The longest established racquets club in the region. Member owned, not for profit, and run by a volunteer committee. Tennis, squash, padel and fitness, all in leafy Didsbury.
On the club we run
The Northern is one of the oldest lawn tennis clubs in the world. We've had Sampras, McEnroe and Ivanesevic on our courts. We're also the friendly local club with a fitness studio, a bar, and a junior tennis programme that's produced Britain's top four.
Tennis on twenty one courts. Squash on six. Padel on two. Plus two gyms, a studio, and over forty group classes a week. Cross train across the lot.
Founded 1879. Hosted Davis Cup matches. Sampras won his first ever grass court tournament here. The Broady siblings learned their tennis on these courts.
A not for profit club, run by a volunteer member committee. Working with the LTA, England Squash, Christie Hospital and local schools. A good neighbour since 1910.
On the sports we play
Pick a sport. Each one has dedicated facilities, a coaching team, and a way to play, whether that's social, league or competition. Members get full access to every facility, every day.
On the racquet of choice
Twenty one courts in total. Three indoor, plus a mix of grass, American clay and hard. Social tennis sessions every day of the week, free quarterly box leagues for members, team tennis at local and national level. Coaching for every age and ability, from mini tennis to the LTA British Tennis Tour.
On the fast paced
Six courts, including the glass backed courts we introduced in 1974. The first North of England Squash Championship was held here back in 1949. Junior, senior and schools coaching, led by Head Pro Julianne Courtice, a former World #40. Box leagues, tournaments, and our schools programme through Rackets Cubed.
On the new convert
Two covered, all weather courts. Glass walls, full panoramic dimensions, professional surfacing. From £4.50 per person, per hour, among the most affordable padel rates in Manchester. Pay and play via Playtomic, no membership required. Member padel leagues run on a three month cycle. Sponsored by KRAFT Barbering.
On the strength and conditioning
A cardio gym, a dedicated strength and conditioning area, and a spacious fitness studio hosting over forty group classes a week. Personal training in any of the spaces. Open from 6:30am Monday to Friday. We host DEKA tournaments twice a year, full station and individual format.
On the heritage
The Northern Lawn Tennis Association was founded in 1879, a year before the National LTA, with the express aim of staging a tournament to rival the new Wimbledon. We've hosted Davis Cup matches, watched Pete Sampras win his first ever grass court tournament here, and trained Britain's current top four. The padel courts are the latest chapter.
The Northern Lawn Tennis Association is established, nine years before the National LTA.
The clubhouse is dismantled and re erected on Palatine Road in leafy West Didsbury.
The Northern becomes the first club in the North of England to install an indoor tennis court.
Two covered, all weather padel courts open at the club, bookable for members and non members.
On a walk around
A look at the courts, the clubhouse and the grounds. Or come walk it for yourself, book a tour and we'll show you around in person.
The clubhouse, on Palatine Road.
Inside the covered padel canopy.
The glass backed squash courts.
Glass walls, full panoramic dimensions.
Member events, every month.
Corporate days and team events.
On the lounge bar and bistro
Pre match coffee, post match pint. Saturday brunch with the family, midweek dinner with the doubles team. The lounge, bar and bistro are open to members and non members alike, and serve as the social heart of the club.
Open seven days. Local beers, wines, cocktails, barista coffee.
Hot food during the day, brunch on weekends. Pancakes to full English.
Private hire for events, weddings, meetings, family gatherings.
Quiz nights, family days, workshops, afternoon teas.
Saturday brunch, served from 10am.
On joining the club
Every Northern membership includes access to all racquet sports, gyms and classes. Free social tennis, free box leagues, and a place in the annual Wimbledon ballot.
Full club access weekdays 6:30am to 5pm. Off peak social tennis and box leagues, plus team tennis and squash anytime.
Anytime access to every facility. The full club: free social tennis, free box leagues, team tennis and squash, all included.
Anytime access to both gyms and forty plus weekly classes. Modern fitness facilities, no racquet sports access.
Concession memberships from £33 per month for under 25s, plus under 30, under 19 and junior tiers. Junior memberships from £10 per month for under 8s.
View all membership options →
On what we stand for
The Northern is a not for profit, member owned club. We've kept these values for nearly 150 years, and they shape how we run, how we coach, and how we welcome new members.
One of the first lawn tennis clubs in the world. We're proud of our history, with a progressive outlook firmly rooted in British sport.
People of all ages and all levels of ability are welcome to engage in sport and fitness activities to suit their needs.
We support all members in achieving their full potential through top level coaching and the most up to date facilities.
We aim to be the top regional showcase for racquet sports and the venue of choice for both players and spectators.
The Northern is a not for profit, run by a volunteer members' committee. All members have a valuable contribution to make.
A friendly and secure environment for members and their families to enjoy their leisure, improve fitness, enhance wellbeing.
On what members say
A great club. I have been a member off and on since the 1980's and found it friendly and professional.
Fantastic tennis club. Nice people and great courts.
Good club, lots of coaching available, staff friendly.
Great facilities, friendly place.
On common questions
On finding us
Five minutes from the M56 and M60, next to the West Didsbury tram stop, on Palatine Road. The lounge bar and bistro is open to members and non members alike. Drop in any time, or book a tour to walk the courts.
By tram. West Didsbury tram stop sits directly outside the club. Manchester Metrolink connects to the city centre and major suburbs.
By car. Five minutes from the M56 and M60. On site member parking and street parking nearby.
By app. Download The Northern app from the App Store or Google Play to book courts, classes, and view your membership.
On the next move
Book a tour to walk the courts, browse the gyms, and meet the team. Or join from £33 per month and start playing tomorrow.