Discover the world’s oldest racket sport, free of charge.
Hatfield House Real Tennis Club invites visitors to step onto the court and try Real Tennis, with a series of free taster sessions available across several dates. Played indoors on an asymmetric court complete with sloping roofs, Real Tennis is the original racket sport from which modern lawn tennis evolved, with a history stretching back to the royal courts of medieval England.
Whether stepping onto a Real Tennis court for the first time or returning to the sport, participants are invited to try their hand at a game with centuries of history behind it.
Small group sessions
With just eight places per session, each taster is kept small and personal, giving every participant plenty of hands-on time and expert guidance.
An introduction to Real Tennis
Sessions last 1 hour 30 minutes and are designed to introduce newcomers to the fundamentals of Real Tennis in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Hatfield House Real Tennis Club is home to one of only 45 active Real Tennis courts in the world. With two full-time professionals and a thriving membership of more than 200 players aged 6 to 85, the club celebrates the world’s oldest racket sport.
Played with handcrafted balls and traditional wooden rackets, the game combines elements of tennis and squash with a strategic depth often compared to chess, all within a unique court where the roof and walls are part of the game.
Sessions take place at Hatfield House Real Tennis Club within Hatfield Park.
Those arriving by car should enter via George’s Gate for the main visitors’ car park (AL9 5HX). Parking is free of charge.
Sessions can be reserved online here.
Advance booking is recommended to guarantee your place.
