St Ives

St Ives Tennis Club

Innovation meets coastal charm

Upon arriving, we unexpectedly ran into two stalwarts of the club: treasurer Jane Liddicote and her husband, Jim Brown, the men’s team captain and the driving force behind the club’s new artificial clay courts. Warm, welcoming and passionate about their local tennis community, they shared the story of how these courts came into being.

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Installed in September 2020 to replace the traditional clay, the artificial clay courts were part of a £100,000 project co-funded by the club and Sport England’s Community Asset Fund. The first of their kind in Cornwall, these synthetic courts, recently supplemented with a new portable floodlight system, have sparked a surge in new memberships.The flawless artificial clay surface, built on a porous base and topped with a carefully engineered layer of textured artificial turf and fine silica sand, delivers the most consistent bounce we’ve encountered on our entire European tour. Designed to replicate the playability of traditional clay while ensuring superior drainage and durability, this innovative surface allows for smooth sliding, controlled footwork and a true ball response in all weather conditions.

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Above Porthminster Beach, the courts offer great views of the golden sands, the Caribbean-like turquoise waters and a few palm trees swaying in the breeze. Yes, this really is England. Every now and then the scenery is enhanced as the nostalgic dark-green carriages of the St Ives Bay Line train, opened in 1877 to transport fish from the harbour to markets nationwide, pass below. After a sweaty match, regular members tend to cherish a refreshing dip in the sea and a meal at one of the beachfront restaurants. You should try it too.

Tregenna Castle

From railway hotel to iconic landmark

Originally built in 1774 as a private residence, Tregenna Castle was transformed into a luxurious railway hotel in 1878 by the Great Western Railway (GWR) company, establishing itself as the “jewel in the crown” of their hotels. Its stunning, almost commanding position on a hilltop location overlooking St Ives Bay, combined with its grand granite architecture and lush botanical gardens, has made it an attractive destination for travellers, artists and world leaders. A G7 summit was held here in 2021, and the resort has also welcomed British icons such as Judi Dench and David Bowie.

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For visitors today, Tregenna’s blend of history, nature and recreation, including the two all-weather hard courts open to non-residents, offers a compelling and well-rounded experience.

A version of this journey is also featured in the coffee-table book, "The Tennis Travels — Europe", which explores more than 50 European outdoor courts open to guest play. Further details on the book can be found here

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