Whether Wimbledon has inspired you to reach for a racquet for the very first time or you fancy yourself as a Murray in the making, there are plenty of places to play tennis in Gloucestershire.
From top sports clubs teeming with professional coaches to popular courts perfect for a friendly knock-about – limber up, dig out the Slazenger sweatband and head to a tennis court near you…
1. East Glos Club
Tennis is played 365 days a year at Cheltenham’s East Glos Club, which has an impressive total of 28 tennis courts – including all-weather floodlit courts. The first-rate facilities at this sociable members club also includes a Pro Shop, with LTA-approved coaching sessions and tennis courses suitable for all standards, also open to non-members.
There are social tennis matches to take part in if you’re hoping for a fun way to get or stay fit, as well as a singles tennis ladder for both male and female players if you’re feeling a little more competitive. Plus, for real hotshots, there’s an opportunity to enter county-wide tournaments too. Watch out Centre Court…
2. Oxstalls Sports Park
A top place to grab a tennis court in Gloucester, Oxstalls has six indoor and four outdoor courts to choose from. Members of the public can pay and play whenever a court is available and you can borrow racquets and balls for a small fee, before deciding to invest in your own equipment.
If your backhand needs a bit of brushing-up or you want to know more about the basic rules, there are a number of options available including ongoing adults courses and one-on-one coaching. Plus, there is also disability coaching and 50+ short tennis options, and Mini Tennis starting from age 2 and a half as well.
3. Hidcote Manor Garden
Hidcote Manor is not only one of the most stunning gardens in Gloucestershire, but the National Trust property near Chipping Campden is also home to a historic tennis court, with a small pavilion for spectators, all surrounded by hedges.
The fully-restored Edwardian tennis court was given a new lease of life in 2010, and now offers visitors a chance to pay-and-play in the most picturesque of surroundings.
4. Stratford Park Leisure Centre
With six outdoor tennis courts in one of the prettiest park locations, Stratford Park Leisure Centre is where Stroud’s Sharapovas come to play.
Home to the friendly Stroud Tennis Club which welcome newcomers with open arms, good value annual membership costs £55 or ’200 hours of tennis at 28p per hour’!
5. Montpellier Gardens and Pittville Park
Tennis courts are located at both Montpellier Gardens and Pittville Park, giving players a pretty surrounding and affordable place to play at these exceptionally popular Cheltenham parks.
There are three tennis courts in Pittville and six tennis courts in Montpellier, each available to booked and paid for an hour at a time at each respective park’s cafés. Booking ahead is advisable, especially when the sun is shining! For more information call (01242) 523406 for Montpellier Gardens and (01242) 234907 for Pittville Park.
6. David Lloyd Gloucester
Part of David Lloyd, a tennis membership at this upmarket health club in Brockworth includes group coaching, leagues and ladders, a thriving junior programme and 30 adult classes per-week.
David Lloyd Gloucester is home to six indoor and three outdoor courts, so if you’re serious about perfecting your serve, this is a premium choice.
7. Cirencester Tennis Club
Describing itself as ‘one of the most beautiful clubs in the country’, this thriving Cotswold tennis club is situated at Cirencester Park and is home to seven all-weather courts – four of which are floodlit, for those mixed doubles games at dusk.
If you’re not sure whether tennis is your next fad or the start of a lifetime in the sport, keen first-timers are given a chance to try out the facilities before becoming fully fledged members, with up to three free club sessions. For more information call 07805 338529
8. Freedom Leisure Coleford
One of the Forest of Dean’s most popular leisure centres, Forest Leisure Coleford offers some of the most affordable games of tennis in the county. With a number of flood-lit outdoor courts to choose from on evenings and weekends, it is also a great venue to pick for an after-work rally.
Experienced LTA coaches can give your game a boost. And you could even join the Forest Community Tennis Club, which meets for games on Thursday evenings.
By Michelle Fyrne
Where do you think is the best place to play tennis in Gloucestershire? Share your top choice with SoGlos readers by leaving a comment below.
