In 1924, the Carne family—owners of the Green Lawns Hotel on Western Terrace—leased a plot of land to establish tennis courts and a clubhouse, leading to the formation of The Falmouth Lawn Tennis Club.
The club quickly flourished, and by 1928, the freehold of the land was purchased. At its peak, the club featured nine grass courts: seven for doubles, a distinctive sunken court (now the site of Westover Surgery), and two singles courts, which were quite rare for that era.
In 1933, the club constructed a squash court—the first of its kind in the South West. To make space for it, one doubles court and both singles courts were removed. Around the same time, the club’s name was changed to the Falmouth Squash and Tennis Club.
The clubhouse was also rebuilt, preserving the classic architectural features of the original structure, including the granite pillars that still stand on the veranda today.
In the 1940s, two of the grass courts were resurfaced with tarmac, and in the early 1950s, a second squash court was added. Following World War II, the club hosted annual open tennis tournaments that drew high-calibre players from as far away as Kent. These events were well-attended, with up to 100 spectators regularly watching the finals.
The club’s social calendar featured two major highlights: a formal ball marking the end of the tennis tournament, and a New Year’s Eve ball—both black-tie events that consistently sold out.
At that time, the clubhouse housed two bars—one of which remains today, while the other was located where the gym and office now stand. A grand piano occupied the main room, where members would often gather for singalongs—some led by notably talented pianists.
In the early 1960s, club membership saw a sudden boost when Pendennis Tennis Club on Woodlane closed, providing a much-needed lift during a period of financial difficulty.
However, despite this welcome reprieve, the club continued to face hard times. As a result, the sunken tennis court land was sold to local café owners from Falmouth, who went on to build a bungalow on the site—now home to Westover Surgery. The proceeds from the sale enabled the club to install central heating throughout the clubhouse, significantly improving the facilities.
The following two decades saw a resurgence in the popularity of racket sports. During the 1970s, three new squash courts were built directly behind the clubhouse, marking a significant expansion of the club’s facilities. By the early 1980s, four hard tennis courts were in regular use—much as they are today.
The original squash courts, located at the lower end of the club grounds, have since been repurposed and are now used by Swamp Circus and Sandokai Karate. During this period of growth and diversification, the club adopted its current name: Falmouth Sports Club.
In the 1990s, grants from the Sports Council enabled further improvements, including the installation of floodlights on two of the tennis courts.
Falmouth Sports Club is a welcoming hub for sport and community. With well-kept tennis and squash courts, a table tennis table, modern facilities, and a friendly bar, it’s a place to play, compete, and connect.
From social sessions and coaching for all ages to team fixtures and annual tournaments, the club offers plenty of ways to get involved. Recent upgrades keep our facilities in great shape, while our lively events and socials make sure there’s always something happening on and off the courts.
Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri:
09:30-13:30
16:00-22:00
Wed:
16:00-22:00
Sun:
10:00-14:00
The clubhouse will be open on Saturday’s if a party has been booked in advance.
Guests of members, non-member visitors and Local’s Pass cards can only play during clubhouse opening hours.
Tennis & Squash courts are available to members from 7am to 9pm everyday and are not affected by clubhouse opening times.
Falmouth Sports Club offers top-notch facilities, including well-kept tennis and squash courts, a licensed bar, coaching areas, event spaces, and convenient on-site parking—everything you need for a great day on and off the court.
