There’s something new and exciting coming to Akebar Park—and it’s set to bring a whole new energy to the park.
We’re delighted to share that two brand-new padel courts are currently under construction at Akebar Park, located on the former driving range right next to our popular mini golf course. While the courts are still in the build phase, everything is progressing well, and we’re only a couple of weeks away from opening.
As interest in padel in North Yorkshire continues to grow, we’re proud to be bringing this fast-paced, social sport to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales—giving both owners and visitors something completely new to enjoy during their time at the park.
What Is Padel?
If you’ve not come across padel before, you’re not alone—but that’s changing quickly.
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK and across Europe. It’s often described as a mix between tennis and squash, played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court. The game is usually played in doubles, making it highly social and perfect for friends, families, and couples.
One of the key differences is that the ball can bounce off the surrounding glass walls, much like in squash, adding an extra layer of strategy and fun to every rally.
The scoring system is the same as tennis, so if you’ve ever picked up a racket before, you’ll feel familiar with the basics almost instantly.
Why Is Padel In North Yorkshire Growing So Quickly
There’s a reason why more and more people are searching for padel in North Yorkshire—it’s a sport that’s genuinely easy to pick up and incredibly enjoyable to play.
Unlike tennis, which can take time to master, padel is much more accessible for beginners. The smaller court, slower ball, and underarm serve make it easier to get into rallies quickly, even if you’ve never played before.
It’s also:
- Highly social – always played in doubles, making it perfect for groups
- Low impact – easier on the body than many other racket sports
- Suitable for all ages – from children to older adults
- Quick to learn – you can have a great game within your first session
Whether you’re competitive or just looking for a fun way to stay active, padel strikes the perfect balance.
New Padel Courts at Akebar Park
Our new courts are being built in a fantastic location on the park—right on the old driving range and just a short walk from the mini golf course.
This area is already a hub for outdoor activity, and the addition of padel will make it even more of a focal point for guests and owners alike.
Once complete, the courts will offer:
- A high-quality playing surface
- Enclosed glass walls for an authentic padel experience
- Easy access from the main areas of the park
- A welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced players
We’ve designed this addition to fit seamlessly into the relaxed, lifestyle-focused experience that Akebar Park is known for.
Coaching Available with Local Expert, Steve
One of the most exciting parts of launching padel at Akebar is that we’ll have local coach Steve on hand to help players get started and improve their game.
Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or looking to develop your skills, Steve will be available for:
- Beginner introductions
- One-to-one coaching sessions
- Group lessons
- Tips and guidance to help you enjoy the game from day one
This makes Akebar Park one of the few places offering not just courts, but a full padel experience in North Yorkshire—from learning the basics to building confidence on court.
No Equipment? No Problem
One of the barriers to trying a new sport is often the need to buy equipment upfront—but we’ve made sure that’s not an issue.
We’ll be offering racket hire from our new reception area, meaning you can simply turn up and play without needing to invest in your own gear straight away.
This is perfect if you:
- Want to try padel for the first time
- Are visiting the park and didn’t bring equipment
- Prefer to play casually without committing to buying rackets
All you’ll need is a pair of comfortable trainers—and you’re ready to go.
Who Can Play Padel?
One of the best things about padel is just how inclusive it is.
You don’t need to be particularly sporty or experienced to enjoy it, which makes it ideal for a wide range of people.
Padel at Akebar Park will be perfect for:
- Families looking for an activity to enjoy together
- Couples wanting something active and fun during their stay
- Groups of friends looking for a social game
- Holiday homeowners wanting to make more of their time on the park
- Beginners trying a racket sport for the first time
- More experienced players looking for a new challenge
Because it’s played in doubles and focuses on rallying rather than power, it’s far less intimidating than many traditional sports.
A New Social Hub at Akebar Park
The addition of padel courts isn’t just about sport—it’s about creating another place for people to connect, have fun, and make the most of their time at Akebar Park.
We see this becoming a real social hub, where people can:
- Meet other owners and guests
- Arrange friendly matches
- Take part in informal competitions
- Enjoy a relaxed, active lifestyle
Combined with everything else the park offers—from golf and dining at The Friars Head to exploring the surrounding Yorkshire countryside—padel adds another dimension to the Akebar experience.
Opening Soon – Stay Tuned
While the courts are still under construction, we’re now just a short time away from opening—and we can’t wait to welcome our first players.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing:
- Official opening dates
- How to book court time
- Coaching availability with Steve
- Details on racket hire and pricing
If you’ve been curious about padel in North Yorkshire, this will be one of the best places to try it.
Discover Padel at Akebar Park
The arrival of padel marks an exciting new chapter for Akebar Park, bringing one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports right to our doorstep.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, stay active during your stay, or simply have fun with friends and family, padel offers something for everyone.
And the best part? You don’t need any experience to get started.
We’ll see you on court very soon.
