Considered somewhat of a sister to both tennis and padel, pickleball is another trending racket sport that's going from strength to strength. Founded in the 60s by three American dads seeking to entertain their families, it's a sport played on a doubles badminton court - regardless of whether you're playing in pairs or on your own.
What ensues is a fast-paced game where you must stay within the court lines and use paddle-like solid rackets (no strings here) to hit a hollow, perforated ball. Plus, only the serving side has the opportunity to score points. High stakes, or what?
With both new and established clubs and courts leading the charge across the capital, there are plenty of opportunities to try it out. Find the very best clubs and courts to play pickleball in London on DesignMyNight.
Where To Play Pickleball Across London
Pickleball Social, London-Wide
- Locations: Battersea, Bermondsey, Bromley, Canada Water, Clapham, Dulwich, Kensington, Wimbledon, Richmond
Whether you want to book into a private, indoor court or take part in socials separated by ability, Pickleball Social has options for you - mainly across South West and South East London, but with a few West locations thrown in too.
Organiser Daniel has heaps of praise and glowing testimonials for his lessons and other sessions, while regular tournaments also mean you can put your new-found skills to the test against your new friends and those who frequent sister locations.
From beginner to advanced, all abilities are catered for at Pickleball Social.
Better Leisure Centres, London-Wide
- Locations: Barnet, Camden, Croydon, Crystal Palace, Enfield, Finsbury, Greenwich, Gunnersbury, Hackney, Kensington, Leytonstone, Shepherd's Bush
In partnership with Pickleball England, charitable social enterprise Better aims to bring pickleball to your local leisure centre. Now with a staggering 20 locations across London - making sure this sport is accessible to the masses - these guys' reach spans from Croydon to Barnet, Leytonstone to Shepherd's Bush, and everywhere in between.
They've got drop-in and social sessions available to members and non-members, giving you full flexibility to book in as and when you can.
You'll easily find some local pickleball courts with Better.
Lemon Pickleball, London-Wide
- Locations: Archway, Clapton, Farringdon, Finchley, Enfield, Hackney, Hampstead, Highgate, Hoxton, Maida Vale, Marylebone, Muswell Hill, Swiss Cottage
To play pickleball in East London, Lemon Pickleball's Hackney and Hoxton locations are your best bet - although you'll find that the majority are best suited to North Londoners, with a few Central sessions in Farringdon and Marylebone thrown in for good measure. The company was founded by IPTPA-accredited pickleball coaches Alex Minogue-Stone and Ash Spencer, who both started out as avid tennis players.
They've got the full breadth of the sport covered, from social play and private or group coaching for all skill levels to leagues and tournaments available to compete in. They even take corporate event bookings, as well as hosting school holiday camps and after-school clubs during term time.
When you want to play pickleball in Central London, don't forget about Lemon Pickleball's Marylebone and Farringdon locations.
Where To Play Pickleball In West London
Park Sports, Chiswick
- Location: Chiswick House & Garden Grounds W4 2RP
Home to eight dedicated outdoor pickleball courts, Park Sports is tucked away in the northern corner of Chiswick House and Gardens, with the venue easily accessed via the A4 entrance. This laidback venue comes from a company with 25 years experience managing sports facilities and the casual setting is as welcoming as they come.
There are easy pay and play options for court hire, as well as weekly pickleball socials and six-week beginner courses in the summer to have your first taste of America's fastest growing sport. Pickleball paddles and balls are available from the café, included in the hire price.
While only open spring to autumn, Park Sports is a friendly location to give pickleball a go.
West London Pickleball Club, Acton
- Location: Club Des Sports, East Acton Lane W3 7EN
A friendly location rooted in the local community and dedicated to pickleball, West London Pickleball Club forms just part of Club Des Sport's 21 acres of the grounds. Once tennis courts and now converted for pickleball, the location hosts clinics and coaching for skill-building, as well as social sessions perfect for team-building, a fun group activity or making friends.
Monthly LGBTQ+ sessions support inclusivity at the club, while the cosy clubhouse and cafe makes for another star feature.
Promoting exclusivity in sport is at the heart of what they do at West London Pickleball Club.
Kensington Pickleball Club, Kensington
- Location: Holland Park School, 6 Campden Hill W8 7AD
Founded by two ICA qualified pickleball coaches, who also run courses for Pickleball International, Kensington Pickleball Club is rooted in solid credentials. Alongside offering lessons with founders Alex and Jon, the venue has one-hour private court bookings, junior pickleball, beginners pickleball and open play sessions - offering something for every kind of player.
With both year-round indoor courts and outdoor courts across all but the winter months, it's a great all-weather option too.
Hone your skills at Kensington Pickleball Club.
Where To Play Pickleball In South London
The Padel Yard, Wandsworth
- Location: 2 Armoury Way, SW18 1SH
The former site of Backyard Cinema, The Padel Yard is now a haven of racket sports and totally transformed in collaboration with Game 4 Padel. Don't be fooled by the name either, as they've also got one outdoor pickleball court.
Although this venue doesn't offer any pickleball coaching or group social sessions - only 60-minute private court hire - the added benefit here is the vibrant bar stocking a curated collection craft beers and smoothies, so you can socialise with likeminded players.
Grab a beer after your court hire here.
The Ladywell Centre, Ladywell
- Location: 148 Dressington Avenue, SE4 1JF
South East London Tennis are the organisation behind pickleball at The Ladywell Centre's sports hall and they've been on a mission to provide accessible racket sport coaching in this part of the city since 2011. Here, three indoor badminton courts are used for social play hours, drills and skills lessons and three-week introductory courses.
Since everything's split by ability, these adult sessions welcome all kinds of players with open arms - meaning anyone can join this vibrant, local community.
Give South East London Tennis a go.
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