The Ultimate Guide to Tennis in London
Most of London's 84 courts are free - 25 of 29 locations charge nothing - but the bigger facilities are private. Greenhills Golf Club runs 11 courts, The London Hunt & Country Club has 10, and the North London Optimist Centre offers 6, most of them members-only or lesson-based. Public courts scatter through neighbourhood parks at smaller scales.
The winter problem is severe. Only two sites have indoor courts, both of them clubs, so off-season play means joining or booking well ahead. Five locations have lights for evening games, and just two offer a practice wall, so solo drilling options are thin year-round.
Getting Started with Tennis in London
If you're new to tennis or getting back into it, the barrier in London is low. The outdoor season runs spring to fall, and 25 of the 29 locations here are free to walk on, so all you really need is a racket and a few balls.
🎾 Quick Tips for New Players
- Best time to play: Late spring through early fall, ideally mid-mornings or early evenings
- Evening play: 5 locations have lights, so check those first once the days shorten
- Solo practice: 2 locations have a practice wall if you cannot find a partner
- What to wear: Athletic clothes and non-marking tennis shoes (required on most public courts)
- What to bring: Your own racket and balls - most locations don't offer rentals
- Court etiquette: Follow the 30-minute rule when courts are busy, and rotate in if others are waiting
Where to Play in London
The court finder maps every location in London - filter by lights for evening play, a backboard for solo practice, or indoor for the rainy months. Prefer a curated read? Our guides below cover the best of the city.
🎾 Open the London court finder29 courtsInside the finder: 2 indoor courts · 5 courts + lights · 2 courts + backboard · 4 tennis clubs.
Or start with a guide
Tennis Lessons in London
We list 6 coaches and programs in London, covering everything from first-timer group classes to high-performance private sessions. The indoor centres run structured adult programs through the winter, so coaching does not stop with the outdoor season.
Group classes here run $10-$40 per session; private lessons land between $30-$85 per hour, depending on the coach's certification. Prices come from the providers we list and are approximate - confirm before you book.
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Start your assessment →Tennis Gear in London
Starting out, any racket will do - but once you're playing weekly, a proper fit and fresh strings make a real difference. Non-marking shoes are required on most public courts, so make those your first upgrade. We list 3 shops in London for stringing, demos and restocking on balls and grips.
Where to shop in London
Of Courts
Old East Village (121 Oxford St E)
Stringing, repairs, rackets, court shoes, paddles
Visit site ↗Sport Chek (Masonville / White Oaks)
North & South London
Tennis rackets, racquet stringing & servicing, shoes, apparel
Visit site ↗Sport Chek (London North)
1250 Fanshawe Park Rd W
Tennis racquets, accessories, shoes, apparel
Visit site ↗FAQ
Are public courts in London free?+
Yes - 25 of the 29 locations we list in London are free to play, and they are first-come, first-served. The rest are clubs or pay-to-play centres. Every court profile shows the fee and booking rules.
Do I need to book a court in London?+
Not for most. 4 of the 29 locations here require booking, typically the indoor centres and clubs. The rest you can simply turn up to, and each profile links out to the booking page where one exists.
Where can I play indoors in London?+
There are 2 locations with indoor courts in London, including North London Optimist Centre and Greenhills Golf Club. Indoor time books up quickly in the off-season, so reserve ahead.
How do I find people to play with in London?+
Community clubs and group lessons are the fastest route - London has 4 clubs including The London Hunt & Country Club and North London Optimist Centre. Busy public courts also tend to run informal rotations where singles can join in.