10 Best Basketball Courts in London for Pickup
July 26, 2026 · Chris Palmer
A good London run can start with one ball, two people and a court that happens to be free. A great one needs more: decent rims, enough space on the baseline, players who stay for another game, and a clear way to get involved without standing around awkwardly. These are the best basketball courts in London for exactly that - from outdoor blacktops built for spontaneous pickup to indoor venues worth booking when the weather turns.
Court conditions, opening times and booking rules can change, especially during school holidays or park works, so treat this as a strong starting five rather than a fixed league table. Bring ID if a venue requires it, check access before travelling, and respect the players already running the court.
10 best basketball courts in London for pickup
1. Finsbury Park, Haringey
Finsbury Park is one of north London’s most dependable places to find a casual game. Its outdoor courts draw a broad mix: students, regular local hoopers, after-work groups and players passing through with a ball under one arm. That variety is its strength. You might find a relaxed 3v3 game in the afternoon or a more competitive full-court run when the evening crowd arrives.
Come earlier if you want to shoot alone or work on your handle. Later sessions can be busy, and the best way in is simple: ask who has next and stay switched on when a space opens.
2. Burgess Park, Southwark
Burgess Park has a proper basketball culture. The courts are spacious, visible and regularly active, particularly in warm weather, which makes it one of the strongest south London options for players seeking real pickup rather than a quiet solo session.
The trade-off is popularity. On a sunny weekend, expect to wait and expect standards to rise quickly once teams are chosen. That is part of the appeal. Bring your best energy, call fair games, and do not disappear after one loss if you want to become a familiar face.
3. Clapham Common, Lambeth
Clapham Common is ideal for the player trying to turn an open afternoon into a game. The location is easy for people coming from different parts of south and central London, and there is usually enough passing footfall to build numbers if the courts are quiet at first.
It is not always the place for a polished, high-level full-court session. Wind, surface conditions and changing crowds all play a part. But for 2v2, 3v3, shooting drills and meeting new people, it is hard to beat. Pack a light layer for the post-game walk or train home.
4. Mabley Green, Hackney
Mabley Green has earned its reputation with east London ballers. It is a community court first, with a no-frills feel that suits players who care more about getting runs in than curated surroundings. The setting lends itself to pickup, and regulars often know one another, so a little respect goes a long way.
If you are new, introduce yourself and ask whether there is a rotation. Do not assume the loudest player is organising. A quick check on rules - ones, twos, make-it-take-it or call-your-own - avoids the kind of argument that wastes half the session.
5. Tanner Street Park, Bermondsey
Tanner Street Park is a compact central option with a strong local following. It is particularly useful when you want a quick game near London Bridge, Bermondsey or the City fringe without committing to an indoor booking. The court can feel intense because players are close together and the action moves quickly.
This is better for smaller-sided basketball than a sprawling full-court run. Arrive with three or four friends and you can get quality games fast. Arrive alone and be ready to rotate in rather than expect a court to yourself.
6. Paddington Recreation Ground, Westminster
Paddington Recreation Ground gives west London players a practical outdoor base. The wider sports setting means the park has a purposeful, active atmosphere, and basketball fits naturally alongside tennis, football and running. It works well for players who want to schedule a reliable weekday session rather than chase a random game across town.
Because it is a popular public facility, sharing is part of the deal. Avoid taking over a hoop for lengthy shooting workouts when people are waiting. A short warm-up, a clear rotation and a willingness to play half-court can keep everyone involved.
7. Brixton Recreation Centre, Lambeth
When rain makes outdoor plans pointless, Brixton Recreation Centre is a serious indoor alternative. Indoor courts offer the obvious benefits: a consistent surface, proper lighting and no wind turning every corner three into a guess. They are also better for organised sessions where you want teams to arrive on time and play a set format.
The compromise is availability and cost. You may need to book ahead, and casual walk-in play depends on the programme that day. For a planned group run, though, that structure can be exactly what you need.
8. Westway Sports & Fitness Centre, Kensington and Chelsea
Westway is a valuable choice for west London basketball, particularly if you prefer a sport-centre setting and want more certainty than an outdoor court can offer. It suits organised groups, post-work sessions and players building a regular weekly routine.
It is less spontaneous than a public park court. You will need to work around timetables, bookings and other activities using the hall. But that can be a positive for a group that is tired of cancelled games and uneven numbers. Set the session, invite players, and make attendance matter.
9. Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, Lambeth
Near the Imperial War Museum, Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park is a useful central-south London court for a low-barrier game. It is a good shout for workers, students and visitors who want to play without travelling far out of their way. The park setting gives it a relaxed feel, even when the basketball gets competitive.
Its central location means you should not rely on having the court to yourself. Go with a flexible plan: shoot if it is free, join if a run is underway, or switch to 3v3 if numbers are limited. The best pickup players adapt.
10. Haggerston Park, Hackney
Haggerston Park is another strong east London choice, especially for players around Shoreditch, Dalston and Hoxton. It has the kind of neighbourhood energy that makes basketball social as well as competitive. You are as likely to meet a future teammate as you are to find a one-off game.
The court is best when you lean into that community feel. Say hello, remember names, and invite good people back for the next run. London is huge, but regular basketball communities become small quickly when people make the effort.
How to get a game instead of just finding a court
The difference between a good court and a good basketball day is people. If you arrive solo, avoid the classic mistake of waiting silently at the sideline for 20 minutes. Ask who has next, offer to make numbers even, and call out that you are available for the following game. Most runs welcome another player when they know you are ready to play and willing to rotate fairly.
Timing matters too. Weekday evenings usually bring the post-work crowd, while weekend afternoons can offer longer runs but more waiting. Early mornings are better for skill work, filming clips or a quieter session with friends. Outdoor courts are often busiest from late spring through early autumn, although committed players will show up year-round if the surface is safe.
Bring a ball, but do not make ownership a power move. Bring water, keep your kit simple, and ask about local rules before the first check ball. Competitive basketball is better when it is competitive on the court rather than chaotic around it.
If your usual group keeps dropping out, create a pickup event rather than filling a group chat with question marks. Crewters is built for that next step: find players, set a time, build teams, issue challenges and keep the momentum going through stats, goals and shared progress. The best regular run is not found once - it is built by the people who keep showing up.
Choose a court that fits the game you want, then make it easier for the next player to join. A fair rotation, a quick introduction and one extra invitation can turn a random shootaround into your crew’s weekly fixture.