New padel courts are under construction at Queen's College in Taunton, set to open to the public in summer 2026. The facility, operated by Smash Padel, will feature six covered courts and offer pay-and-play bookings, coaching, and community activities. Local officials and operators marked a key milestone this week as the court structures started taking shape.
Padel, a fast-paced racket sport that has seen rapid growth in the UK due to its accessibility for players of all abilities, is coming to Taunton. The new courts at Queen's College Taunton will provide a year-round venue for local residents, families, and enthusiasts, addressing the limited availability of the sport in the area. Previously, the first padel courts in Taunton opened at Blackbrook Pavilion, but options remain scarce.
This week, representatives from Queen's College, Smash Padel, and local government visited the site to observe progress on the court structures. The development includes six covered courts, designed to be open to everyone, not just the college community.
Local councillor Cllr Connor Sollé expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “After years of seeing the gap for padel in the county, there was no better place to bring it to life than Taunton. It’s finally where it’s meant to be, making the county town shine once again. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this journey. This is exactly why I do what I do. I hope everyone can enjoy this brilliant sport in all its positives.”
Rupert Taylor, CEO of Smash Padel—a UK-based operator known for its coaching and welcoming venues—said: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing padel to Taunton. This site will give the local community a fantastic new place to play sport, stay active and try something new. While the courts are located at Queen’s College Taunton, they’re designed first and foremost to be open to everyone, all year round.”
Kim Dawkins, Bursar at Queen's College, added: “This is an exciting development for Taunton. With no covered padel courts currently available in the area and a huge demand for the sport, these new facilities will make a real impact. The six covered courts, operated by Smash Padel, will be open to the general public, ensuring that our local community can enjoy this fast-growing sport.”
The Taunton site will join Smash Padel's expanding UK network, which includes its Bicester club, previously named Lawn Tennis Association Club of the Year. The courts aim to support grassroots participation and introduce the sport to new players in a community-focused setting.