Celebrating the centenary of Centre Court, this year’s Wimbledon Championships (27 June-10 July 2022) are set to be particularly special. If you’re feeling inspired to practise your serve, then look no further than these dreamy tennis holidays across the UK.
Tennis and cocktails for up to ten people and your pooch – North Wales, from £186 pp
If you’re looking for an opportunity to play tennis whatever the weather, you’re guaranteed as many games as you like at Three Borders Barn (sleeps ten, plus two dogs), a luxury barn conversion with a fabulous indoor tennis court which can also be used for badminton and football. Set within 40 acres of grassland 13 miles from Chester, the property has spacious social areas including a cocktail bar complete with feature lighting, an impressive glassware collection, shakers, drinks fridge and sink.
How much: A seven-night self-catering stay costs from £186 pp (£1,854 total). £20 supplement per dog. (www.holidaycottages.co.uk).
Hazy, lazy, Sussex summer days perfecting your serve – from £269 on
Bailiffscourt Tennis courts close-up
The country house hotel gardens of bucolic West Sussex are made for idyllic summer stays, working on your rally, with the promise of a cooling aperitif in the sunshine afterwards. Tucked away in the hotel’s lavender-filled grounds, the two well-maintained tennis courts at Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, near Arundel in West Sussex, are perfect for those who prefer to play without an audience. Post-match, stroll through the private parkland to Climping Beach and dip your toes English waters this summer or find serenity in the spa. From £269 per room per night (two sharing), including breakfast and use of the tennis courts and spa. Park House Hotel in Midhurst, boasts two championship standard grass courts, in immaculate condition with far-reaching views across the West Sussex countryside. After a game, make the most of the hotel’s wellness facilities with indoor and outdoor pool, saunas and treatment rooms.
How much: The hotel offers an ‘Ace Your Stay’ tennis package for £208 per room per night (two sharing) including breakfast and full tennis and spa use. (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Summer-set in Somerset – 7-night self-catering (take your pooch) from £458 pp with Canine Cottages
For a romantic summer staycation with the promise of plenty of tennis, The Tractor Barn – Orchard Farm (sleeps two, plus two dogs), near Taunton, is a beautiful barn conversion with access to a shared tennis court. Situated in one of Somerset’s prettiest hamlets and just outside one of its most sought-after villages, attention to detail in the property is impeccable. Plus, its central location is perfect for visiting both coastlines, including pretty Watchet to the north and Seaton and Sidmouth to the south.
How much: A seven-night self-catering stay in July or August costs from £458pp (£916 total). £20 supplement per dog. Visit Canine Cottages (www.caninecottages.co.uk).
Cornish tennis hotels with coastal views – from £312 per night
The Nare Hotel
Try your hand at The Nare’s En-Tout-Cas-designed tennis court, set in sub-tropical gardens with gently swaying palm trees, in a prime spot overlooking Carne Beach on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula. After a few sets of tennis, cool off in the outdoor pool, recline in the hot tub or charter Alice Rose, the hotel’s classic motor launch, to explore the waterways nearby.
How much: From £312 per room per night (two sharing), including breakfast and use of the tennis court. (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Game, set and match in Gertrude Jekyll grounds – from £225 per night at Tylney Hall Hotel, Hampshire
Tylney Hall aerial
Sitting in 66 acres of countryside near Hook, Hampshire, Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens is a grand Victorian Grade II listed house with the longest uninterrupted view in Hampshire, lined by giant Redwoods.
The hard tennis courts at Tylney Hall are surrounded by the beautiful Gertrude Jekyll-designed gardens, and there is a range of activities to choose from including an outdoor pool within a private walled garden, snooker, archery, clay pigeon shooting and hot air ballooning.
How much: Stay overnight from £225 per room (two sharing) including breakfast. See full review here.