The Club

Bowdon Lawn Tennis Club, founded in 1877 is one of the oldest lawn tennis clubs in the world. It remains on its original site on land of the Stamford Estate.

In the early days, it was a club for gentlemen only with four grass courts to the east of the club house. Ladies had a separate club nearby but were invited to play mixed doubles in the annual tournament! The clubs amalgamated in the 1920s when four more grass courts were laid to the west of the club house.  Further land acquired in the 1930s allowed three hard courts to be built.

Later years have seen a substantial increase in the club’s membership and activities, with the establishment of coaching, competitive league tennis and the development of a thriving junior section. The hard courts were extended to five and re-laid with an all weather surface. In the winter of 2003-4, the much loved, but cramped and well worn club house, the heart of which dated from the club’s earliest days, was demolished and replaced by one of striking design which allowed modern facilities but retained the character. The Club, while proud of its history is aware of the need to adapt and develop.

The Membership currently consists of some 400 adults, 200 juniors and 100 non-playing members. We have retained the eight grass courts which are among the best in the north of England and  are open for play from early May until late September. All weather court play and coaching continues throughout the year .Social and competitive tennis (senior and junior) is available throughout the main season from May to September. Senior and junior tournaments are held in July. Social events are held throughout the year.

It is very much a members’ club and, with the exception of a full time groundsman, the work of running the club and organising events is done by the members for the members.   Everyone is expected to make their contribution towards the common good and help maintain the special atmosphere of Bowdon Lawn Tennis Club.