Badminton is one of the most popular sports in the UK. From schoolchildren to casual players and competitive athletes, many have played it at some level. From leisure centres and social No Strings sessions to historic leagues and tournaments, there's something for every level.
| Venue / Provider | Features / Classes | Typical Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Local Leisure Centres | Pay-as-you-play courts; No Strings sessions | £6–£12 per hour; concessions ~£4–£7 |
| Schools & Universities | Community hall hire, student clubs & BUCS leagues | £4–£8 per student session; public £8–£12 |
| National Badminton Centre (Milton Keynes) | Elite training hub; coaching & public Pay & Play | £10–£15 per hour; discounts for members |
| Edinburgh Oriam & Pleasance | Performance & student pathways; public bookings | £9–£17.50 per court; student concessions |
| University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness | Large multi-court hall; BUCS, public bookings | £9–£15 per booking; memberships optional |
| Greenbank Sports Academy (Liverpool) | Independent venue; community & league matches | £12 per court; via Pitchbooking or phone |
| South Liverpool BC – No Strings | Beginner & intermediate social sessions | £5–£6.50 per 2h session; racquets provided |
| Edinburgh Badminton Academy (EBA) | Junior & adult coaching, performance squads | £7–£12 per class; private £25–£40 |
| Crescent BC (Manchester) | Intermediate club nights, feather shuttles | £8–£11 per club night; annual £200–£250 |
| Sutton Coldfield BC (Birmingham) | Social & competitive club; league fixtures | £8–£12 per session; annual £200–£250 |
How Many People Play Badminton in the UK?
Badminton is easily one of the most popular indoor sports in the UK. According to Badminton England, over 1 million people play badminton in the UK every week. More than 4 million people participate at least once a year, making it one of the top recreational sports, alongside football, tennis, and swimming.
Schools have historically helped drive this participation. Badminton is often included in PE lessons, and for many, it's the first racquet sport they ever play. Universities also help. The University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham are known for producing elite-level players, with the former hosting the All England Open. "No Strings Badminton" is a national pay-and-play programme that runs across leisure centres in England, Scotland, and Wales, offering friendly, drop-in badminton sessions, which are great for adult beginners and people returning to the sport.
Badminton House: Where Badminton Began
Badminton gets its name from Badminton House, the historic estate of the Duke of Beaufort in Gloucestershire, England, UK. In the mid-19th century, officers returning from India introduced a version of the game called Poona. This was adapted and popularised during gatherings at the Duke's country house.
The large halls at Badminton House were ideal for indoor play, and the sport quickly gained popularity among the British elite. By 1873, badminton gained its first set of written rules. The Badminton Association of England was founded in 1893, standardising the game across the country.
Badminton House is still an essential landmark in the sport's history. It is referred to as the birthplace of modern badminton. From casual sessions to the world-famous All England Open Championships held annually in Birmingham, the love for the game endures from badminton clubs in Birmingham to across the world.
Badminton has changed over the years.
UK Badminton Rules and Governing Bodies
Badminton England governs Badminton in the UK. This is the official body recognised by UK Sport and the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The organisation oversees various levels of the sport in the country, from grassroots to elite athlete development. It's also responsible for maintaining badminton rules UK-wide, though, as you'll see, there are other governing bodies across the UK.
The rules themselves follow the BWF Laws of Badminton. This outlines the scoring system (best of three games to 21 points), court dimensions, service regulations, and equipment standards. These rules apply to schools, leisure centres, and professional tournaments. Each home nation also has its own governing body, which means if you join a badminton club in Edinburgh, for example, it'll be overseen by Badminton Scotland.
Badminton Scotland
Runs the Scottish National Championships and supports grassroots clubs.
Badminton Wales
Promotes community sessions and coaching.
Badminton Ireland (Northern Branch)
Supports players in Northern Ireland and connects with Badminton Ireland.
For new players, the key takeaway is simple: the rules you’ll follow in a school PE class are the same as those applied at international competitions like the All England Open or even the Olympics.
