From luxe to budget: the best London tennis clubs you can visit

From luxury courts to wallet-friendly recreation grounds, Liz Connor picks the best places to serve up in the city
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Liz Connor4 July 2018

The lawn has been primed, the Pimm's is on ice and the strawberries are being served: Wimbledon 2018 is officially underway.

One of the biggest fixtures in Britian's sporting calendar is set to dominate our televisions for the next two weeks, and there are plenty of brilliant places across the capital to watch the tournament unfold this summer. But why stop there?

As Britain’s oldest and best-loved tennis tournament sees Andy Murray and co. battle it out to be crowned Grand Slam champion, we bring you the best courts, from low-budget to luxury, to perfect your tennis forehand this summer.

If you want to splash out try...

Holland Park Lawn Tennis Club

Set in quiet, secluded grounds close to London’s affluent Holland Park Avenue, the Lawn Tennis Club is steeped in history (it’s been around since the 1930s) and is surrounded by picturesque views of west London’s stunning greenery. There’s plenty of room for members, with five all-weather and three grass tennis courts available for patrons to use at their will. Over the past few years, it’s established itself as a discreet hideaway for the rich and famous of Notting Hill, and with a £1,150 joining fee and a 2 year wait for membership approval, you’ll want to treat it as your second home when you get finally get your feet through the door.

£500 yearly membership. Holland Park Lawn Tennis Club. 1 Addison Rd, London W14 8DU.

The Hurlingham Club

With its origins dating back to the mid-1800s and patrons including HRH Prince Charles and Prince Philip, this isn’t your your average tennis court. Bordering the Thames in Fulham and set in 42 acres of grounds, The Hurlingham Club is a green oasis of tradition and international renown - boasting one of this city's best outdoor grass courts. Alongside the perfectly preened courts, you can enjoy the club’s exceptional in-house bar, restaurant and host of sporting facilities including an indoor gymnasium and pool. But this service won’t come cheap (or easy), with a private waiting list to become a member, the Hurlingham is notoriously difficult to get into - so be prepared to wait.

Price on request. The Hurlingham Club. Ranelagh Gardens, London SW6 3PR.

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If you want to spend (reasonably) try…

Will to Win at Hyde Park

The “tennis for all” company offer both adult and children courses and tennis weekends to improve your skills, at whatever level you may be. Taking group instruction from a qualified coach, you’ll soon find your swing improve tenfold on one of the six hard courts available in one of London’s most famous parks, while also getting the opportunity to mix with other players using the scheme. The tennis courts are also available to book privately for a small fee - and with a nine hole golf course and boating at the Serpentine just a short walk away, this is a great way to please all the family without burning a hole in your pocket.

£150 annual fee. Will to Win. Nearest tube: Knightsbridge Station, 1 Brompton Rd Knightsbridge, London SW3 1ED.

Islington Tennis Centre

Situated near Caledonian Road, Islington Tennis Centre is one of the busiest in London, and a great option if you’re looking for a fully-fitted gym with tennis facilities included. But don’t let its popularity put you off - it thrives on its community atmosphere, with six indoor and two outdoor courts making it the perfect place to learn how to play, improve your technique or have a casual game with friends. The centre also has a 50 station gym, group exercise studio, and a sauna and steam room suite to unwind after a match.

Outdoor: £10 per session. Indoor: £26.00 per session. Day Pass (Pool, Gym, Group Exercise): £10.

Islington Tennis Centre. Market Road, London N7 9PL.

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If you want to save try...

Lampton Park

Looking to capitalise on Wimbledon fever, Lampton Park - which sits next to the Civic Centre on Lampton Road in Hounslow - will be serving up free tennis, equipment and coach led training sessions to fanciers of all ages this summer. The courts are constructed from macadam, and plans are already underway to access funding to remodel the tennis facilities. The free weekly sessions have been made possible by a partnership with Tennis at Cattaway the Tennis For Free Charity and Hounslow Council. If you’re interested in attending, sign up at tennisatcattaway.com.

Free of charge. Tennis at Cattaway. Nearest tube: Hounslow Central, Lampton Road, TW3 1JG.

Southfields Recreation Ground

Offering three hard tennis courts for use to the public, Southfieds Recreation Ground within Acton Park offers a handful of sports facilities such as two eleven-a-side football pitches and three public tennis courts which are free to use and were relatively recently refurbished. Not only will you save considerably on court fees, lying adjacent to these tennis courts is a multi-use court for both basketball and football, making this the ideal fitness destination for cross-training runners.

Free of charge. Southfields Recreation Ground. Acton Park, East Churchfield Road, W3 8EE

Goodmayes Park

This Edwardian Park located in the heart of Goodmayes in Ilford has lots to offer fitness fans. As well as free tennis courts, there's also an outdoor gym available for use by the public. Spare some time to warm-down in the beautifully landscaped sensory garden near the tennis courts and the wildflower meadow next to the Park Keeper’s yard.

Free of charge. Goodmayes Park. Aberdour Rd, Ilford, London, IG3

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