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Where to watch, play and travel for tennis this year  

BY Olivia Kenyon

Escapes

Where to watch, play and travel for tennis this year  

Below we’ve rounded up the best places to watch Wimbledon this year, that doesn’t include Centre Court or your living room.

BY Olivia Kenyon

26th June 2023

Wimbledon fever starting to sink in? Us too. Below we’ve rounded up the best places to watch Wimbledon this year, that doesn’t include Centre Court or your living room, as well as the best and most exclusive places to play yourself, plus the Villas to travel to this summer that host their very own tennis courts.

Keep scrolling.  

WHERE TO WATCH 

tennis

If you haven’t managed to cop yourself some tickets for Wimbledon this year, rest-assured there are plenty of other ways to feel like you’re at Centre Court, while hopefully catching some sun at the same time. Here are some alternatives of where to watch the matches that aren’t your local pub.

Duke of York Square

watch, play and travel for tennis this year

Hosting ‘Strawberries and Screen’, Duke of York square, situated right next to the Saatchi Gallery, is the perfect central spot to watch the Wimbledon action over the finals weekend. You can book VIP tickets online now ­– note that tickets are complimentary but there is a £5 recommended charity donation which goes towards the Kensington & Chelsea foundation.

https://dukeofyorksquare.com/wimbledon-booking 

St James’ Market 

watch, play and travel for tennis this year

Just south of Piccadilly Circus, between Haymarket and Regent Street, St James’ Market’s outdoor screen is the ultimate location to sit back and enjoy the tournament. Seats are free and there’s no need to book, but the best part is you’re surrounded by all the local amenities like The Beau or Aquavit’s al fresco terrace.

https://stjameslondon.co.uk/events/st-jamess-market-wimbledon-screenings

Covent Garden 

watch, play and travel for tennis this year

Set with the iconic Piazza background, at Covent Garden you can watch the game while enjoying an ice cold Pimm’s or strawberries and cream from The Crepe Stop. Not to mention, you’re a stone’s throw away from Polo Ralph Lauren,if you’re suddenly inspired by the tennis stars’ attire.

 https://www.coventgarden.london/wimbledon-in-covent-garden/

WHERE TO PLAY

watch, play and travel for tennis this year

Decided now’s the time to dust of your tennis skills? Luckily, there’s plenty of places right here in London where you can pick up a racket and begin practicing your serve. Below we’ve rounded up some of our team’s favourites.  

The Hurlingham Club, Fulham  

Since opening in 1869, The Hurlingham Club in Fulham has offered some of the finest sports and social facilities to its members ­– notably including the Prince and Princess of Wales. And, not only does it boast some of the best tennis lawns London has to offer, adjacent to the River Thames no less, it also hosts the stately Georgian Clubhouse – regarded as the birthplace of polo, if you’re into that too. 

https://hurlinghamclub.org.uk/hurlingham-home 

Holland Park Lawn Tennis

With eight courts in total – five all-weather and three grass – the club is set in the quiet, secluded grounds close to Holland Park Avenue, and is known for being a private sports club favoured by Notting Hill’s rich and famous. The Club currently has a long waiting list for all membership categories, but from what we’ve heard, it seems well worth it. 

https://hollandparkltc.co.uk/

Queens Club, West Kensington 

With the courts labelled as “arguably the best in the world,” by Andy Roddick, Queens Club in West Kensington should be at the top of everyone’s tennis list. Notable members include Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, and with the club giving honorary life membership to the winners of the Queen’s Club Championships, so who knows who you could catch on the court.  

https://www.queensclub.co.uk/

WHERE TO TRAVEL

But if the British weather is a little too unpredictable, why hunt for the public courts when you can book a villa with your very own? With the perfect blend of style and sport, our collection has been chosen for those who are serious about their game. The best part is you can always dip in the pool for a cool off afterwards. Here are some of our Villa specialist Olivia’s favourites.  

Villa Erato, Corfu

This spacious villa has been designed to accommodate the whole family. With light, airy, elegant interiors, it is set over multiple layers with intricate detailing and stunning landscaping – this is a far cry from an ordinary holiday villa. Below, lies the 17m infinity pool, with sun loungers and a wooden gazebo: an inviting space to relax in the shade. Then there is plenty to keep everyone entertained, from badminton to ping pong and table football, as well as the shared tennis court and direct access to the beach below the house.  

Villa Korali Corfu 

At Villa Korali you’ll find 8 contemporary, comfortable bedrooms, each with private terraces and their own en-suite bathroom. The Villa has direct view of the large pool, the sea and the surrounding terraces. The pool has a total water surface of 350m2, enough for both kids as well as adults to play, relax and enjoy the sun. Amenities of Villa Korali also include table tennis, a foosball table, pool table, gym area overlooking the bay of Apraos and of course, a tennis court.  

Nomios Villa, Kea

The house is situated on top of a hill, on a 10,000m2 private plot of land with unobstructed views across the Aegean Sea. On a clear day you can see across to Mykonos and the other Cycladic islands. Its lovely al fresco outdoor dining area and the infinity pool are a rather realistic extension of the bright blue waters that dominate the views. There is an outdoor kitchen, which has a wood oven, pizza oven and BBQ. The villa also boasts a tennis court and heli pad and in the basement of the house, a gym, table tennis and yoga area. As well as a steam room and massage room, there is a well-stocked wine cellar. 

Explore more of our villas with tennis courts here 

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