Padel Courts in Cambridge (2026): Where to Play
Where to play padel in Cambridge in 2026: PDL Padel United, the University Sports Centre and more, plus costs, booking and how to get started.
Cambridge went from no padel courts to four venues in barely two years, and unusually for a new scene, two of them are open to anyone without a membership. This guide covers where to play in and around Cambridge in 2026, what it costs, how to book, and how to get started.
Which are the main Cambridge padel venues?
PDL Padel United at Orchard Park - the newest and largest public option, with four outdoor courts (three doubles and one singles) at the Orchard Park development north of the city (CB24). It opened in February 2026 and is fully pay-and-play, so no membership or gym contract is needed; Orchard Park residents get a 20% discount. Books through MATCHi.
University of Cambridge Sports Centre - two outdoor courts on Philippa Fawcett Drive, open to the public as well as students and staff. Intro sessions are just £5 per person with racket hire included, booked through the CamUniSport app. Optional padel membership is £15 per month or £150 per year.
David Lloyd Cambridge - three outdoor courts at Coldham's Business Park, available to members on the Platinum tier rather than to casual visitors.
St Ives Golf Club - two outdoor courts on Needingworth Road in peaceful surroundings, a handy option for players to the west of Cambridge. Contact the club directly for current pricing and access.
Indoor or outdoor padel in Cambridge?
Every court in Cambridge is outdoor. The city's padel scene arrived recently and was built outdoors from the start, rather than inheriting the indoor halls of older scenes. The courts are floodlit, so evening play works year-round, but heavy rain can pause a session. If guaranteed all-weather play matters to you, it is worth checking covered venues further afield in the region before booking.
What do Cambridge courts cost and how do you book?
Cambridge is one of the more affordable places to try padel. The University of Cambridge Sports Centre runs £5 intro sessions with a racket included, which is among the cheapest entry points anywhere in the country (details on the university's own padel page). At PDL Padel United and most other venues, expect roughly £8 to £14 per person for a 90-minute session split between four players. Booking is online: PDL Padel United uses MATCHi, while the university uses its CamUniSport app. If you do not own a racket, the university includes hire in its intro price, and most venues rent bats out so you can simply turn up and play.
How do you get started with padel in Cambridge?
Pick a venue
Start with the University of Cambridge Sports Centre for the cheapest intro sessions, or PDL Padel United at Orchard Park for the most courts and easiest pay-and-play access.
Download the booking app
Set up a free MATCHi account for PDL Padel United, or the CamUniSport app for the university courts. Both show live availability and let you book in a couple of taps.
Hire a racket if you need one
You do not need your own gear to start. The university includes racket hire in its £5 intro session, and most venues rent bats and sell balls on site.
Bring three friends or join a session
Padel is doubles only, so you need four players. If you cannot fill a court, look for beginner-friendly social sessions, which are the easiest way to get a first game.
Frequently asked questions
Q01Where can you play padel in Cambridge?
Q02How much does padel cost in Cambridge?
Q03Do you need to be a student to play padel at the University of Cambridge?
Q04Are there indoor padel courts in Cambridge?
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