How many padel courts are there in the UK in 2025? As of July 2025, the UK has 1,004 padel courts located at 325 venues nationwide. This upward trend reflects a major leap from the 68 courts available in 2019. With annual growth exceeding 100 courts per year since 2021, and peak expansions between 2023 and 2024, the sport has become one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the UK. According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), who governs padel in the UK, significant regional distributions are seen — especially in London & South East (297 courts) and South & South West (172 courts). In dit artikel ontdek je hoe het aantal padelterreinen zo explosief gestegen is, welke regio’s het snelst groeien, waar je een terrein kan vinden, en hoe investeringen en participatiecijfers deze groei beïnvloeden.
What is the current number of padel courts in the UK?
The number of padel courts in the UK is 1,004 as of July 2025. This data is verified by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the official governing body for padel in Britain. The courts are distributed across 325 venues, offering options for both recreational and competitive play.
How does this compare to previous years?
- 2019: 68 courts
- 2020: 113 courts
- 2021: 160 courts
- 2022: 262 courts
- 2023: 350 courts
- 2024: 893 courts
- 2025: 1,004 courts
The courts more than doubled between 2023 and 2024, marking the fastest growth in the sport’s history.
Where are these courts mainly located?
Regional distribution as reported July 2025:
Region | Number of Courts |
|---|---|
London & South East | 297 |
South & South West | 172 |
Midlands | 132 |
North of England | 104 |
Scotland | 95 |
North West | 89 |
Wales | 60 |
Northern Ireland | 55 |
What organisations are responsible for padel growth in the UK?
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is the primary governing body responsible for padel’s expansion. Commercial operators, such as Padel4All and Game4Padel, have contributed through private investment and facility development. The LTA has invested £6 million in padel infrastructure funding since 2019.
How many courts were LTA-supported?
Approximately 10% of padel courts in the UK were developed using LTA financial support schemes. These include grants for clubs, community groups, and schools to build public or semi-public courts.
What role do commercial operators play?
- Padel4All: Focuses on accessible venues in underserved regions.
- Game4Padel: Partners with leisure centers and tennis clubs.
- We Are Padel: Offers tech-integrated facilities at major urban centres.
How popular is padel in the UK in 2025?
In 2025, over 400,000 people (adults and juniors) played padel in the UK at least once in the previous 12 months. The participatory growth is attributed to its low skill threshold, social format, and infrastructure expansion.
What age groups are most active?
- 25–45 years: The most active demographic.
- 12–18 years: Second highest growth due to school programs and junior leagues.
- 50+ years: Notable interest from recreational players transitioning from tennis.
How often do players participate?
Among regular players:
- 48% play at least once per week
- 23% play twice per week or more
- 15% are first-time players or social participants playing monthly
What is the forecast for padel courts after 2025?
The LTA projects growth to 1,300 courts by end 2026. Continued private investment and local government partnerships aim to ensure >150 new courts annually.
What factors support this projection?
- Continued supplier interest (e.g., PadelCourts UK)
- Long waiting lists at current venues
- Integration with tennis venues via shared infrastructure
How much does it cost to build a padel court in the UK?
The average construction cost for a single outdoor padel court ranges from £30,000 to £50,000. Indoor courts can cost up to £70,000 due to roofing, lighting, and ventilation needs.
Which costs are included?
- Glass walls and metal frame
- Artificial turf and cushioning
- Floodlighting (for outdoor courts)
- Groundwork and fencing
Is financial support available?
Yes. The LTA Padel Grant Fund offers up to £250,000 per project to eligible venues, covering up to 50% of build costs, provided certain accessibility criteria are met.
Where can players find padel courts in their area?
Padel N Play provides a national directory for users to locate courts by city, region, or postcode. Filters include venue type, availability, surface type, and coaching options.
How accurate is real-time court availability?
Integrated APIs offer live booking schedules for more than 80% of listed venues, allowing players to secure slots and access coaching sessions online.
What types of padel venues exist in the UK?
The UK’s 325 padel venues include private clubs, public sports centres, commercial padel-only venues, and hybrid tennis-padels facilities.
Venue types based on ownership
Venue Type | % of Total Venues |
|---|---|
Tennis Clubs with padel courts | 42% |
Padel-specific commercial clubs | 29% |
Public leisure centres | 19% |
Community hubs and schools | 10% |
How many padel clubs are registered with the LTA?
By mid-2025, there are 150+ LTA-registered padel venues that meet national coaching, accessibility, and facility standards. These clubs qualify for development funding and participation in national rankings.
What are the requirements for LTA venue registration?
- Minimum court dimension compliance
- Insurance and legal standards
- Inclusive access and coaching infrastructure
- Accredited administrators and coaches
How does padel compare to other UK sports in growth rate?
Padel ranks among the top three fastest-growing sports in the UK as of 2025. It outpaces pickleball, squash, and table tennis in court expansion and year-on-year participation.
Which sports are declining or stagnant?
- Squash: Losing venues annually since 2014
- Tennis: Stable, slower growth after pandemic surge
- Badminton: Participation declining due to venue closures
What sustainable practices are used in padel court construction?
Many new venues incorporate solar panels, low-energy LED lighting, and recycled turf. BREEAM-compliant designs are rising in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham.
Which UK padel projects held sustainability certificates?
Examples include the GreenSport Padel Centre in Leeds, awarded for its zero-emission build, and Game4Padel’s London projects featuring recycled glass wall systems.
In 2025, the UK reached 1,004 padel courts across 325 venues, affirmed by data from the Lawn Tennis Association. This explosive growth is tied to increased investment, participant demand, and regional expansions, particularly in London, South East, and South West. Public-private partnerships, inclusive infrastructure funding, and platforms like Padel N Play are making it easier than ever to access courts nationwide. With projections targeting 1,300 courts by 2026, the UK’s padel boom shows no signs of slowing.