Where to Play Badminton in the UK: Courts and Centres
Across the UK, there are badminton courts in leisure centres, schools, universities, and specialist venues. These cost £6-£12 per hour for casual hire, but there are often discounts for students and residents. Whether you're looking for a quick casual game or some training, you'll find something.
Local Leisure Centres
- Council-run venues in every major city and town
- Pay-as-you-play court hire (usually £6–£12/h)
- Often home to No Strings Badminton and social sessions
Schools and Universities
- School sports halls open for community hire after hours
- Universities (e.g., Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool) with multi-court halls
- Cheaper for students: £4–£8 per session on average
National and Specialist Venues
- National Badminton Centre, Milton Keynes – home of Badminton England and elite training
- Oriam (Edinburgh), University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness – dual public and high-performance use
- Independent centres like Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool, also play host to clubs and leagues.
Major Cities for Badminton in the UK
While there are courts, clubs, and social sessions all over the country, Badminton is particularly thriving across the UK's biggest cities. We won't cover them all, but here are a few of the major cities and where you can play. Check them out.
Badminton London
London offers everything from Better and Everyone Active leisure centres to iconic clubs like Euston BC and Guys & Dolls Academy. Sessions cost £6–£13, depending on venue and format. There are many reputable badminton clubs in London.
Badminton Manchester
Manchester’s scene is split between MCRactive leisure centres, Trafford Leisure, and clubs like GHAP and Nomads. The Manchester Badminton League gives players a route into competition.
Badminton Birmingham
Birmingham combines council-run MORE membership centres (Erdington, Stechford, Billesley) with major universities (UoB, Aston, BCU). Clubs such as Sutton Coldfield and Stourbridge compete in the Birmingham League.
Badminton Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital has strong public provision via Edinburgh Leisure (Meadowbank, Craiglockhart, Drumbrae), alongside Oriam and the Edinburgh Badminton Academy. The Lothian League provides a competitive pathway.
Badminton Liverpool
Liverpool’s culture is club-first, with historic sides like KCF BC and Wavertree BC, plus social sessions at South Liverpool BC. The Liverpool & District Badminton League has been running since 1939.
Badminton Clubs Across the UK: From Social to Competitive
Clubs are essential to UK badminton. They provide regular partners, coaching, and access to the local and national leagues. Whether for fun or competition, there are clubs for different levels.
Coaching, Schools, and Pathways for New Players
There are a variety of ways to get started with badminton. School programmes are often the entry point for younger players, while adults can get involved with coaching. There are pathways from casual to serious national competition.
September is the busiest month for badminton coaching programmes. Clubs and centres often offer free or discounted taster sessions to attract new members.
Equipment and Brands: Yonex, Victor, and Beyond
Badminton is a sport that doesn't require much equipment, but it still requires some. Generally, you'll need a racquet, shuttlecocks, and appropriate sporting attire. Many leisure centres and clubs offer racquet hire at a very low cost, and it isn't a costly sport, so you can always consider buying your own equipment whether you feel like playing badminton in Liverpool or across the UK.
🏸 Racquets
Popular choices include the Yonex Astrox series and models from Victor. Beginner racquets start at £25–£40, while advanced frames can cost £100–£200+.
👟 Shoes
Badminton shoes are designed for grip and quick movement on indoor courts. Prices in the UK range from £40 to £90, depending on brand and quality.
🎒 Bags and Accessories
Brands like Yonex and Victor also produce specialist bags, shuttles, and clothing. UK retailers regularly offer sales and free delivery for orders over a certain price.
Where to Shop
Many UK shops offer bundle deals, for example, a racquet, shoes, and bag package, which can be a cost-effective way for beginners to get started.
Competitions and Events: UK and World Stage
From local leagues to world-class tournaments, there's a competitive stage for every level of badminton in the UK. Even if you're not particularly competitive, it can help to find level-appropriate partners to play against from regional badminton leagues in Manchester. If you are, even better!
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