Merton Street tennis court, Real tennis court in central Oxford, England
Merton Street tennis court is a real tennis facility in central Oxford featuring an indoor playing area with sloping surfaces and spectator galleries. The construction and layout follow the specialized design requirements that define this historic sport.
The site has maintained a continuous tennis presence since 1494, ranking among England's oldest tennis locations. This long history reflects how real tennis developed and remained popular in Oxford over the centuries.
The court functions as a gathering space where Oxford University students and local residents come together to compete and train in real tennis. People here experience a sport deeply rooted in tradition, maintaining connections to centuries-old playing practices.
The facility offers professional coaching, equipment rental, and a specialized shop for tennis gear. Access is generally restricted to club members and those with arranged bookings, so contacting ahead is necessary.
The court houses England's smallest real tennis playing area with non-standard dimensions and a distinctively flat tambour structure. This unusual design makes play here technically demanding in ways that set it apart from other courts.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
