a member, they can play too, but they'll need to pay a little extra.
Coaching Availability
The club has coaches who give private or group lessons for both adults and kids. You can book a lesson online or by getting in touch with the club. The lessons are tailored to how well you play.
Membership Benefits
Being a member gets you cheaper prices for booking courts, lessons, and buying equipment. You also get to join in on club social events. Other good things about being a member include booking courts online, bringing guests, reserving courts ahead of time, and joining the club's leagues.
4. Huddersfield Padel Club, Yorkshire
Facilities
Huddersfield Padel Club offers 2 outdoor courts with lights so you can play when it's dark. It has rooms to change and showers. There's a place to relax and a bar in the clubhouse. Parking doesn't cost anything for members.
Community Vibe
Everyone here loves padel. They have nights just for members and tournaments to help everyone get to know each other. It doesn't matter how good you are; you're welcome here.
Booking Process
To reserve a court, you have to be a member. Being a member means you can book courts as much as you want. You can book online or talk to someone at the club. If you want to bring a friend who isn't a member, they can play, but they'll have to pay a bit.
Coaching Availability
There are 2 coaches here who know a lot about padel. They can teach one person at a time or a group, and it doesn't matter if you're just starting or already pretty good. The coaches are nice and supportive.
Membership Benefits
- Book padel courts any time you want
- Get 10% off gear
- Friends can play too
- Cheaper lessons
- Join in on club competitions
- Hang out in the lounge
- Free parking
5. Windsor Penarth LTC, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Facilities
Windsor Penarth LTC has 2 outdoor padel courts with lights so you can play in the evening. They have places to change, showers, and a spot to relax. You can also park your car here.
Community Vibe
The club is friendly and open to everyone. They have events to get to know other players and encourage everyone to join in, no matter their skill level.
Booking Process
To play here, you need to be a member. They offer different kinds of memberships, including ones where you can book courts whenever you want or just pay when you play. You can book a court online or by talking to the club's receptionist. If you want to bring a friend who's not a member, they can play too but will need to pay a little.
Coaching Availability
The club has coaches certified by the LTA who give private or group lessons to both adults and kids. You can set up lessons through the club or online. The coaches make sure the lessons fit your skill level.
Membership Benefits
- Cheaper prices to book courts
- Book courts online
- Bring guests to play
- Join club events
- Take part in leagues and tournaments
- Get discounts on gear and lessons
6. Eddie Irvine Sports, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland
Facilities
Eddie Irvine Sports has 2 indoor padel courts with great lighting. They also have lockers, showers, a place to hang out, parking, and you can borrow gear. If you get hurt, there's a sports therapist to help out.
Community Vibe
This place is for padel players of all ages and levels. They have events and tournaments to bring everyone together. The staff are really welcoming, especially to new players.
Booking Process
To book a court, you need to be a member. There are different membership options, like paying each time you book or getting unlimited bookings. You can book a court online or by calling them. If you're not a member, you can still play, but you'll have to pay a small fee.
Coaching Availability
The club has coaches approved by the LTA who offer private and group lessons for both grown-ups and kids. You can set up lessons by getting in touch with the club. The coaches adjust the lessons based on how good you are.
Membership Benefits
Being a member gets you cheaper court fees, invites to social events, and the chance to book courts ahead of others. Other perks include using the lockers, borrowing equipment, bringing friends to play, joining member-only tournaments, and getting 10% off in the pro shop.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Padel Court
When you're looking to book a padel court, there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure you have a great time.
Location
- Think about how close you want the court to be. Courts close to your home or work are easier to get to.
- Make sure the court is easy to reach by bus or train, or has parking if you're driving.
- Check out the area around the court to see if it feels safe.
Court Surface
- Outdoor courts usually have fake grass or clay. Grass makes the ball go faster, while clay slows it down.
- Indoor courts might have wooden or resin floors that help you not slip.
- Choose the surface that suits how you play. Clay can be easier for beginners.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
- Outdoor courts are more common and usually cheaper, but indoor courts keep you dry and warm.
- Indoor courts are open all year, but outdoor courts might close in the cold months.
- Think about noise. Indoor courts can be echoey, and outdoor courts have outside sounds.
