Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT/WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1134" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_DSC07361.jpeg" alt="women playing at City Padel Exeter Devon" class="wp-image-81528" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_DSC07361.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_DSC07361-800x605.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_DSC07361-1000x756.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_DSC07361-768x581.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, chances are you’ve heard of padel or you’ve already caught the bug and play on the regular. Fast growing in popularity, padel blends tennis and squash and is played in doubles on an enclosed court (one-third the size of a tennis court) with glass walls and wire mesh, allowing the ball to be played off the walls. Using solid racquets and low compression tennis balls, the game is far more about strategy than power of play and is accessible for all ages and skill levels. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_2bfadd09-5a29-4cd9-97f8-653d6aa65314.jpg" alt="player at City Padel Exeter Devon" class="wp-image-81529" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_2bfadd09-5a29-4cd9-97f8-653d6aa65314.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_2bfadd09-5a29-4cd9-97f8-653d6aa65314-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_2bfadd09-5a29-4cd9-97f8-653d6aa65314-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/CITY-PADEL-ASSETS_CITY-PADEL-IMAGES_2bfadd09-5a29-4cd9-97f8-653d6aa65314-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Not wanting to miss out, we booked a training sesh at <a href="https://www.citypadelexeter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City Padel Exeter</a>, located on the Hill Barton Business Park (opposite the entrance to Crealy) in Clyst St Mary, just outside Exeter.&nbsp;With six indoor panoramic courts and topnotch changing facilities with showers, the centre also has a first floor lounge and viewing area with free to play darts and pool. Not to mention a well-stocked café and&nbsp;fully licensed bar &#8211; plus two new centres opening in Taunton and Plymouth in Spring 2026.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-rules.jpeg" alt="sign displaying rules of the game at City Padel Exeter Devon  " class="wp-image-83706" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-rules.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-rules-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-rules-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-rules-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Following the same scoring system as tennis, play begins with an underarm serve from the right service court into the opponents court diagonally opposite.&nbsp;The server must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it and the ball must be hit at or below waist level. When hitting a serve, at least one foot must be kept on the ground and the server&#8217;s feet may not touch or cross the service line.&nbsp;Serves must land in the opponent&#8217;s serving box and, if the ball hits the net then bounces in the service box and strikes the side or back of the wall, it is a let and must be replayed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Confused? So was I, but you pick it up.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-courts.jpeg" alt="players on the courts at City Padel Exeter Devon " class="wp-image-83708" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-courts.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-courts-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-courts-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-courts-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Brightly lit with upbeat music playing and welcoming reception staff, I turned up just before 9am and was surprised at how busy it was considering the time of day. With a good few courts already in play and a buzzy and exciting atmosphere, the vibe was giving social and inclusive as opposed to super-competitive and serious.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-training.jpeg" alt="padel training with Steve Wood at City Padel Exeter Devon " class="wp-image-83709" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-training.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-training-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-training-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-training-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We had an intro session with Steve Wood, a highly experienced coach and former hitting partner to the likes of the Williams sisters, Andy Murray and now us. As someone who&#8217;s never set foot in a padel court, I found his coaching very welcome and brilliant for working on my serve, practising hitting the ball off the glass and to glean a general understanding of the rules, leaving me wanting to come back for more. My padel partner who’s played a handful of times before actually learnt some technique, having been left to wing it previously and wondering why she wasn’t any good.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-cakes.jpeg" alt="cakes on sale in the cafe at City Padel Exeter Devon " class="wp-image-83711" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-cakes.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-cakes-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-cakes-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/padel-cakes-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The onsite café serves a good selection of hot food, as well as the usual suspects on the hot drinks&#8217; front with coffees, teas, matcha and smoothies. There&#8217;s a great selection of cakes and pastries, including croissants, banana bread, varieties of flapjacks and brownies, with a special mention for the Kinder Brookie (a brownie/cookie hybrid). If post-workout protein is more your bag, then you’re in luck as protein bars are available too. The bar sells beer, cider, ale, wines and spirits which is very popular during after-office hours for post-play drinks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Junior bookings are available. If you&#8217;re feeling shy, why not take your kids to Padel Tots and Kids Classes and get the gen that way?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The courts are fully accessible for wheelchair users, and handily, there is parking right outside the front of the building.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-padel-1.jpeg" alt="padel bats for sale at City Padel Exeter Devon " class="wp-image-83713" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-padel-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-padel-1-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-padel-1-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-padel-1-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For those looking to improve their game, a coaching academy offering weekly courses for all abilities runs over a 7-8 week block with one session per week. As well as paddles and balls, City Padel merch is available to buy on site and the centre has their own handy <a href="https://app.playtomic.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Playtomic App</a> for bookings. Businesses are also able to book up for corporate events and friendlies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-players.jpeg" alt="players at City Padel Exeter Devon " class="wp-image-83715" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-players.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-players-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-players-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/02/citypadel-players-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I was really impressed with the facilities, loved that you can park right outside and a 20% student discount on the bar, snack and coffee is a classy touch. Do wrap up warm though. Yes, you’ll strip a layer off after a few rallies, but if you’re sticking around for a coffee afterwards it does get chilly.</p>



<p><strong>Good for?</strong> Meeting people. Yes, the courts are played in doubles, but you don’t need to come as a team and you can book a single place on the ‘social mix-in’ sessions which makes this a great sport for making new friends. Thursdays has a Ladies Padel &amp; Coffee morning from 10am which is fab for guided coaching and a chance to socialise afterwards, as is the Friday night Padel &amp; Pint and 9am Saturday morning social.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for?</strong> Online booking. I found the booking system a bit confusing as a complete newbie and struggled to find a court at the advertised £40 so I’d recommend first timers phoning for your initial booking.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: £40 per hour in peak time; £32 per hour in off peak times; Weekdays 7-9am they offer special pre-work prices for bookings.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.citypadelexeter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City Padel Exeter</a>, Unit A, B, Hill Barton Business Park, Mushroom Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1SB; Tel: 01392 305 507; Open Mon &#8211; Fri 7am &#8211; 11.30pm &amp; Sat &#8211; Sun 7am &#8211; 10pm</em></strong></p>


Padel curious? Muddy reviews the UK’s fastest growing sport at City Padel, Exeter

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