Fancy yourself as a bit of a Federer? Think you can serve like Sampras? We’ve got some good news for you – Bromley is bursting at the seams with tennis. With Wimbledon in full swing, get inspired to do more than eat strawberries and drink Pimms. It’s the perfect season to grab your racket and get on the courts. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you want to hone your skills and play more competitive matches, there are coaches and clubs at the right level for you. And if ultimately you decide that Pimms is more your thing – we’ve got options for that too.
Bromley is a great place to live if you love tennis
The Make Me Local team have enjoyed keeping up with the latest grand slam results in the office – even Red the dog can’t resist a tennis ball. If you fancy trying your hand at tennis, we’ve put together some local ideas to help you get started.
Here are some ideas to ‘get the deuces flowing’ – sorry, couldn’t resist:
Tennis at Bromley Cricket Club
Bromley Cricket Club love tennis too – they can boast 14 match-quality indoor and outdoor courts. They have a team of qualified coaches available, and can offer one-on-one or group coaching sessions for adults and juniors. There are competitions, weekly games and social events that you can join in with, whatever level you are playing at.
Where? 98 Plaistow Lane, Bromley BR1 3S
Offering tennis lessons for adults and children, Jason’s Totally Tennis is spread over two different tennis clubs. There is something for everyone, both adults and children, with coaching for adults and children of all ages and abilities. Jason’s Totally Tennis also has well-established links with five primary schools and two nurseries.
Where? You can find Jason’s Totally Tennis at Bromley Lawn Tennis Club and South Hill Woods Tennis Club:
Bromley Lawn Tennis Club, Sandford Rd, Bromley BR2 9AN
South Hill Woods Tennis Club, Tootswood Road BR2 0PB
Bromley Wendover Lawn Tennis Club
This family-friendly club offers you tennis for all ages – and it has been doing so for more than 100 years! There are seven courts, four of which are floodlit. You can play competitively, play social tennis, take part in club tournaments or just enjoy some casual tennis. They offer free try-out sessions too.
Where? Bromley Wendover Lawn Tennis Club, Glanville Road, Bromley BR2 9LW
With a choice of seven floodlit courts and a newly-built clubhouse, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Raw Tennis. They offer tots tennis, mini tennis, adult tennis and a range of afterschool clubs and holiday clubs. There are tournaments to take part in if you’ve got that competitive streak. You can book a free trial session if you’d like to try it out.
Where? Old Wilsonians’ Lawn Tennis Club, Hayes Hill, Bromley BR2 7HN
Make your tennis fun, social and competitive at Wickham Park Tennis Club, which has two floodlit artificial clay courts, three tarmacadam courts, three grass courts, a clubhouse and a bar. It’s a members’-only, not-for-profit club, owned and run for the surrounding community. Children and adults have various coaching and playing options.
Where? 228 – 230 Pickhurst Rise, West Wickham BR4 0AU
Knoll Orpington Lawn Tennis
Enjoy adult and junior tennis coaching sessions in the lovely grounds of Knoll, Orpington. You can play on five courts suitable for all weather, and two of them are floodlit as well. There’s also a well-appointed clubhouse with showers, changing rooms, kitchen facilities – and a bar for after the match.
Where? Mayfield Avenue, Orpington BR6 0AQ
Everyone is welcome and newcomers can always come along for tennis coaching or social play. Four all-weather courts are available and you can book them out when the club is closed as well. You can become a member to play tennis, or become a social member for just £10 a year.
Where? Recreation Ground, Empress Drive, Chislehurst BR7 5BG
This is one of the oldest tennis clubs in the UK and you will find some of the best facilities around. There are 14 courts and a practice wall, plus pavilion houses with showers and changing facilities, a balcony and a members’ area. If you want to find a new workout option, you can also try out a cardio tennis session. Many different membership options are available.
Where? Sandford Road, Bromley BR2 9AN
With more than 150 years of history, Beckenham Lawn Tennis Club is a vibrant part of the local community. It’s got options for adults and children and is the perfect place to encourage kids to learn something new, get fit and make new friends. You can play socially or at a competitive level.
Where? 19 Foxgrove Road, Beckenham BR3 5AS
Offering professional tennis coaching for all levels, the Parklangley Club can teach children from as young as three years old. There are more than 30 coaches available for lessons, teaching lessons as set by the Lawn Tennis Association. For younger children, there are smaller courts, nets and rackets, and balls that will bounce lower. Coaching is also available to adults.
Where? 44a Wickham Way, Beckenham BR3 3AF
You will find year-round tennis coaching for adults and children, available across three all-weather courts. Coach Paul Taylor provides the lessons, mostly during evenings and at weekends. There is currently a very competitive joining fee available – just £50!
Where? Tugmutton Common, Willow Walk, off Starts Hill Road, Locksbottom BR6 8HF
Chelsfield Park Tennis
This small historic tennis club is full of tradition, having been affiliated with the Lawn Tennis Association since 1935. It’s a friendly tennis club in an attractive location, offering coaching, playing opportunities and social events.
Where? The club can be reached via a path running between 35 and 39 Oxenden Wood Road, Chelsfield BR6 6HP
If you’re looking for tennis coaching in London, Bodyswot tennis is a good option (and easily accessible from Bromley). There are coaching opportunities for adults and children on indoor and outdoor courts, and a tennis academy for children who show promise.
Where? Ranelagh Gardens, Royal Hospital Road, East Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4NE
Tennis-related services
Keep on top of your game with professional tennis services.
Is your racket in need of some TLC? Talk to these guys, who can restring rackets for anyone, from professional competitors to social players.
Where? Level 18, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5N
This is a racket and sports shop run by players and coaches themselves. They offer the latest tennis and sports products, using the most advanced materials and giving you personalised advice if you need it. They work alongside many of the local tennis clubs and associations, so chances are you’ll be in good hands here.
Where? Arch 1 Mill Row, Bexley High Street, Bexley DA5 1LA
Elite Sports Massage and Fitness
Tennis elbow getting in the way of your game? Give Elite Sports Massage and Fitness a call. They can also help you before the pain begins, conditioning your body and helping you keep fit and healthy.
Where? 55 high Street, Green St Green, Orpington BR6 6BQ
Valkyrie Personal Training and Massage
Choose a sports massage in the comfort of your own home, or talk to Hannah about personal training, keeping yourself in good fitness for your tennis.
Where? Bromley, Orpington, Kent and surrounding areas – they come to you.
Enjoy the thrill of the tennis without having to work up a sweat? Find the nearest bar that is showing the matches from Wimbledon.