Forgot Password
April 10, 2026
London is putting on a show this spring, summer and autumn — swapping the usual tourist trail for padel courts, golden table tennis tables, and pickleball in some of its most iconic locations. London Sports Festival 2026 is back, and if you're staying with Blue Orchid Hospitality, a lot of it is right on your doorstep.
What is London Sports Festival?
Organised by Central London Alliance, London Sports Festival is the capital's biggest celebration of sport, activity, and community. Previous years drew over 30,000 participants, and the 2026 edition is set to be bigger again - activating public spaces across central London with free and accessible sporting experiences for visitors, workers, residents, and families alike.
Blue Orchid Hospitality is proud to be a headline partner of the festival this year, which means guests of Blue Orchid’s hotels and residences are perfectly placed to take part.
What's On in 2026
1. The Golden Table Tennis Trail (Until 26 April)
One of the highlights of this year's festival is a series of ten striking gold table tennis tables installed across central London, from Victoria and Westminster to Tower Hill. Each table features a unique design inspired by the 100-year history of the sport - this year marks the centenary of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships, which is returning to London for the first time in a century.
The public is invited to download the official map, track down all ten tables, and collect the full set of pictograms for a chance to win tickets to the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals at OVO Arena Wembley on 10 May, along with other prizes.
Special guests from Table Tennis England will be visiting selected tables on 8 April and 23 April - World Table Tennis Day - offering tips, challenges, and free giveaways.
We're not giving away all the locations, but guests staying at Tower Suites or The Wellington might just find one closer than they expect.
2. Padel Table Tennis at St Paul's Cathedral (Until 4 June)
One of the golden tables has been installed directly outside St Paul's Cathedral in a padel-style format - meaning you can play an unforgettable game of table tennis in the shadow of one of London's most iconic landmarks. It's fifteen minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences, and genuinely one of those only-in-London experiences.
3. Padel at Tower Hill Terrace (Until 25 October)
This one couldn't be more convenient for guests at Tower Suites and Tower Residences — the padel court at Tower Hill Terrace is less than a five-minute walk from the front door. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up a racket for the first time, it's a brilliant way to start a morning or wind down an afternoon.
4. Padel at Hay's Galleria (Until 23 August)
Set in the beautiful Victorian arcade of Hay's Galleria on the South Bank, this padel court combines sport with one of London's most atmospheric settings. Thirteen minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences, it's an easy addition to a riverside afternoon.
5. Pickleball at St James's Park (Until 17 May)
New to pickleball? You're not alone - it's one of the fastest growing sports in the world and one of the most enjoyable to try for the first time. The courts at St James's Park are ten minutes from The Wellington, making it an easy detour before or after exploring Westminster.
There is more to come over the course of the summer, this blog will be updated with more details when announcements are made.
Plan Your Visit
Staying centrally with Blue Orchid puts you in the middle of all of it. Tower Suites and Tower Residences cover the east of the programme - with the Tower Hill Terrace padel court practically on the doorstep - while The Wellington is perfectly placed for Westminster and St James's. No planning required, just step outside.
For padel court bookings and the full and updated programme of events, visit londonsportsfestival.com.
Book direct with Blue Orchid Hospitality for the best available rate.
FAQs
Do I need to book in advance for the festival activities?
The golden table tennis tables are free to use and open to everyone — no booking required. The padel courts at Tower Hill Terrace and Hay's Galleria do require advance booking, as does the pickleball court at St James’s Park. Visit londonsportsfestival.com to reserve your slot.
Do I need any experience to take part?
Not at all. The activities are designed for all ages and abilities, whether you're a seasoned player or picking up a bat or racket for the very first time. Table Tennis England coaches will also be at selected tables on 8 April and 23 April offering tips and free giveaways.
How do I find the golden table tennis tables?
Download the official map from londonsportsfestival.com from 8 April. The map shows all ten table locations across central London - and tracking them all down is part of the fun, with prizes on offer for those who find the full set.
Is London Sports Festival suitable for families?
Yes. The outdoor activations are family-friendly and the golden table tennis trail in particular works well as a day out with children - exploring different parts of central London with a sporting challenge built in. See what else is on for families in Tower Hill and Westminster.
What is the closest London Sports Festival activity to Blue Orchid hotels?
The padel court at Tower Hill Terrace is less than a five-minute walk from Tower Suites and Tower Residences (for those staying in Tower Residences it is across the road), making it the most convenient for guests staying in Tower Hill. For guests at The Wellington, the pickleball courts at St James's Park are ten minutes away on foot.