Padel is growing fast in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. It’s social, easy to pick up, and backed by major support. Here’s a quick look at where it started, and how it’s taken off across Britain.
What’s driving the buzz
Padel is booming in the UK because it’s fun, social, and easy to pick up. It’s a sport people can jump into quickly, whether they’re after fitness, community, or just something new to try. If you’re new and want to get started yourself, here’s a simple guide on how to play padel.
Social and community appeal
Most padel games are doubles, which makes it ideal for socialising. Clubs often go beyond the court too, with cafés, events, and leagues that turn matches into proper outings.
Mixed sessions and local groups make it easy to find someone to play with. That’s part of what makes padel more than a sport. It’s a social activity people enjoy coming back to.
Easy to learn and inclusive
Padel uses solid rackets, underarm serves, and smaller courts. This setup makes it simple to learn, even if you’ve never played tennis or squash.
Clubs and the LTA offer beginner sessions and coaching. It’s a low-impact sport too, which is great for families, older adults, or anyone easing into fitness.
Health and fitness benefits
Padel gets your heart rate up without being too hard on your joints. The game involves short sprints, side steps, and quick reactions. That mix builds endurance, balance, and sharp thinking.
There’s also a competitive side if you want it. Local leagues and tournaments offer a challenge for players who want to test their skills.
How padel compares to tennis and squash
Padel appeals to casual players and families thanks to its smaller courts, simpler rules, and social style of play.
Padel vs tennis
Padel courts are smaller and surrounded by walls, allowing for longer rallies and more creative play. Serves are underarm, which makes games more accessible to beginners. Tennis, with its larger courts and overarm serves, can feel tougher to get into if you’re new. For a full breakdown of the differences, check out our article on padel vs tennis.
Padel vs squash
Squash is played indoors on fully enclosed courts and demands fast reactions in tight spaces. Padel is more about positioning and teamwork. It’s easier on the body and more social, since most matches are doubles.
Why beginners choose padel
Padel has a gentle learning curve. The smaller court and wall rebounds help beginners rally sooner. It’s ideal for people who want a sport that’s active but not too intense.
Watchability and appeal
Modern padel courts use transparent walls, making them great for spectators and TV coverage. This visibility has helped boost the sport’s profile and made it more attractive to new players.
Where it’s heading
Padel is growing fast across the UK. More people are playing, more courts are opening, and the sport is showing up in everything from local leagues to national news.
A sport on the rise
The Lawn Tennis Association calls padel one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports. British players like Aimee Gibson and Christian Medina Murphy are making their mark. More events, more coverage, and more players all point to a sport that’s here to stay.
More courts, more chances to play
Padel courts are quick to build and don’t need much space. That’s why you’re seeing them pop up in car parks, clubs, and even unused urban spots.
By the end of 2024, there were 893 padel courts across 300 venues in Great Britain. As of February 2025, the LTA had invested over £6 million in the sport’s growth. This includes about £4.5 million dedicated to developing 80 courts across 42 venues, which alone make up around 10% of the nation’s total courts. These investments are driving growth in beginner sessions, leagues, indoor play, and community access.
If you’re curious about the numbers, here’s what it actually costs to build a padel court in the UK.
FAQ
Why is padel so popular in the UK?
Padel is social, easy to learn, and growing fast. It’s mostly played in doubles, making it ideal for groups. With simple rules and low-impact movement, it appeals to players of all ages.
How many people play padel in the UK?
Over 400,000 adults and juniors in Great Britain played padel in 2024, according to the LTA’s latest figures. That’s a big jump from just 15,000 in 2019.
Is padel easy to get into?
Yes. With underarm serves, simple rules, and shorter courts, most beginners rally quickly. The LTA and local clubs also offer coaching and starter sessions.
What are the fitness benefits of padel?
Padel is a low-impact cardio workout. It improves agility, balance, and reflexes. You’ll get a solid sweat on without heavy strain on your joints.
How does padel compare to tennis or squash?
Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts and surrounded by walls, which makes rallies longer and more strategic. It’s easier on the body than squash and more accessible to beginners than tennis.
How is padel growing in the UK?
Padel is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports. By early 2025, there were 893 courts at 300 venues. More facilities are being built thanks to public and private investment.
What should beginners know about padel gear and courts?
Padel rackets are solid and stringless. Balls are similar to tennis but slightly lower in pressure. Courts are smaller, with glass or mesh walls that keep rallies going and make the game more tactical.
