Listed: The best places to play tennis in Essex for those inspired by Wimbledon
The whack and thunk of hitting a tennis ball is a sound like no other, and the crisp smell of a fresh pack of the iconic yellow balls is unmatched.
The sport offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones, enhanced coordination and balance, weight management, and a positive effect on mental health.
Whether you're a seasoned tennis player or a complete novice, we've listed some great local spots to pick up a racket across Essex.
Play - Leisure World has spaces for several sporting activities (Image: Newsquest)
Leisure World Tennis Centre, Colchester
With six floodlit tarmac courts available to play tennis year round, visitors can pay for membership or hire by the hour.
Both experienced players and beginners can enjoy the game, with racket hire available.
Colchester Tennis Academy
This academy offers a junior programme with an extensive range of groups for four to 18-year-olds. It was born out of a simple idea: 'To bring high quality, accessible and affordable tennis to the entire community'.
Spring Lane Tennis Club, Colchester
This club welcomes players of all standards to join and fosters a modern, friendly, and "non-elitist" atmosphere. The club encourages new members and novices to join them and offers group coaching as well as club sessions.
Dedham Tennis Club
Offering club sessions on Sunday mornings, this club a few miles north of Colchester has three all-weather tennis courts. It is a community club in the heart of a beautiful village green offering tennis for all.
Support - Many clubs in Essex offer coaching and youth sessions (Image: Web)Braintree Lawn Tennis Club
This club, based in Clockhouse Way, is the self-proclaimed home of friendly tennis in Braintree.
Both adult and junior members can enjoy coaching, both in group sessions and individual lessons, as well as the social side of being part of a club.
Gosfield Lawn Tennis Club
Located about three miles north of Braintree, this club has four hard courts, two of which are floodlit.
Offering coaching for all ages and abilities, the club enters mens, ladies and mixed teams in local leagues during the summer.
Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens
These two courts are in the heart of the public gardens and offer a tranquil and picturesque setting for a summer game of tennis.
The courts can be booked online for £7 an hour and are open from 9am to 8pm from May through to August.
Health - Tennis offers a variety of health benefits (Image: Web)Baker Tennis Academy, Witham
This academy in Spinks Lane offers coaching for all ages and skill levels and 'fun whilst learning'. With games, drills, and a bit of competition, the team provides motivational, active and fun tennis coaching sessions to all.
Wickham Bishops Tennis Club
This club aims to create a positive and friendly environment where everyone feels welcome and inspired to improve their tennis skills.
Members for the club in Great Totham Road can meet new people, have fun, and improve their tennis game together.
Prested Real Tennis Club, Feering
Based at Prested Hall, this popular wedding venue boasts Real Tennis (sometimes known as Royal Tennis), Padel Tennis, and lawn tennis courts.
Real Tennis is an indoor racket sport originating from the Tudors, from which lawn tennis has evolved. Prested Hall has two of only 27 Real Tennis courts in the UK.
Earls Colne Tennis Club
Earls Colne Tennis Club is part of the Earls Colne Recreation Club. With four floodlit courts and a thriving mini and junior section, the club also offers family memberships for its members to play socially or competitively.
Maldon Tennis Club
The club in Park Drive is also run by Baker Tennis Academy and offers bookings for the courts in Promenade Park at £10 an hour for non-members.
Members can enjoy unlimited court bookings at no extra cost.
Scenic - Everyone can enjoy a game at Maldon Promenade Park's tennis courts (Image: Newsquest)Little Clacton Tennis Club
Members at this club vary considerably in ages and aspirations, with several mixed-in sessions every week to meet other members. The club also offers coaching and fun and serious tournaments throughout the year.
Clacton Leisure Centre
Tennis courts are available to book at this leisure centre, for £13.65 per adult.
Kirby Tennis Club
This club in Halstead Road is located at Kirby Playing Fields with four recently refurbished outdoor hard courts, with floodlights available on three courts.
The club encourages anyone in the area to come and try tennis.
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