David Lloyd Southend

David Lloyd Southend, on Snakes Lane, includes Padel among its racquet sports alongside five indoor and three outdoor tennis courts, badminton and Pickleball. The club’s website describes two dedicated Padel courts and promotes the sport through its own ‘Play Padel’ page, distinct from the more tentative language used for facilities still under development elsewhere in the David Lloyd network. Membership at this Essex club also provides access to the gym, swimming pools, spa and Clubroom, along with a crèche and kids’ activities. Coaching for Padel and other racquet sports is available to members of varying experience levels.

New to padel? What you need for your first session

Most UK padel venues hire rackets by the hour, so you do not need to buy anything before your first game. Check this club’s booking page for hire availability and prices.

Once you have played a few times and want your own kit, this is the order we would buy in.

• Court shoes first. Clubs hire rackets, they do not hire shoes, and running trainers slide on padel courts. This is the single purchase that most improves your first month. See our best padel shoes for UK players.
• Then a racket. Once your technique has settled you will know whether you want control or power. Start with our best beginner padel rackets, or read how to choose your first padel racket.
• Balls last. Most clubs provide balls for casual sessions. When you start playing regularly, see our best padel balls for UK courts.

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Never played before? Read the rules of padel and how padel differs from tennis before you turn up.

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