A man on a tennis court about to hit a ball with a tennis racket A man on a tennis court about to hit a ball with a tennis racket

The best tennis courts in Manchester

Whether you're a budding tennis player or a seasoned pro, Manchester has plenty of spots to perfect your serve. We've handpicked our favourite tennis courts across the city and in the suburbs, catering to all skill levels so you can enjoy the sport for yourself. It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or have been playing for years; there are courts available for everyone. Here's our guide to the best tennis courts in Manchester so you can channel your inner Serena Williams or Rafael Nadal without having to venture too far.

In this guide
  1. Where to play tennis in Manchester
    1. Alexandra Park – Four outdoor courts
    2. Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens – Tennis and tea rooms
    3. Manchester Tennis & Racquets Club – A historical tennis spot
    4. The Northern – Every racket sport
    5. Cheetham Park – A scenic park with tennis courts
    6. David Lewis Recreation Ground – Tennis near David Lewis Recreation Ground
    7. Debdale Park – Brand-new tennis courts
    8. Gartside Gardens – Sprawling park with courts
    9. Kirkup Gardens – Courts in the suburbs
    10. Ladybarn Park – Plenty to enjoy
    11. Blackley Recreation Ground – A sporting hub

Where to play tennis in Manchester

Manchester's best tennis courtt

Alexandra Park

Four outdoor courts

Alexandra Park is a 60-acre space that has been welcoming visitors since 1870. This beloved park, locally known as Alex Park, caters to tennis enthusiasts with its four outdoor tennis courts, which can be booked in advance. There are also football and cricket pitches, games areas, a beautifully planted garden and terrace, a fishing lake, an orchard, and play areas for children of various ages. Visitors can also enjoy snacks and drinks at the on-site café.

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens

Tennis and tea rooms

Fletcher Moss is a beautiful botanical garden in Manchester that has a rich history spanning centuries. Not only is it home to a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers, but Fletcher Moss also features four outdoor, floodlit clay tennis courts that are accessible to everyone and affordably priced. Volunteers help maintain the park, which also hosts activities such as trails and guided walks. Enjoy a drink and a snack from the park's tea room post-match.

Manchester Tennis & Racquets Club

A historical tennis spot

The Manchester Tennis & Racquets Club on Blackfriars Road in Salford is a membership club established in 1880 during the Victorian era, where you can play 'real tennis' and 'racquets,' the predecessors of modern lawn tennis and squash. The club's decor, with velvet-covered chairs and mounted stag heads, reflects its heritage. Despite its historical roots, the club also offers contemporary racket sports such as padel and pickleball.

The Northern

Every racket sport

The Northern is a contemporary sports hub that caters to racket sports enthusiasts of all kinds. It's located in Didsbury and boasts 23 tennis courts, six squash courts, and two covered padel courts, along with a fully kitted-out gym and fitness studio. Coaching is available for all ages and skill levels, whether you're a beginner or a pro. The venue also hosts regular tournaments and events and you can enjoy food and drinks at the on-site café, open throughout the day

Cheetham Park

A scenic park with tennis courts

Cheetham Park in Manchester was once generously donated to the town and transformed into a public park. Today, it features scenic riverside walks, historic woodlands, and expansive open spaces alongside well-maintained lawns and pathways. The park is a favourite among families and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting excellent children's play areas and free-to-use tennis courts.

David Lewis Recreation Ground

Tennis near David Lewis Recreation Ground

David Lewis Recreation Ground is a beloved community park located near the scenic Boggart Hole Clough. It boasts a well-equipped children's play area, a meticulously maintained bowling green, and a tennis court, which is free to book online, making it popular with young families and dog walkers alike. 

Debdale Park

Brand-new tennis courts

Debdale Park was honoured with a Green Flag Award in 2014 and features a variety of sports and leisure activities. It hosts popular events like an annual bonfire night, a family carol service, and an Easter egg hunt. The park boasts horticultural areas, including rockery, herb, and rose gardens. There are also tennis courts that underwent a major refurbishment in 2024. The nearby Debdale Outdoor Centre also offers numerous water-based activities.

Gartside Gardens

Sprawling park with courts

Gartside Gardens is a sprawling, tree-lined park ideal for picnics and leisurely activities. This lush green space boasts a well-maintained fitness path for jogging and walking, as well as basketball and tennis courts for sporty people. Gartside Gardens is perfect for relaxation, strolling, and trying your hand at a game of tennis. Tennis courts are free to use but must be booked in advance.

Kirkup Gardens

Courts in the suburbs

Kirkup Gardens is near the heart of Wythenshawe in the suburbs of Manchester and functions as a popular community park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, with well-maintained tennis courts, a versatile multi-use games area, and a fun children's playground. The park's excellent facilities make it a popular destination for families, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind and enjoy some time away from the city hustle and bustle.

Ladybarn Park

Plenty to enjoy

Ladybarn Park, situated in the suburbs of Manchester near the centre of Withington, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This small park features a skate park, bowling green, and children's playground, along with a multi-use sports area and tennis courts. The tennis courts are free to use but must be booked in advance.

Blackley Recreation Ground

A sporting hub

Blackley Recreational Ground in Manchester offers a variety of sporting options for everyone to enjoy. With a football pitch, tennis courts, and a basketball court, it's ideal for both organised matches and casual games. You can purchase a tennis pass to easily book the courts out in advance online.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.