Booking System
- Look at how early you can reserve a court and the rules for cancelling.
- Find out if you can book online or need to call or visit in person.
- Know if you need to be a member to book and if you can bring guests.
Coaching & Training
- If you want to get better, see if the place offers coaching.
- Check if they have lessons for different levels, both private and in groups.
Membership Fees & Court Rates
- Prices for courts can vary a lot, so compare different places.
- Some courts let you pay each time you play without needing a membership.
- Look for discounts for students, NHS staff, etc.
Keeping these things in mind will help you pick the best padel court for what you need, how much you want to spend, how well you play, and how easy it is to get there. It's a good idea to read reviews and talk to the place to learn more about what they offer.
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Expanding Your Padel Experience
Getting more involved with padel and the people who play it can really make the game more fun. Here are some simple ways to do that:
Connect with Local Players
- Go to events at the club to meet other padel players
- Join group lessons to find people who play as well as you do
- Sign up for competitions to play against others
- Use the club's notice boards and online groups to stay in touch
Take Advantage of Coaching
- Get better by taking private or group lessons
- Learn the right way to play to avoid getting hurt
- Get tips on game strategy from experienced coaches
- Take a friend to a lesson for a fun time together
Make the Most of Facilities
- Try playing on different types of courts, like grass or clay
- Use other parts of the club, like gyms
- Enjoy things like shops, cafes, and changing rooms at the club
- Look for places that are easy to get to and have convenient booking
Broaden Your Padel Horizons
- Play at various clubs to meet more people
- Look at the competition schedule and try entering some
- Consider going to places known for padel
- Watch pro tournaments to pick up tips from the best players
Getting really into padel helps you play better, find friends to play with regularly, and meet new people who love the game as much as you do. It turns padel from just a hobby into a big part of your life.
Conclusion
If you're new to padel or already love it, there are great places to play all over the UK. As more people want to play, new courts are popping up everywhere.
The clubs and places we talked about show the different kinds of courts you can find. You can play indoors or outdoors, and there are options for every budget. Clubs like Stratford Padel Club, The Triangle, and Huddersfield Padel Club let you pay when you play, offer lessons, and have events.
When you're looking to play, think about how close the court is, what kind of surface you like, how much it costs, if you need a membership, if there are lessons, and what the people are like. Knowing what you want will help you find the best place.
Meeting other people who play padel can also make playing more fun. You can take group lessons, go to club events, join competitions, and talk to others in forums. This can help you get better, make friends, and really get into the padel community.
If you're looking for new places to play or want to get more into padel, the options we've shown give you great courts and a friendly community. So, go ahead and book a court today!
Related Questions
How much does it cost to book a padel court?
The price to book a padel court changes depending on where you are, what the place offers, if you're a member, and if it's a busy time. Usually, it costs between £10 and £30 for an hour. Some places let you pay as you go, while others might have a membership fee. You might also need to pay extra for things like renting equipment or getting lessons. It's a good idea to look around to find a deal that works for you.
Where can I play padel tennis in the UK?
You can find padel courts all over the UK now. Some good spots to play include:
- London - Padel London, The Hurlingham Club
- Manchester - David Lloyd Didsbury
- Liverpool - Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa
- Birmingham - Edgbaston Priory Club
- Bristol - David Lloyd Bristol
You can also use the Lawn Tennis Association's court finder to find places near you.
How much does it cost to build a padel court UK?
If you're thinking about building a padel court, it usually costs between £45,000 and £70,000. Here's what you might spend money on:
- Court surface - £15,000+
- Fences and netting - £15,000+
- Lights - £5,000+
- Groundwork - £5,000+
- Changing rooms and other facilities - £5,000+
You might also need to pay for things like getting permission to build and hiring people to do the work, which can add another £5,000 to £15,000. The total cost can change based on a lot of different things.
Is padel popular in the UK?
Yes, padel is really catching on in the UK. The number of courts has grown a lot, and over 1 million people played padel in 2021. It's a game that's easy to get into and fun to play with friends, which is why so many different people like it. There are even big tournaments now. The LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) is working to make it even more popular, hoping it'll be the second most played racket sport in the UK soon. It looks like more and more people will start playing padel.
