Tennis has always been popular in London, and to this day, many schools offer tennis as part of their physical education classes. London also has many tennis clubs and tennis courts, which points to the fact that tennis is widely played in the area. However, the challenge may be finding the right place to play on a given budget, especially for a student. College students have to deal with various expenses, such as paying for accommodation and buying textbooks. Besides, one has to pay for essay occasionally to get assistance with a tough assignment. So, here are some of the most recommended places to tap into the tennis culture while in school in London.
Private Clubs
If you are among those who like to play in solitary, the private tennis clubs in London will be the best option for you. They have state-of-the-art facilities, well-maintained courts, and offer other services such as individual lessons. The Queen’s Club and The Roehampton Club are fantastic examples of private clubs. Even though the membership fees of these clubs may be high, one gets to enjoy several benefits. The main one is that the courts are easily accessible even during the busiest hours. Also, you will interact with like-minded tennis enthusiasts who will help open your eyes to many things about tennis.
These clubs host top events such as Wimbledon, which is always hosted at The All England Lawn Tennis Club. Therefore, these private clubs are good for exposure as well as skill development. The downside of private clubs is that the membership application process can be long and tedious and might require references from existing members. However, if you are serious about building your tennis skills and not just playing for fun, then you can opt for the private club.
Parks with Tennis Courts
There is a wide range of parks in London that offer perfect tennis amenities. For example, if you are in Harringay, you can go to Finsbury Park, which hosts nine tennis courts, while Greenwich Park in south East London boasts six courts that were recently renovated with a picturesque skyline view. Parks offer an intriguing tennis experience; the green, open-air, and calm environment offers a tranquil atmosphere that enhances your tennis experience. However, since parks are often open to many people, they might be busy, especially on holidays; therefore, you need to check the availability of the tennis courts before going to a game. Also, it is best to have a tennis schedule so that you can book your slots ahead of time to avoid inconveniences.
Health and Fitness Clubs with Tennis Courts
If you are a health and fitness enthusiast, then you can kill two birds with one stone if the facility you visit has a tennis court. Facilities such as Virgin Active offer more than just gym services; they also feature tennis courts, professional tennis training, and competitive leagues. Therefore, when applying for your membership in health and fitness clubs, inquire if they have a tennis court, and you can include it in your subscription package.
Health clubs offer the best place to keep your fitness in check, network, indulge in your hobbies, and make new friends aside from your college ones. Enrolling in tennis in your health and fitness club is a budget-friendly option, especially suitable for students since most health and fitness memberships are more affordable compared to private clubs. It is also more economical since you will not have to pay separately for court time and other activities.
Community Centers
Playing tennis in community centers can be a rewarding and budget-friendly way to enjoy tennis while connecting with the local community. If you are not looking to commit to a regular membership subscription, then community centers are the best option since they allow casual play and drop-in. You can make tennis a weekend activity or drop in when you are free.
Additionally, community centers are usually located within residential areas, which makes them a convenient option. You will not waste time going and coming from the court, which can eat up your study time, make you unable to do your assignments, and force you to rely on essay writers for hire, such as those discussed in the RoyalWriter review.
Campus Tennis Facilities
Most learning institutions in London have the perfect tennis facilities for their students. School tennis courts are the most convenient option for students since they do not have to go so far or pay hefty prices to enjoy the game. Playing tennis in college facilities is usually free, and most institutions employ qualified tennis coaches to mentor their students. Therefore, if you are looking to take a professional tennis career, then you can join the school tennis team and participate in regular training and tournaments. If you are looking to play casually, you can also drop in on the court on days you feel like playing.
Indoor Tennis Facilities
Tennis can be played both indoors and outdoors. Since the London weather is highly unpredictable, many indoor tennis facilities, such as the National Tennis Center in Roehampton, provide sheltered courts to ensure players play regardless of the weather. Indoor facilities can also be a nice way to play tennis without any distractions, such as wind, that can increase the risk of bad bounces. Moreover, indoor facilities often include additional amenities like changing rooms, café, and equipment rooms. However, indoor tennis facilities are always highly booked during the cold season; therefore, you need to make early bookings to avoid inconveniences.
Takeaway
London guarantees a great experience for every tennis fan. Tennis has become a popular sport all over the city, and there are numerous courts for both public and private use by anyone who wants to engage in the sport. Whether you are a novice, an experienced, or an occasional player, there is no lack of tennis courts in London. If you do not have any financial constraints, you can play at the private courts and have the enjoyment of the environment and other facilities. On the other hand, if you want to play tennis on a student budget, you can go to community centers and other public courts.
