One of the best things about flat sharing in London is that it means there’s always at least one extra person around for you bug about that game of tennis you’ve been desperate to play.
Now the weather’s dry and the sun’s out (touch wood…), you’re ready to get out on the court to show off that backhand lob you perfected last year. But where? Here are some of the best free spots to play around London.
- Streatham Vale Park – Streatham, South London
Journey south past Brixton and you’ll get to Streatham. This is a no-thrills, three-court community tennis area in Streatham Vale Park. If you’re a driver, you’re in luck, as there are plenty of parking spaces nearby. For the rest of us, Streatham Common train station is a literal 5-minute walk away, so no harm done.
Situated in Zone 3, Streatham is a great location for house sharing at an affordable price.
- Old Dagenham Park – Dagenham
There are plenty of reasons to live in and around Dagenham – not just the fact that the area has some of the cheapest rental prices across London. One is the free public-use tennis courts in Old Dagenham Park.
With a hard, macadam service, the courts are good to use year round and in any weather – a necessary feature with the great British climate. There are usually plenty of tennis coaches hanging around the courts, too, so if you do feel like stepping up a gear, you can.
- Croydon Recreation Ground – Croydon, South London
South London represent. The tennis facilities at the Croydon Recreation Ground are amazing, considering they’re free – other than a one-off £25 cost to purchase a key fob to access the courts.
With 8 free courts available and an electronic booking system, you’re guaranteed to get a court with your mates when you want one.
- Bruce Castle Park – Tottenham, North London
Owned and operated by Pavillion Sports, these 7 courts at Bruce Castle Park in North London’s Tottenham have all been resurfaced, and are pretty much the prefect free tennis spot in the north of the capital.
Although the Local Tennis Leagues run the courts, with 7 available, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a space to play. And, if your housemates are busy and you want to play, you could always ask somebody at the league to play with you.
- Southwark Park – Bermondsey, East London
Hidden in amongst this gem of a park, you’ll find 2 high quality public tennis courts. Nestled between an attractive lake, a bowling green, football pitches and a children’s playground, you’ll be surrounded by a plethora of things to see and do, so don’t let that distract you from playing that perfect serve.
With Bermondsey tube station roughly 10 minutes away, your London flatshare has no excuses to get yourself out in the sunshine and onto the court.
