How Much Does Padel Cost in the UK?

Court hire is your main ongoing cost. In London, expect to pay between 30 and 60 GBP per hour depending on the club and time slot. Outside the capital — places like Manchester, Bristol, or Leeds — rates tend to sit between 20 and 40 GBP.

Peak hours (weekday evenings after 5pm, weekends before noon) command the highest prices. Off-peak slots are often 30 to 50 percent cheaper, and some clubs run weekday morning rates below 20 GBP.

The key thing people forget: padel is always doubles. A 40 GBP court split four ways is 10 GBP each for an hour of sport. That's less than a gym class and considerably more fun.

Indoor courts carry a premium — typically 10 to 20 GBP more per hour than outdoor equivalents at the same club. The extra cost covers heating, lighting, and the building itself.

Whether that premium is worth it depends on when you play. In summer, outdoor courts are perfectly fine and significantly cheaper. From November to March, indoor courts go from a luxury to a necessity for most players. A handful of clubs offer covered outdoor courts, which split the difference on both price and weather protection.

Monthly memberships at UK padel clubs range from about 30 to 80 GBP. In return, you get discounted court rates (usually 20 to 40 percent off), priority booking windows, and access to club leagues or social events. Annual commitments knock a further 10 to 15 percent off.

The break-even point is usually around two sessions per week. If you play less than that, pay-and-play is probably better value. If you play more, membership pays for itself quickly.

Some clubs also sell block-booking packages — 10 or 20 hours at a discounted rate — which suit players who want savings without a monthly commitment.

You need very little to start. A beginner racket costs 40 to 80 GBP. Balls run about 5 to 8 GBP for a tin of three (clubs usually provide them for casual play). Any pair of trainers with reasonable grip will do initially — dedicated padel shoes (60 to 120 GBP) are worth considering once you're playing regularly, but they're not essential on day one.

Most clubs rent rackets for 3 to 5 GBP per session. If you're trying the sport for the first time, renting makes far more sense than buying.

Group sessions typically run 10 to 20 GBP per person for an hour, depending on group size and the coach. Private lessons cost more — 40 to 70 GBP per hour — but you'll improve faster.

Many clubs run structured beginner courses: four to six weekly sessions designed to take you from your first swing to competitive social play. These are usually the best entry point if you're new. Padel technique is different enough from tennis that even experienced racquet sport players benefit from a few coached sessions early on.

The simplest way to save money is to avoid peak hours. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are consistently the cheapest slots, and courts are easier to book at short notice.

Club social sessions — sometimes called mix-ins or Americanos — are another good option. You pay a flat fee (often 10 to 15 GBP per person), the club provides balls and organises the matches, and you play with whoever turns up. Good for your wallet and your social game.

Beyond that: get a membership if you play twice a week or more, buy a mid-range racket rather than renting every time, and keep an eye out for introductory offers. Most clubs run them, especially newer ones trying to build their membership base.