Ipswich Sports Club

Compact but extensive Sports centre in a nice leafy suburb of Ipswich, offers 10 tennis courts (3 acrylic indoor, 3 hard courts in bubble, 3 outside astroturf and 1 outdoor hard) - plus an outdoor Padel court. 7 Squash/Racquetball courts and a gym but I didn't use those. Hockey pitches but don't know anything about that aspect. On the whole, the place looks a wee bit desolate and dilapidated, both inside and out, and needs a thorough rebuild/refurb (hopefully forthcoming soon with proceeds from selling off adjacent land). The Padel court is a nice new touch - I wonder if they might sacrifice another tennis court for expansion of this new (to most Brits at least) sport. Apparently there are new lights in the indoor tennis centre (which feels like a cold warehouse in the winter) but as far as I'm concerned, they're not fit for purpose. For a fast surface, you really need to see where the ball is to judge the bounce but it's a struggle - though I guess you'd get used to it over time. The tennis bubble is brighter when the sun is out but that brings its own issues (with heat and glare, as it's only a single thin skin). Once again, once the sun goes down, the place is barely lit at all. Not great when trying to see fine line calls 😕 The hard courts in there are slower and easier for less experienced players. Didn't try the astroturf courts. Food and drink isn't cheap, and costs more for non-members (tiny cup of coffee is £3.50) and the social space is cramped and doesn't come across as particularly welcoming. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Changing rooms and toilets are very basic but clean. Free Wi-fi. Access from main road is a bit hairy, only one single lane entrance as far as I can tell. Didn't experience any problems personally but could see how it could cause a whole heap of traffic problems in busy periods.

Compact but extensive Sports centre in a nice leafy suburb of Ipswich, offers 10 tennis courts (3 acrylic indoor, 3 hard courts in bubble, 3 outside astroturf and 1 outdoor hard) - plus an outdoor Padel court. 7 Squash/Racquetball courts and a gym but I didn't use those. Hockey pitches but don't know anything about that aspect. On the whole, the place looks a wee bit desolate and dilapidated, both inside and out, and needs a thorough rebuild/refurb (hopefully forthcoming soon with proceeds from selling off adjacent land). The Padel court is a nice new touch - I wonder if they might sacrifice another tennis court for expansion of this new (to most Brits at least) sport. Apparently there are new lights in the indoor tennis centre (which feels like a cold warehouse in the winter) but as far as I'm concerned, they're not fit for purpose. For a fast surface, you really need to see where the ball is to judge the bounce but it's a struggle - though I guess you'd get used to it over time. The tennis bubble is brighter when the sun is out but that brings its own issues (with heat and glare, as it's only a single thin skin). Once again, once the sun goes down, the place is barely lit at all. Not great when trying to see fine line calls 😕 The hard courts in there are slower and easier for less experienced players. Didn't try the astroturf courts. Food and drink isn't cheap, and costs more for non-members (tiny cup of coffee is £3.50) and the social space is cramped and doesn't come across as particularly welcoming. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Changing rooms and toilets are very basic but clean. Free Wi-fi. Access from main road is a bit hairy, only one single lane entrance as far as I can tell. Didn't experience any problems personally but could see how it could cause a whole heap of traffic problems in busy periods.