Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on December 16th, 2025
•Ever had a game of tennis planned, only for the classic British weather to wash it out? It’s a familiar story. But for sports fans in East Yorkshire, a rainy day no longer means game over. A brand-new indoor, all-weather padel court has just opened its doors near Southburn, and it’s a bit of a game-changer for the local area. The new facility, called Wold Padel, has been cleverly created by JSR Farms, who took a quiet, unused barn on their Wold Escapes leisure site and turned it into a fantastic venue for one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports. This isn't just any court; it's a year-round spot for both locals and holidaymakers to get active and have some fun, whatever the sky is doing.




What on earth is padel?
Right, so what is all the fuss about? If you’ve heard people chatting about padel but aren’t quite sure what it is, think of it as a mash-up of tennis and squash. It’s a racket sport played in doubles on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls. And here’s the best bit: you can play the ball off the walls, a bit like in squash. This makes for some seriously fun and unpredictable rallies. The growing popularity of padel across the country is down to a couple of things. It’s much easier to pick up than tennis, so beginners can get a proper game going almost straight away. It’s also incredibly sociable. Because the court is smaller, you’re closer to your partner and your opponents, so there’s always a lot of banter and laughter. It’s less about raw power and more about strategy, making it a brilliant game for all ages and abilities.
From old barn to brand new court
The story behind the new Wold Padel court is a great example of smart thinking. The team at JSR Farms had an old agricultural building on their land at Wold Escapes, near Driffield. Instead of letting it gather dust, they decided to give it a completely new purpose. This idea of finding new uses for existing resources is often called rural diversification, and it’s a brilliant way to bring fresh energy and opportunities to the countryside. They’ve transformed the space into a high-quality indoor padel court. Being an all-weather facility means that come rain or shine, day or night, the game can go on. This is a massive plus for the local community in Southburn and the wider East Yorkshire area, who now have a dedicated, reliable place to play. This fantastic new court is a real asset, offering a modern leisure activity in a beautiful rural setting.
More than just a padel court at Wold Escapes
The new court isn't a standalone thing; it's part of the much bigger picture at Wold Escapes. This place is already a well-known leisure destination, offering a proper escape from the everyday. So, you could come for a game of padel and end up staying for a long weekend. The site offers a whole range of accommodation, meaning there’s something for everyone.
- Glamping Cabins: For those who like a bit of luxury with their countryside experience, there are nine stylish glamping cabins.
- Large Farmhouse: Got a big group of friends or family? A nine-bedroom farmhouse is available for hire, perfect for a big get-together.
- Bed & Breakfast: For a more traditional stay, there's also a B&B on site.
- Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School: And if that wasn't enough, it’s also home to a popular cookery school.
The addition of the Wold Padel court really rounds out the offering, making Wold Escapes a hub for both relaxation and activity. You can see loads of great photos of the accommodation and the new court on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
A word from the manager
The excitement around the new venture is clear. Georgina Renfrew, the manager at Wold Escapes, is thrilled to see the project come to life and welcome players to the new court. She shared her thoughts on the opening:
“We’re really excited to welcome people to Wold Padel. Converting the barn has given it a new lease of life, and it’s fantastic to offer something that both our guests and the local community can enjoy all year round and in all weather. Padel is such a fun, sociable sport, and it feels like a perfect fit for the Wold Escapes site.”
This really sums it up. It’s about creating a fun, social space that benefits everyone, from holiday guests enjoying the various accommodation options to the local community looking for a new leisure activity.
How to get a game
Getting a game sorted is super simple. The booking system is managed through a popular app called the Playtomic app. All you need to do is download the app onto your phone, search for ‘Wold Padel’, and you can see the court’s availability and make a booking in just a few taps. It’s designed to be straightforward for everyone. Of course, anyone staying in the on-site accommodation at Wold Escapes can also make a booking to play padel during their visit. So, whether you’re a local padel enthusiast or a guest staying in one of the glamping cabins or the farmhouse, getting onto the new indoor, all-weather court is easy. The Wold is calling, and a new padel adventure awaits.

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