Edgwarebury Park Tennis Courts - Premier Tennis Barnet

Edgwarebury Park, in Edgware, holds two tennis courts across 22 hectares of old parkland. A manor stood on this land in 1216, surrounded by oaks and hedgerows. The land was once part of the Manor of Earlsbury, recorded under the reign of King John, and locals now play here while mistle thrushes and great spotted woodpeckers move through the trees. The courts run on community rather than competition.

Edgware is a suburb in Greater London's Borough of Barnet, home to families, commuters, and nature lovers. Edgwarebury Park sits at its edge, with the tennis courts bordered by Edgware Way and Edgwarebury Lane. On an autumn morning you might find retirees rallying near the wild service trees that mark hedgerows dating back centuries. Families come over from the nearby playground, and birdwatchers stop to watch a good lob. People of all ages play across grounds that include ornamental gardens and Edgwarebury Brook.

The Northern line's Edgware station is a 20-minute walk away, or take the 32 bus from Brent Cross. Cyclists come in via the quiet lanes, and drivers park free along Edgware Way, though spaces fill fast on weekends. Since the pandemic, the courts have drawn people who moved out from pricier central London and want outdoor time close to home.

Premier Tennis Barnet runs these two courts, part of Barnet's 58 public facilities that mix free access, bookings, and pay-and-play. Book a slot through the LTA's online portal, often free for residents or a modest fee at peak times. You can walk on during quieter days, but demand is rising, so reserve ahead through the LTA app.

Winter play calls for layers against the damp, but the all-weather surfaces hold up, even after rain swells Edgwarebury Brook. The flat courts suit beginners, with room around them for drills or casual play. You'll find a mix of abilities, from club players working on serves to parents teaching kids the forehand, plus fresh air and few crowds.

Park at Edgware Way for the shortest walk to the courts; arrive early, since overflow means a longer hedge-lined trek. Barnet Council patrols the park, paths are well lit, and the grounds hold designation as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. London's drizzle can slick the courts, so pack a towel and check the forecast.

The park's cafe serves coffee and cake, or walk five minutes to Edgware High Street, where you can get a flat white at an indie roastery or a falafel wrap from a family-run deli. After a game, the ornamental lake and the pinetum planted in the '80s make a good loop to end on.

Solo players don't have to wait courtside. Doyouplay lets you browse Edgwarebury's players by skill level, schedule, or style, free and with no strings. Find a 4.0 player open on Tuesday evenings, start a 1:1 chat, confirm a hit, and you're set. One Barnet newcomer matched with a local coach within hours. It's a direct way to find partners at these courts, even if you've not played in a while.