Tennis is one of the most popular sports in all of London for both the recreational and the competitive athlete. Through easily accessible parks, tennis players of all abilities can enjoy regular tennis matches and interaction with fellow tennis fans close to home.

 

Totally Sporty brings you the best parks in London for playing tennis and what facilities are offered, organised by geographic region.

The tennis centre in Regent's Park operates year-around from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to provide tennis fun and competition regardless of season. With 12 courts and facilities accredited by the Lawn Tennis Association, Regent's Park is the top tennis location in north London. The tennis centre at Regent's Park was also the first non-local authority or city council facility to gain this accreditation.

 

Anyone regardless of playing level can simply “turn up and play,” though there are membership options for the active tennis player. Coaching is offered for adults from “Will to Win” and competitive opportunities are available through leagues and tournaments organised at the Regent’s Park Tennis Centre.

 

To visit the tennis centre, access the western side of Regent's Park near York Bridge. Regent's Park has the largest grass area for sports in London with nearly 100 acres for public recreational use.

 

 

For a historic perspective with the tennis experience, Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park is the place to visit. Located in south London near the Lambeth Underground stop on the Bakerloo Line, Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park shares the same grounds as the Imperial War Museum.

 

The sports centre at Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tennis coaching is offered from Southwark City Tennis Club.

 

Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park has outdoor multi-purpose courts, so the sport centre recommends calling ahead for court availability if planning to “pay and play.” Certain tennis courts are floodlit for use in the evening.

 

 

Hyde Park is an ideal tennis option for those who prefer to plan ahead. The public can call ahead up to three days in advance to book any of the six tennis courts, and members of the Hyde Park Tennis Centre can book up to a week in advance for leisurely play or lessons.

 

Coaching is also offered at Hyde Park through Will to Win. Its six tennis courts are accredited by the Lawn Tennis Association, and other offerings include a changing pavilion, café and garden area.

Hyde Park is open for tennis from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter.

 

 

Another great park for tennis in west central London is Lincoln Inn Fields. Located in the legal area of London, Lincoln Inn Fields is a large, ancient public square with three all-weather hard tennis courts.

 

Since floodlighting is not offered at Lincoln Inn Fields, the park is open for tennis from 8 a.m. until the last hour before dusk.

 

 

Victoria Park has been an established centre for tennis in London for the past 15 years. Offering both individual and group coaching for all levels of talent, active tennis fans can take advantage of ways to refine their skills on any of the park’s six tennis courts.

 

Four of the tennis courts at Victoria Park are floodlit, while three of the six are hard tennis courts. The park also provides a pavilion with a refreshment stand, changing facilities, toilets and showers. All offerings are available to the public on a “pay and play” basis or with membership.