What Is Padel and Why Is It Becoming Popular?
Padel is a fast-paced racquet sport that combines elements of Tennis, Squash and Pickleball. Played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, it’s easy to learn, highly social, and addictive for players of all ages.
Already hugely popular in Spain and Latin America, Padel is now making waves in the UK. With participation rising, courts being built across the country, and investment flooding in, it’s tipped to become one of Britain’s fastest-growing sports.
⚡ Padel Popularity Stats in the UK
• Padel players in the UK rose from 15,000 in 2019 to 400,000 in 2024.
• Regular players doubled from 23,000 in 2023 to 51,000 in 2025.
• The number of padel courts rose from 68 in 2019 to 1,004 in July 2025, distributed across 325 venues nationwide.
• Awareness of padel among adults reached 43% of the population
• The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has invested more than £6 million into padel development
How Popular Is Padel in the UK Right Now?
Padel has seen explosive growth in the UK over the past few years. Player numbers have jumped from 15,000 in 2019 to 400,000 in 2024.
Globally, more than 30 million people now play Padel, and the UK is quickly catching up with countries like Spain, Italy, and Sweden in terms of adoption.
How Many Padel Courts Are There in the UK?
One of the clearest signs of growth is the number of courts available. As of February 2025, the UK has 1004 Padel courts, across 350 different Padel venues.
Courts are concentrated in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, but new facilities are appearing across the country. Tennis clubs, gyms, and leisure centres are adding Padel courts, while dedicated Padel clubs are opening in growing numbers.
Why Is Padel Growing So Fast in the UK?
Several factors explain why padel is gaining momentum:
- Easy to learn: Beginners can pick up the basics quickly, with scoring rules similar to Tennis.
- Social: Always played in doubles, it’s built around teamwork and fun.
- Fitness-friendly: A great workout, but less intense than squash or full-court tennis.
- On-trend: The UK is embracing social sports and experiences, and padel fits perfectly into this movement.
What Challenges Does Padel Face in the UK?
Despite its rise, Padel still faces challenges. The biggest is availability, with only 1004 courts nationwide, demand often outstrips supply.
Other barriers include the cost of building facilities and the need for more official recognition and structured competition to sustain long-term growth.
Where Can You Play Padel in the UK?
If you’re new to the sport, finding a local court is the best way to start. Many tennis clubs, gyms, and leisure centres now have Padel courts.
Dedicated padel clubs are also appearing in major cities, and community “try padel” sessions are increasingly available.
Conclusion: Will Padel Keep Growing in the UK?
Padel is no longer just a niche sport – it’s becoming a mainstream option for fitness, fun, and community.
With rising player numbers, more courts being built, and growing media attention, the sport is set to become one of the fastest-growing activities in Britain.
For anyone looking to try something new, padel is a sport worth getting involved in now – before the boom truly takes off.
