Padel in the UK: The Complete Guide (Clubs, Courts, Equipment & How to Play)

Padel in the UK is exploding in popularity, with new courts, clubs, and players joining every month. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to up your game, this guide covers everything you need to know about playing padel across the country – from where to play, to the best rackets, shoes, and balls to use.

What Is Padel and Why It’s Growing Fast in the UK

Padel (or padel tennis) is a fast-paced racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It’s played on an enclosed court, typically in doubles, and is loved for being social, beginner-friendly, and incredibly fun.

Over the past few years, the UK has seen a surge in padel clubs, tournaments, and court installations. The sport is now supported by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), with dedicated padel courts appearing from London to Edinburgh.

Where to Play Padel in the UK

Looking for padel courts near you? Here are the best city-specific guides to get started:

Padel Courts Near Me – full list of UK locations
Padel Tennis London – top London clubs & courts
Padel Courts Manchester – where to play in Manchester
Play Padel Edinburgh – Scotland’s growing padel scene
Padel Court Glasgow – best venues in Glasgow
Padel Court in Liverpool – Merseyside’s top padel spots
Padel Court in Bristol – top local padel venues

Each page includes details on clubs and booking links so you can get on court quickly.

Choosing the Best Padel Racket

Your racket has the biggest impact on how you play, from control and power to comfort. Our guides can help you choose the perfect fit:

Padel Racket Buyer’s Guide – full breakdown by skill level
Best Budget Padel Rackets Under £100 – great value options for new players
Best Padel Racket Shape Guide – diamond, teardrop, and round rackets explained

Tip: Beginners usually do best with round-shaped rackets for more control, while advanced players may prefer diamond-shaped rackets for extra power.

Padel Shoes: Stability & Grip Matter

Padel demands quick movement and side-to-side stability – which is why using proper shoes is essential.

Check out our detailed guide:
Best Padel Shoes & Trainers for Men & Women

Look for shoes with durable soles (clay or omni grip), cushioning for impact, and reinforced side support. Regular tennis shoes often don’t provide enough lateral control for padel.

Padel Balls: What Makes Them Different?

Padel balls may look like tennis balls, but they’re slightly smaller and have lower pressure, offering more control and bounce consistency on glass walls.

For recommendations and maintenance tips, see:
Padel Ball Guide

Building & Booking Padel Courts in the UK

If you’re a club owner or community organizer, you can explore our location pages for examples of leading installations and local construction partners.

New courts are opening fast, especially in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, as UK demand continues to rise. Check out our Padel Courts Near Me page for inspiration and updates.

How to Start Playing Padel

Find a local club near you and book a 60-minute intro session.
Rent or buy an entry-level racket (see our budget racket guide).
Wear proper shoes for grip and stability.
Learn basic rules – underarm serves, glass rebounds, and doubles play.
Have fun! Padel’s beauty lies in its accessibility and social nature.

The Future of Padel in the UK

Industry forecasts suggest the UK could have over 500 padel courts by 2026, making it one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets. With investment from sports clubs and growing media attention, Padel will soon be one of the top modern racket sport.

Explore More Padel Resources

Final Thoughts

Padel in the UK is more than a trend, it’s becoming part of our sporting culture. With new courts opening weekly and easy access to affordable gear, there’s never been a better time to start playing.

Visit our Padel UK hub to discover where to play, what to buy, and how to get involved in this fast-growing sport.