A guide to playing tennis
At some London parks, you can walk in for a free game; at others, the courts require a reservation and mix free sessions with paid play.
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London
Set in Hackney Downs Park, Hackney Downs Tennis Courts is an easy option for a casual game or a coaching session. Coaching is available for all ages and abilities, with cycle racks by the courts and public toilets nearby.
Set in Springfield Park, these free public tennis courts offer a pleasant place to play in Hackney. Visitors have praised the courts’ upkeep and the park’s riverside setting; there’s also a table tennis table nearby.
Set in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, these public courts offer an easy way to fit a game into a visit to Southwark. Book a short session or stay for an hour.
Butterfield Green is a small neighbourhood park in Hackney with a free, floodlit multi-use games area where tennis is one of several sports on offer alongside football, netball and basketball. It's a relaxed, walk-in spot for a casual knock rather than a dedicated tennis venue, with benches and a kids' play area nearby.
Set in Brunswick Park, these public courts offer a relaxed place for a game in Southwark. A visitor describes the park as small but nice, and another notes that trees can leave leaves on the courts.
Coram’s Fields is a children’s park in Bloomsbury with football pitches, a basketball/netball court and table tennis. Its current official sports page does not list a tennis court, while older third-party sources do; confirm playable tennis at this exact site before visiting.
Spa Fields Ball Court offers a simple spot for a casual hit in an Islington public park. A playground and outdoor gym add options for a visit beyond tennis.
We list 8 venues in London, including Hackney Downs Tennis Courts, Springfield Park Tennis Courts and Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Tennis Courts.
Of these venues, 5 allow walk-in use and 2 require booking. Each venue page shows how to book.