About the club
Tennis in the community, since 1987.
Bestwood Lodge Tennis Club has been part of the Arnold community since 1987, but the story of our courts goes back much further.
The land at Pavilion Road has a remarkable history. Bestwood itself was once a Royal hunting ground — King Edward III issued letters patent from “his Park at Bestwood” in 1364, and the estate was later gifted by Charles II to Nell Gwyn. The Victorian Gothic lodge that still overlooks the area was built in 1862 for the Duke of St Albans, who entertained Disraeli, Tennyson and the Prince of Wales here. In the 20th century the grounds became a military base — the two courts at Pavilion Road were part of land used by the British Army until the 1970s, when the army sold the land.
In 1986 the Bestwood Lodge Residents Association proposed forming a tennis club. They secured commitments from 40 local households to refurbish the derelict courts, and Bestwood St Albans Parish Council provided an improvement grant. Bestwood Lodge Tennis Club was formally established in 1987. The courts are managed by the club committee on behalf of the local community.
Today we have over 40 members of all ages and abilities. We’re a friendly, community-run club with no paid staff — just volunteers who love tennis and their local area. The courts sit within Bestwood Country Park, 690 acres of green space on the northern edge of Nottingham.
The club is run entirely by volunteers. Mark Holmes (Chairman), Ivata Esue (Secretary) and Alex Doherty (Treasurer) give their time to keep the courts open and the membership running. If you have questions or want to get involved, get in touch at play@bestwoodtennis.org.
