Padel courts are springing up across Britain faster than you can book a session. What started as a niche import from Spain has become one of the country's fastest-growing sports. From converted tennis clubs to purpose-built venues, cities are racing to meet demand.
1. London
The capital leads the charge with over 40 courts scattered across its boroughs. Battersea's Padel Club opened in 2021 and now runs waiting lists for prime-time slots. West London boasts multiple venues, including the White City facility near the former BBC headquarters.
Membership costs range from £50 to £150 monthly. Pay-and-play options start at £25 per hour per court. The diversity of venues means players can find everything from rooftop courts in Shoreditch to indoor facilities in Canary Wharf.
London's padel scene attracts everyone from City workers to parents looking for family-friendly activities. Coaching academies have sprung up to serve the demand. Many clubs report 80% court occupancy during evenings and weekends.
2. Manchester
Manchester's padel boom centres on the Northern Quarter and Trafford areas. The city opened five new venues in 2024 alone. Game4Padel Manchester attracts competitive players with its league system and regular tournaments.
The city's industrial heritage means plenty of warehouse conversions. These spaces work perfectly for indoor courts. Players don't need to worry about Manchester's famous rain interrupting their game.
Local clubs report membership growing by 200% year-on-year. The Manchester Padel League now fields 48 teams across six divisions. Social sessions fill up days in advance. Court hire averages £20-30 per hour.
3. Birmingham
Britain's second city hosts eight dedicated padel facilities. The Edgbaston area leads development with three clubs within two miles. Birmingham Padel Club opened with four courts in 2022 and added four more within six months.
The city's central location makes it a regional hub. Players drive from Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Solihull for league matches. Weekend tournaments regularly draw 60-plus participants.
Birmingham's affordability compared to London attracts families. Junior programmes run at most venues. School partnerships bring children as young as six onto the courts. The city council backs expansion with planning support for new facilities.
4. Edinburgh
Scotland's capital embraced padel faster than anywhere north of the border. Edinburgh has seven courts with three more under construction. The Craiglockhart facility serves the city's south side with indoor and outdoor options.
Edinburgh's professional community drives demand. Lawyers, doctors, and tech workers fill lunchtime slots. The social aspect appeals to Scottish sensibilities. Post-match gatherings at club bars build tight-knit communities.
Winter weather makes indoor courts vital. Most venues maintain steady booking rates year-round. Edinburgh Padel hosts Scotland's largest monthly tournament. Players travel from Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen to compete.
5. Bristol
Bristol's reputation as Britain's most active city extends to padel. The city has six venues with plans for more. Clifton's rooftop courts offer views over the Avon Gorge. The Harbourside location attracts office workers year-round.
Bristol's outdoor culture makes it perfect for the sport. Players treat sessions as social events. Many clubs run mixed doubles nights that sell out within hours. The city's younger demographic embraces the sport's casual, social nature.
Local universities field competitive teams. Bristol's student population keeps courts busy during term time. Membership packages target both families and young professionals. Court rates start at £18 per hour off-peak.
6. Leeds
Yorkshire's largest city claims five dedicated padel facilities. Chapel Allerton hosts the city's busiest venue with six courts. Leeds has become a northern powerhouse for the sport's development.
The city's tennis heritage smoothed padel's introduction. Former tennis players make up 40% of new members at most clubs. Leeds Padel Academy runs intensive coaching programmes. Beginners can progress to competitive play within months.
Corporate bookings drive midweek revenue. Law firms and accountancy practices use padel for team building. Weekend leagues attract over 100 regular players. The city's compact size means travel between venues takes under 20 minutes.
7. Glasgow
Glasgow's padel scene rivals Edinburgh's despite starting later. The city opened four venues in the past 18 months. Kelvin Hall's conversion included Scotland's first eight-court complex.
Glaswegians embrace the sport's competitive edge. The city's sporting culture transfers well to padel. Local leagues run three seasons annually. Players appreciate the fast-paced, tactical nature of the game.
West End venues attract professionals and students. Southside facilities serve families and casual players. Glasgow's weather makes indoor courts popular. Most venues report 90% booking rates during winter months. The city invests in youth development with school partnerships across 15 institutions.
