Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


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<p>Two different sports, two different rules, and of course, only one winner. Each has a cult following in its own right, offering different types of game play, tactics, and health benefits. In the UK, popularity of the two sports has absolutely soared. Take padel for instance. In the past year participation has trebled, with LTA figures showing 400,000 adults and juniors took part at least once in the preceding 12 months. While pickleball hasn’t quite taken off with the Brits in the same way it has over the pond in America, it still boasts a respectable 55,000 players in the UK. So what exactly are they? Let’s dive in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-difference">What’s the difference?</h2>



<p>Well, the racket for a start. Padel racquets are like big bats, slightly smaller than a tennis racquet and surprisingly light. They are made of either carbon fibre or fibreglass, whereas pickleball uses a thin plastic racquet with a different sized head. While they both use a ball, that is different too. Padel balls are like less pressurised tennis balls, meanwhile the pickleball is entirely plastic meaning it doesn’t bounce anywhere near as high.</p>



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<p>A result of the less bouncy ball is that pickleball courts are smaller with a lower net and boundary lines more similar to badminton. Pickleball also has a no volley zone near the net to avoid someone literally standing there and pelting the ball like King Kong. The glaringly big difference though is the fact padel courts are surrounded by glass walls which can be used to play off (a little like squash). Cue the nail biting rallies. There’s more of a knack to it than you’d think.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-rules">What are the rules?</h2>



<p>In essence, yes, you have to hit the ball over the net. And while you can play singles for both sports, padel is primarily a double act (it’s an absolute killer going solo FYI). Both use a scoring system of points with the aim to win games, sets, and matches. However, how those points are counted is different. Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis – 15, 30, 40, game.</p>



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<p>Pickleball is a different kettle of fish, with a totally unique scoring system which sees only the serving team being able to score points and is played to 11. You must win by two clear points. Keeping up?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-easier">What’s easier?</h2>



<p>The short answer is: neither. Sorry to burst your bubble, but both require a need to move in order to get around the court. But that being said, padel and pickleball can be enjoyed by absolute anyone of any age. The health benefits are pretty staggering – helping improve cardio fitness, agility and hand-eye coordination. Both require strategic teamwork to take the crown, making them both super social sports and a great way to make new friends.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-can-you-play-in-dorset-somerset-and-bristol">Where can you play in Dorset, Somerset and Bristol?</h2>



<p>Local clubs of both are springing up here, there, and everywhere. Well, they are two of the world’s fastest growing sports for a reason. For padel, there are now over 1,100 padel courts at over 325 venues across Britain.  Find your local one <a href="https://www.ltapadel.org.uk/play/find-a-padel-court/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. As for pickleball, there are around 270 clubs dotted across the nation which you can check out <a href="https://www.picklebook.org/a/pbe/clublocator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </p>



<p>Alternatively, check out our list below…</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dorset">Dorset</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.advantagepadel.co.uk/mudeford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advantage Padel</a>, Mudeford has 8 premium padel courts, 5 dedicated pickleball courts – book with friends, join an open match, book a mix in, have some coaching, take part in a tournament or jump into a community group.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.westhants.co.uk/facilities/padel-tennis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The West Hants Club</a> in the heart of Talbot Woods, not far from the centre of Bournemouth, though you do have to be a member.</p>



<p><a href="https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/EastDorsetLTCC/Padel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Dorset Lawn Tennis &amp; Croquet Club</a> in Ashley Cross, Poole has three outdoor courts open to all – members and non-members alike – on a pay and play basis.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.davidlloyd.co.uk/clubs/poole/padel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Lloyd Club Poole</a>, has two outdoor padel courts; membership required.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.crosscourtpadel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cross Court Padel</a> in Poole, a dedicated indoor padel centre has six indoor courts, a bar/café, changing rooms and a pro shop.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-somerset">Somerset</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.madswans.com/activities/racquets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mad Swans</a>, Farrington Gurney, book all-weather outdoor courts online, coaching, mixed ability social pickelball and padel drop-in sessions.</p>



<p><a href="https://padelpeople.co.uk/locations/shepton-mallet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Padel People</a>, Shepton Mallet, three indoor panoramic and one indoor singles court.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ilminsterbowlingclub.com/pickleball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilminster Bowling &amp; Tennis Club,</a> try three free pickleball sessions and then you&#8217;ll need to become a member.</p>



<p><a href="https://giraffehouse.club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giraffe House Pickleball Club</a>, near Somerton, free session then membership only.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/banes/bath-sports-and-leisure-centre/pickleball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath Sports and Leisure Centre</a>, pickleball open to all.</p>



<p><a href="https://smashpadel.co/taunton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smash Padel</a>, at Queen&#8217;s College Taunton, six covered, all-weather panoramic courts, opening summer 2026.</p>



<p><a href="https://padelstars.co.uk/padelstars-taunton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PadelStars,</a> Taunton, three uncovered courts.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.breancountryclub.co.uk/the-padel-courts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brean Country Club</a>, two outdoor courts</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/babington-house/things-to-do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Babington House</a> near Frome has two outdoor courts but you have to be a member (or know someone who is and go as a guest).</p>



<p>Lansdown Tennis Club in Bath has put in an application to build padel courts (watch this space) but for now you can play <a href="https://www.lansdownclub.co.uk/club/pickleball/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pickleball</a> on Sunday afternoons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bristol">Bristol</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.rocketpadel.com/club/bristol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocket Padel </a>has 14 court start-of-the-art courts.</p>



<p><a href="https://redlandgreen.co.uk/padel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Redland Green Club</a>, outdoor courts, coaching, pay and play for non-members.</p>



<p><a href="https://padel4all.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Padel4all Bristol</a> has four covered courts, racket hire, shop, courses, social sessions and leagues.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.thepadelteam.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Padel Team</a>, seven indoor courts, social matches, kids classes, coaching</p>



<p><a href="https://www.surgepadel.co.uk/bristol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Surge Padel</a> has eight courts, coaching, pro shop, bar; membership required.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.davidlloyd.co.uk/clubs/bristol-westbury/club-facilities/tennis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Lloyd Club Bristol Westbury</a>, two outdoor courts; membership required.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/wild-swimming-outdoor-pools-dorset-somerset/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best local outdoor swim spots</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/some-like-it-hot-the-best-outside-saunas-near-you/">Some like it hot! The best outside saunas near you</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/mind/how-to-find-joy-in-everyday-life-9-simple-ways-to-boost-your-mood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The joy list: 9 ways to bring the sparkle back (starting today)</a></li>
</ul>


Anyone for padel or pickleball?

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