Padel is becoming increasingly popular among amateur athletes in London and the summer sun has only enhanced Londoners’ new love for the sport. As more people pick up the social racket sport, which blends elements of tennis and squash, courts are popping up across town, many outside.
Whether you’re a regular player or just padel-curious, alfresco courts are everywhere, from Battersea Power Station to to Canary Wharf. Here are three of the best, with more listings to come.
Park Sports
The world’s fastest-growing sport is showing no signs of letting up but British summertime won’t last. Best to get an al-fresco game of padel in then and the open-air, enclosed glass court in Regent’s Park is a beautiful place to hone your skills. There’s another from the same group in Hyde Park.
Regent’s Park, NW1, parksports.co.uk
Rocket Padel
Rocket Padel returned to Battersea Power Station last September and has been full ever since. The courts are glass and overlook the River Thames, making them among the most picturesque places to swing a racket in town. Even with four courts, book well in advance — to reiterate, everyone, it seems, is playing padel. Rocket also boasts a clubhouse, changing rooms and a pro-shop complete with instructors.
Circus Road West, SW11, rocketpadel.com
Padium
For less organised folk, Padium in Canary Wharf is an option. Make no mistake, it still books up fast, but at the weekend, when office workers are home, availability is a little more forthcoming. There are also nine courts here, as well as changing rooms and a pro-shop (tuition available), so there’s a good community feel. Two of the courts are outside for those who must go al-fresco.
10 Bank Street, E14, padium.com
