The Northern

One of the oldest tennis clubs in the world, The Northern is the original home of tennis in Manchester. It was set up in 1879 to rival Wimbledon, and although it never quite gained the same worldwide fame, it has seen no shortage of tennis royalty on its lawns over the years. John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova and Pete Sampras to name just a few.

In 2023, this members-owned club is going strong, with 18 outdoor courts including grass, clay and synthetic, and four indoor courts, plus six squash courts, a fitness studio, a gym, and a cafe-bar overlooking the courts.

It’s known for its high-quality coaching and for welcoming all levels and ages of players. With ten tennis teams in local, regional and national leagues, plus 16 squash teams, there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved in competitive games, or you can join just for the social tennis sessions.

The expanded fitness facilities mean that you’re not just joining a tennis club – you also get access to a strength and conditioning gym and a busy timetable of classes ranging from yoga to HIIT to zumba and boxercise.

It’s also a great club for families; children and young people can take part in school holiday camps and weekly coaching sessions, starting from age three upwards.