Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/101-1000x667.jpg" alt="person playing panel ball in glos" class="wp-image-71161" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/101-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/101-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/101-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/101.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s the world-wide phenomenon that refuses to peak, the popularity of Padel and Pickleball shows no signs of slowing. With celebs like George and Amal Clooney, the Beckhams and Lionel Messi picking up a padel, and easier to play than tennis (we&#8217;re in!), the sport is proving a smash hit for all ages and abilities. </p>



<p>Pickleball, the snazzy lovechild of tennis and badminton, is played on a mini court with a low net. Padel, sometimes called Padel Tennis, is like Pickleball but with added va-va voom (faster-paced, smaller court, solid bat, harder balls, stop smirking).</p>



<p>So whatever your age or skill level both deliver low-impact action and high-impact fun. Ready to spice up your fitness routine or simply craving a new sport to get stuck into? Head for one of these hotspots.</p>



<p>First up &#8211; what the heck&#8217;s the difference we here you cry&#8230;</p>



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<p>Two different sports, two different rules, and of course, only one winner. Don’t be surprised if you find padel loving Stormzy and Pickleball addict Emma Watson having it out over which is the superior of the two. Very happy to leave them argue that one out. Each has a cult following in its own right, offering different types of game play, tactics, and health benefits.</p>



<p>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 35,000 players in the UK, with a 65% increase in membership in the last year. 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 racquet 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>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/padel-pickle-free-pexels-rodrigo-ortega-2044210904-30864601.jpg" alt="padel or pickleball" class="wp-image-112957" /></figure>



<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. </p>



<p>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, 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>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/padel-pickle-free-aleksander-saks-VkQwgdIuqA4-unsplash.jpg" alt="difference between padel and pickleball" class="wp-image-112956" /></figure>



<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">Where can you play?</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 893 padel courts available at 300 venues across Britain. Find your local one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ltapadel.org.uk/play/find-a-padel-court/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. As for pickleball, there’s around 270 clubs dotted across the nation which you can check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.picklebook.org/a/pbe/clublocator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-places-to-play">7 places to play </h1>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cotswold-padel-club-far-peak-northleach"><a href="https://www.cotswoldpadel.club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cotswold Padel Club</a>, Far Peak, Northleach</h2>



<p>You&#8217;ll find the Cotswold&#8217;s new and only dedicated indoor Padel Tennis club at the brilliant Far Peak Climbing Centre. Sign up for adult membership for £50 or Junior membership for £20. Woah there! Not quite ready for full body commitment? It&#8217;s ok. Book a court up to three days in advance, 4 people costs £40, with Padel racquets and balls all available to hire. There&#8217;s expert coaching on hand to up your game and a lovely bar and café to refuel at.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-padel-club-gloucester-quays"><a href="https://www.thepadelclub.co.uk/gloucesterquays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Padel Club</a>, Gloucester Quays</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-9-1000x667.jpg" alt="padel tennis in gloucestershire" class="wp-image-62244" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-9-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-9.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This new £1m Padel Club right opposite Glos Quays opened its doors in October and is a cutting-edge indoor sports venue with nine premium Padel courts. From 9 state-of-the-art courts with sports LED lighting to a super sociable clubhouse and café, the whole site designed by wellness experts. Get a free padel intro when you subscribe on the site too.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-east-glos-padel-club-cheltenham"><a href="https://www.eastglos.co.uk/adult-padel-and-coaching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Glos Padel Club</a>, Cheltenham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-10-1000x667.jpg" alt="padel tennis in gloucestershire" class="wp-image-62254" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-10-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This Cheltenham club on the Old Bath Road offers easy to access pay-and-play sessions and coaching courses for everyone from beginner to pro-picklers. There&#8217;s a big social side to this club if you fancy making a new set of friends at the same time as lobbing a few balls, check in with your own Social Padel Coordinator, Matt Claypole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-padel-shift-elkstone-studios"><a href="https://www.padelshift.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Padel Shift</a>, Elkstone Studios</h2>



<p>Padel Shift are a team of self-confessed &#8216;Padel nutters&#8217; building a network of courts at super sites across the UK and this new one at Elkstone Studios is an absolute stunner. Play on two top of the range, panoramic courts set within the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside. </p>



<p>All abilities are welcome and you&#8217;re in good hands, Padel Coach Jack Bloomfield was formerly a world level squash player and has moved over to Padel to pursue his coaching career. Try the hour long Intro to Padel course from £8.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chalford-pickleball-stroud"><a href="https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ChalfordTennisClub/Pickleball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalford Pickleball</a>, Stroud</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-11-1000x667.jpg" alt="padel tennis in gloucestershire" class="wp-image-62257" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-11-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/07/1-11.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Newly launched in 2024, Chalford Tennis Club now has four fantastic Pickleball courts with LED lights. Join up and get free court bookings and free social sessions to boot. Pay and play is £20 per court which is excellent value, but players do need to bring their own equipment. Or, join up for £110 per adult for the year, or £40 per child.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-alive-pickleball-wyre-forest-droitwich-spa-amp-kidderminster"><a href="https://www.wyreforestpickleball.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Staying Alive Pickleball</a>, Wyre Forest, Droitwich Spa &amp; Kidderminster</h2>



<p>This Worcs Pickleball club has beginner introductory sessions called <a href="https://www.wyreforestpickleball.com/coaching/pickleball-coach-and-play" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pickleball Coach and Play</a> regularly throughout the month all across the county. A minimum of two Coach and Play sessions are recommended to master Pickleball &#8211; that&#8217;s all! These session are from £15.00 per hour and it includes equipment, court hire costs and  coaching time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manor-park-pickleball-malvern"><a href="https://www.manorparkmalvern.com/tennis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manor Park Pickleball</a>, Malvern</h2>



<p>This boutique club describe themselves as a friendly club with easy access and an excellent range of playing facilities, perfect for beginners. Once you&#8217;ve worked out hit the Café Bar overlooking the show tennis courts with the Malvern Hills as a spectacular backdrop.</p>



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Game on: pickleball vs padel explained + 7 ace places to play

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