The health benefits of participating in any physical sporting activity are well known. Playing a game of tennis can improve your cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, mental agility and wellbeing. The game is sociable, can be enjoyed by any age and ability and can consist of a gentle knock about with friends or a more competitive singles or doubles match.
If you fancy yourself as the next Roger Federer or Serena Williams the English Riviera has Lawn Tennis Association regulated clubs, excellent free community facilities and a top-class hotel with a tennis court. The English Riviera coastline and scenery provides the perfect setting to get some practice in.
South Devon has a wide choice of well-equipped, state of the art sports facilities across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and the English Riviera’s mild climate is perfect for outdoor play all year-round. There are indoor tennis courts too. Whether you’re looking for tennis lessons in Torbay, a Members Club for a mix of sport and social fun or a Pay and Play option there’s plenty to choose.
An Ace!
Torquay Tennis Club
Founded in 1932, Torquay Tennis Club has superb facilities and has hosted a number of former tennis greats including Tim Henman, Andy Murray, David Lloyd and Paignton’s very own, Sue Barker MBE. The club runs one of the country’s leading tennis tournaments, the annual Torbay Open Tennis, which started in 1887.
Indoor tennis courts Torquay
There are 5 artificial clay courts, 4 artificial grass courts and 3 excellent indoor tennis courts. Two special mini tennis courts provide hours of entertainment for young players, and visitors of all ages will receive a very warm welcome here. Torquay Tennis Club also has a friendly and attractive clubhouse and a fully licenced bar with a wide selection of food and drinks on the menu. There’s a large terrace so you can relax in the sunshine after your game.
Non-members are welcome to hire the indoor and outdoor courts and can join the Pay and Play tennis coaching sessions which are held throughout the year. Torquay Tennis Club is ideally located within a couple of minutes’ stroll of Torquay Seafront and local amenities.
Advantage!
Based in Babbacombe in Torquay, Cary Park Tennis Club is a friendly, community-based club run entirely by local volunteers. There are over 220 club members with teams that enter amateur local leagues and run singles and doubles tennis tournaments. There are also junior holiday camps for those budding future Wimbledon champions.
The Club’s aim is to offer first class facilities and conditions at an affordable price, making tennis accessible to the whole community. Guests and non-members are welcome to hire the courts, tennis rackets and balls and TLA standard coaching. There are 6 all-weather hardcourts, two equipped with floodlighting for use in the winter months, plus a picnic patio area and putting green.
The picturesque district of St Marychurch and the delightful Babbacombe Downs are close by for some post-match refreshments and shopping.
A Winning Serve!
Brixham and Churston Tennis Club
This tennis club is based in Churston Ferrers, on the outskirts of Brixham. There are 2 outdoor floodlit courts, a clubhouse and changing rooms. Tours of the club are available to find out more about the facilities and club activities with options to Pay and Play or take out a membership. Tennis coaching and instruction is available on weekday evenings and Sunday mornings during term times.
A Grand Slam!
Situated on Belgrave Road close to the seafront in Torquay, Torre Abbey Leisure Park has 10 tennis courts to hire. This has to be one of the finest locations on the English Riviera for playing a friendly game with stunning lush green surroundings, spectacular sea views and a 12th Century historic building and museum close by.
It’s open all year round from 9am (10am during the winter months) until dusk, with equipment hire and a restringing service available. Lawn Tennis Association qualified pro coaches can provide individual and group tennis coaching to suit all ages and abilities so the whole family can play and learn.
Free Tennis Court Facilities - St Mary’s Park, Brixham
For keen tennis players in Brixham this is the main facility for the town. Located close to St Mary’s Church in Upton Manor Drive, Higher Brixham there are 4 tennis courts which are free to use and open all year. These are outdoor hardcourts without lighting so great for playing during daylight hours or on a balmy summer’s evening. Within 8 acres of recreation ground there are also bowling greens, football pitches, a pavilion and plenty of open green space for children to play.
Winning the set!
Upton Park, Torquay
In the very heart of Torquay, you’ll find Upton Park. The Park has 1 outdoor tennis court which is open all year and free to use. The site is managed by ‘The Friends of Upton Park’ a community group of local volunteers who play an important role in developing and preserving the landscape. There is plenty of green space with attractive flower displays and cultivated plants as a pleasant backdrop whilst you play. The area is also home to a bowling club, basketball and football courts, fitness equipment and a children’s play area.
Due to its central location the site has been used for outdoor events and performances during the warmer months so you’ll find plenty going on around you. A dog exclusion order is in place in some parts of the park so do check beforehand if you are planning to take your four-legged friend along.
Game, Set, Match!
Victoria Park, Paignton
Close to Paignton town centre and a short walking distance from the seafront there are 2 free tennis courts which are open all year.
Top Ranked!
This elegant Victorian four-star hotel in Torquay has an outdoor tennis court for staying guests to use. Perched on the cliffside there are breath taking panoramic views across the English Riviera and the South Devon coastline to enjoy during and post match.