London's Best Outdoor Tennis Courts

• By Ellen O'Riordan on Mar 30, 2016

London's Best Outdoor Tennis Courts

Tennis is a hugely sociable sport and can be a great way to meet up with friends or increase your social circle. Whether you’re wanting to have a friendly knock around the court with some friends or approach the game with a Murray-esque attitude, you’re sure to receive the joy and health benefits of the sport. From free park courts to luxurious lawn clubs, London has facilities to match everyone’s budget.

Central

Will to Win Hyde Park (S Carriage Dr, London W2 2UH) have six well-surfaced hard courts and two mini courts tucked away amongst the greenery of the park. Courts start at £13, although their new loyalty card system drops this price to £11. They also offer adult drop in coaching, junior coaching, camps and tournaments, all at affordable prices.

North

Finsbury Park Tennis Courts (Islington, N4) are plonked in the middle of Finsbury Park and are some of the most popular tennis courts in the whole of London, possibly even in the whole world. There are seven tennis courts in total which all have been relatively recently modernised. Furthermore there's an extensive coaching programme taking place throughout the year with both adults and junior sessions available.

Coolhurst Tennis Club (Crouch Hill, London N7) is an upscale club, with a great clubhouse and a warm community atmosphere. They have eight hard courts, seven of which are floodlit. Two of the courts are covered between October and April for indoor use. There are also three artificial grass courts, and an additional three grass courts during the summer months. Coaching sessions, courses and tournaments also run throughout the year. Courts are for members only, with an annual 24 and under/ student price at £165. Prices spike for adults over 30, but junior fees start at just £70.

Will to Win Regent’s Park Tennis Centre (York Bridge Road, Regents Park, London NW1 4NU) has 12 well surfaced courts, all floodlit, surrounded by grass and away from the racquet of street noise. Drop in Prices are always reasonable with Will to Win and coaching for adults and juniors is also available.

South

Clapham Common (Windmill Drive SW4) has 8 outdoor macadam courts; 5 floodlit and 3 without floodlights. The courts were resurfaced and the club revamped in 2011, meaning it is in excellent condition. Courses and competitive leagues run throughout the year at the grounds. Court rental is open to all and costs £8 per hour. They have an online booking system through Better.org or can be contacted by phone at 0207 223 9836.

Battersea Park Millennium Arena Tennis Courts (East Carriage Drive, London SW8) has 19 outdoor hard courts, all floodlit, making it one of the largest outdoor public tennis facilities in London. It’s a great, quiet location, in the centre of Battersea Park. They also host a tennis social night on Friday evenings between 6 and 9. Visit the website or call 020 8871 7542 for court bookings and queries.

East

Bethnal Green Park Tennis Centre (Cambridge Heath Road, London E2) has 4 macadam hard courts, recently resurfaced and renovated, all with floodlights operating Monday to Thursday. The courts are well maintained and in good condition. They host women only tennis, junior community tennis sessions and junior invitation development squads, all run by Tower Hamlets Tennis Ltd. Courts can be booked online and on your mobile, for just £6 per hour.

The Warren Italy Clay Court Tennis Club (Overton Drive, Wanstead, London E11 2L) isrelatively small, but unusual because of its 3 clay courts. Used in the French Open, clay courts are easier on the joints and the best surface to improve movement and fitness. Courts are £12 per hour for non-members and £22 for two hours. Coaching is available for all ages and the club also runs a successful Box League Tournament.

West

Paddington Recreation Grounds (Randolph Avenue, London W9 1PD) is a fantastic centre with 7 tarmac courts and 6 synthetic grass courts, all floodlit. The courts are a good distance from traffic so you can play in peace. Members get a slight discount, but more alluring is the access to priority booking, which enables members to book a week sooner than non-members. This is a very popular facility, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. Call 0207 625 4303 for bookings.

Ravenscourt Park Tennis (Kings Street W6) has seven outdoor macadam courts. Unfortunately they’re not floodlit, but at just £5 an hour they are still a steal. Ring 0207602 2226 or email sportsbooking@rbkc.gov.uk to book a court.