Banbury West End Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

The West End Lawn Tennis & Squash Club sits on the edge of Banbury, a proper members-only facility that's been around for decades. If you're staying at The Pig Place or Newton Grove nearby and you happen to be a tennis or squash player yourself, it's worth knowing it exists - though you'll need to sort membership or guest passes beforehand, which means ringing ahead rather than just turning up.

What you get here are well-maintained courts, both outdoor tennis and indoor squash facilities. The tennis club runs regular leagues and social events throughout the year, and there's a genuine community vibe about the place. It's the sort of spot where regular members have been knocking a ball around for years, so expect a friendly but established crowd.

This isn't a tourist attraction in any conventional sense. If you're a keen player on holiday in Oxfordshire, you might arrange a guest session or a coaching lesson - that's the real draw. The squash side is decent too, with proper courts and decent lighting for evening play. For families with non-playing kids, honestly, you'd be better off exploring Banbury town centre or heading to one of the parks nearby instead. But if tennis or squash is your thing and you're renting a cottage in the area, it's a solid option for not losing your game while you're away.