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Set in 60 acres of beautiful gardens, Hampton Court charts the last 500 years of royal history from the time of Henry VIII. Not only that, it is home to the oldest still-in-use Real Tennis court in the world.
Not as well known as its relatively recent descendant, Lawn Tennis, Real Tennis is the granddaddy of all racquet sports. Its history stretches back to 5th century Tuscan villages where locals would hit balls up and down the street with their hands. Over the centuries gloves were adopted to protect players hands, to which cords were then attached and, out of this, the modern racquet was born.
Familiarity with tennis and squash can help, but it’s by no means the simplest of games. Players whack a ball - made from cork, bound in cloth and covered in felt - about an irregularly-shaped, walled court (no two are the same). It’s even harder to understand due to the arcane terminology involved, reflecting the games lengthy past.
The game’s history of exclusivity – it was the preserve of royals and nobles for centuries – means that the game is not widely known or played. Hampton Court is one of only 27 courts in the UK.
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Alternative
Racquet Sports Near Hampton Court, Tennis Courts |
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| London Leisure |
| Regent's Park Tennis Centre |
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York Bridge Road,
Inner Circle,
Regent's Park,
Marylebone,
London,
NW1
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11.82 miles distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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| This tennis centre, located on the western side of Regent’s Park in the heart of London, is a real gem of a place to dust ...More...
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Local
Event Near Hampton Court, Tennis Courts |
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| London Event |
| Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink |
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Hampton Court Palace,
East Molesey,
KT8
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6 minutes distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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| The striking Tudor faƧade of Hampton Court Palace provides a majestic backdrop to this popular open-air ice rink. Located on the west front of Henry ...More...
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| London Event |
| Carol Singing: Hampton Court Palace |
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Hampton Court Palace,
East Molesey,
KT8
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6 minutes distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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| Carol Singing takes place at Hampton Court Palace each year when the courtyards and gardens of King Henry VIII's historic home resound to the harmony ...More...
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Local
Sights and Attractions Near Hampton Court, Tennis Courts |
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Hampton Court Palace |
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East Molesey,
KT8
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6 minutes distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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| Travel through over 500 years of rich royal history reflected in the palace's varied and stunning mix of Baroque and Tudor architecture. The winding corridors, ...More...
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Hampton Court Park / Home Park |
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Court Road,
East Molesey,
Surrey,
KT8
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6 minutes distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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| This parkland comprises an open expanse of swaying grassland scattered with large oak trees. It covers an area of 750 acres and has remained ...More...
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Local
Pubs Near Hampton Court, Tennis Courts |
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| London Pubs |
| Prince Of Wales |
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23
Bridge Road,
East Molesey,
KT8
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2 minutes distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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| The Prince of Wales, a distinctive Victorian gothic public house in East Molesey, just across the river from Hampton Court Palace, started out as The ...More...
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| London Pubs |
| King's Arms |
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2
Lion Gate,
Hampton Court Road,
KT8
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9 minutes distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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| Once you have found your way out of the famous maze opposite, why not drop into this fine historic watering hole? It's a lovely old ...More...
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Local
Business Near Hampton Court, Tennis Courts |
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| London Business |
| Carlton Mitre Hotel |
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Hampton Court Road,
Surrey,
KT8
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4 minutes distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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| London Business |
| The Don Pepe Charlton Hotel |
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The Green,
Hampton Court Road,
Hampton Court,
KT8
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5 minutes distance from Hampton Court, Tennis Courts
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