Ever since the first courts were built at Hampton Court Palace in the 16th century, tennis has been a favourite sport among British elites. The pleasure of a racket in hand on a crisp court, however, is often sullied by the country’s dark and drenching weather. Closed courts with living quarters were built, not only to play during London’s rains but also to live within proximity of the courts – according to the British History Online archive, King Charles II “had sleeping accommodation for himself and his marker provided at the tennis court.”
Loved by the royals, aristocrats, and landed gentry, tennis soon became a commonplace pastime. So, courts, both open and indoor, started studding the English townscapes. Enjoyed by many countrymen to this day, there really is no better place to engage in a game of tennis. Read on to discover the best indoor courts in London.
1. Islington Tennis Centre and Gym
Outfitted with six cushioned acrylic indoor courts, the Islington Tennis Centre and Gym is one of London’s prime indoor tennis haunts. Additionally, there are two hard, floodlit outdoor courts.
This centre offers tennis classes and private coaching lessons, with the age bracket starting at three. For newbies as well as tennis pros, the Islington Tennis Centre’s coaching programmes have proven mighty effective for technique improvement and career progression. Moreover, there are social tennis sessions where people can book the indoor courts on a pay-as-you-go basis.
After a sweltering game, visitors have the option of unwinding in their sauna and steam room. In an effort to go the extra mile to improve as a player, members may attend fitness classes at the centre’s health studio, which include yoga, walking, and running sessions. There’s also a gym that boasts cutting-edge equipment, perfect for players looking to build muscle and stamina.
2. The Queen’s Club
A private sporting club in London’s West End, the Queen’s Club is famous for hosting the annual “Queen's Club Championships men's grass court lawn tennis tournament.” Notwithstanding its lawn court claim to fame, the club is equipped with ten indoor courts of note.
Established in 1886, the Queen’s Club has retained the reputation of being one of the country’s finest tennis clubs. The highly restrictive membership also allows access to a high-end restaurant, bar, museum, and the President’s Room. It has been touted as the world’s first multi-sports complex – in addition to tennis, there are racket and squash courts, and the club has also hosted rugby, football, and athletics competitions.
The Queen’s Club has also claimed to be the first headquarters of Real Tennis, which is essentially indoor tennis. Natty and elegant, fitted with ample galleries for spectators, the club is an excellent venue for indoor tennis sporting events.
Membership in this club is highly restrictive. Applicants must be proposed and seconded by two existing members who have been affiliated with the club for at least two years. Furthermore, other members need to supply at least two written statements in favour of the candidate.
3. Harbour Club, Notting Hill
Equipped with three indoor tennis courts and smart technology, Harbour Club in Notting Hill is undeniably a cut above the rest.
Daily morning and evening social sessions, adult coaching lessons, and junior training classes are offered at Harbour Club. Private training sessions are also on the roster, ideal for tennis enthusiasts who are keen on becoming pros. However, Harbour Club truly stands out for being unrivalled in its technological calibre. The Playsight Smart Court feature is designed for players to uncover their weaknesses and track their progress. The Playsight camera installed on the court captures and analyses every player’s game, breaking down the fastest serve, distance run, and so on. Moreover, the camera also records the whole game, which may be downloaded by players to share on social media platforms.
4. Chandos Lawn Tennis Club
Established in 1922 as a passion project by 12 tennis fiends, Chandos has built an impressive legacy over the last century – sixteen of Chandos’ members have qualified for Wimbledon, including Angela Buxton and Bundy Reynolds; and in 1965, Chandos Lawn Tennis Club was the home base for the Davis Cup tie between Great Britain and Israel.
In 1992, they built their indoor tennis facility. Their time-tested reputation and spectacular quality have been demonstrated in their specialist tennis coaching classes. Equipped with four indoor and four outdoor courts, novices and experts are moulded into tennis champions fit for the National Premier League and the like.
Chandos also hosts a clubhouse, a bar, and a coffee shop on its premises. After a heated game, players can reward themselves with coffees, pastries, bagels, and salads.
5. The Hurlingham Club, Fulham
A luscious green bordering the River Thames, the Hurlingham Club is a 42-acre private members club. Hosting gorgeous Georgian townhouses, unmatched sports facilities, and stellar leisure activities, a foot into Hurlingham guarantees utterly indulgent sophistication – the £1,400-a-year membership is unapologetically selective.
Among its plethora of facilities, the club’s four-court Racquet Centre is ideal for players who want to refine their serve in style. Complete with a natural cooling and ventilation system, a green roof, and overhead shades powered by sun-tracking motorised louvres, the indoor tennis court truly is a class apart. Additionally, the Racquet Centre is outfitted with a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and four squash courts.
Catherine Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and her children have been sighted at Hurlingham Club’s tennis courts.
6. Roehampton Club, Wandsworth
Tucked away in London’s profusely leafy southwest, Roehampton is a coveted private club known for its peerless sporting facilities and immodest verdure.
Starting off as a polo club, it has now evolved into housing an 18-hole parkland golf course, 28 tennis courts, a gym, fitness studios, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, six croquet lawns, and six squash courts. The club accommodates three indoor acrylic courts in addition to seven other outdoor acrylic courts, which convert into indoor spaces during the winter months.
The club’s tennis programme has set new standards in coaching. Highly qualified professionals mentor individuals across all ages and experience levels holistically, focusing on all aspects of fitness and wellbeing.
The Roehampton Club has seen the likes of Andy Murray, British number one and Wimbledon champion, grow and flourish on their very own courts. Other alumni include Angela Mortimer, Christine Truman, and Margaret Court.
7. Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
Residing in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre affords enthusiastic tennis players the opportunity to improve their game on globally acclaimed courts.
Complete with four indoor courts (as well as six outdoor courts), the Tennis Centre was originally built as the Paralympic venue for the 2012 London Olympics. It has been the prime host for wheelchair tennis ever since.
In addition to remarkable disability tennis facilities, Lee Valley offers children’s tennis lessons, adult training sessions, school-group coaching sessions, and one-on-one mentoring. Their indoor courts can be hired as well as booked in advance for one-off games.
8. New River Sport & Fitness
A reputed multisport training arena, New River Sports and Fitness Centre sprawls the wooded northern region of London.
In addition to athletic tracks and football pitches, the centre is armed with four indoor and four outdoor tennis courts. Besides pay-as-you-play booking services, New River boasts inclusive training sessions – newbies and seasoned players receive focused attention every step of the way.
Players can enhance their performance and improve their form at New River’s gym, which boasts the latest range of cardio and weights equipment. It is also one of the few disability-friendly sports centres in London.
As a deeply cherished sport in the United Kingdom with a rich backstory, there’s no better place to be as a tennis enthusiast. Rain or shine, the city’s vivacious tennis scene will never cease to delight. Get ready to serve it up and ace it down on London’s indoor tennis courts.
