Iconic London cathedral to host summer padel
St Paul’s Cathedral padel
The Central London Alliance has pulled a rabbit out of the hat once again with news that it’s installing a pop-up padel court in front of the capital’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral this summer.
For the last two years the alliance has set the bar high, laying on pop-up padel in Tower Hill in summer 2023 and Marble Arch last year. For 2025 it’s raising its game even further, installing pay-and-play courts in front of St Paul’s and at Tower Hill as part of its London Sports Festival.
The Tower Hill court will operate from May 26th to October 26th and St Paul’s from August 4th to September 19th. Bookings are now open for Tower Hill and, if previous years are anything to go by, slots will fill fast. To book court time click here. Off peak starts at £40 for 45 minutes, rising to £50 during peak hours.
By animating iconic locations such as St Paul’s CathedraL we are connecting residents, workers and visitors through the power of sport.
- Chris Hayward, City of London Corporation Policy Chairman
The sports festival will feature seven sports including football, pickleball and padel table tennis (a UK-first, apparently) in various locations around the capital. Its aim is to celebrate the power of sport to unite, inspire and energise communities through competition, wellness and fun.
Tony Matharu, Chairman of the Alliance, said: “We are proud to bring the London Sports Festival to life celebrating the positive impact of sporting activities, engaging the local community and highlighting central London’s innovative and creative skills. LSF isn’t just about competition – it’s about collaboration, health and creating lasting memories across all ages and backgrounds.”
Last year the Central London Alliance installed a court at Marble Arch – listen to Alliance chair Tony Matharu speak about that project and the previous year’s at Tower Hill.
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward, said: “We want to make sure the City is a destination workers want to commute to and that people want to visit. Part of that drive is ensuring that there are unique experiences at lunchtimes, before and after work, and at the weekends. By animating iconic locations such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Mansion House we are connecting residents, workers and visitors through the power of sport.”
London Sports Festival starts with a free two-day launch event on May 22/23rd at the City of London Corporation’s Guildhall Yard. Free coaching sessions, introductory games, fitness classes, and elite player showcases will be on offer throughout the festival, together with corporate sporting challenges and opportunities. Organisers hope the event will become a major annual highlight in the capital’s cultural and sporting calendar. 🎾
@LondonSportsFestival
