Having a ball in Nottingham

Nothing says summer in Britain like sunburnt arms, strawberries and cream and the loud thwack of a tennis ball.

For many, the verdant lawns of Wimbledon are the epitome of the season.

But for those who fancy an escape from the pomp and ceremony of the All England Club, Nottingham offers the chance to watch some spectacular action in a more relaxed environment while exploring the best the East Midlands has to offer.

The city plays host to both the women’s and men’s circuit in the run-up to the grand slam event in SW19.

My trip saw me catch the third day’s play of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Aegon Open, featuring competitors from across the globe.

This might be a smaller tournament on the circuit, but for those smashing returns to 100mph serves in the June heat, it is more than just a warm-up for Wimbledon. There is plenty of steel in the competitors and the odd tantrum at the umpire too.

From the stands, stern-faced coaches yell encouragement and join in the protest at contentious calls, while the crowd assume their role in the pantomime unfolding, with boos, hisses, shrieks and cheers.

One of the great things about tennis is that, other than doubles, it is a sport that is entirely focused on the individual. Moreover, make a mistake and not only do you not win the point, your opponent does instead – making any error doubly costly and raising the stakes as each player tries to find a winner without taking too high a risk. In this respect, the crowd plays a vital role in creating an atmosphere that helps see stunning comebacks and spectacular implosions in this sporting battle of wills.

Watching live allows you to appreciate the endurance these athletes have to continue chasing every ball and hitting with such power and aggression over matches that can last more than two hours.

Even those who are not au fait with tennis can lose themselves in the drama of it all as the screams from the players, at times determined and others exasperated, are echoed around the court.

And if the action on display whets your appetite for the game, the Lawn Tennis Association’s “have a go” courts are next door for you to unleash your inner Murray or Sharapova, and LTA staff are on hand to provide visitors with more information about their local clubs.

Armed with a child’s size racket, and wearing loafers and jeans, I was not the most fittingly dressed sportsmen but my adversary across the net was Erin from Experience Nottinghamshire and the game was played at a very pedestrian pace. It was still enough to work up a sweat, but I was able to cool down with a British tennis staple – a refreshing glass of Pimms – and watch the pros put my efforts to shame.

Once the excitement on the court is over, there is still plenty to enjoy in one of the best cities in the country – with cutting edge art, hip bars and enviable restaurants.

If you prefer your tennis table-top style, or are simply looking to devour some top-notch pizza, then Das Kino is where to head. The restaurant plays host to Oscar and Rosie’s, which offers pizzas from locally sourced and free range ingredients – the Meat Sweats are particularly good.

Meanwhile, behind the wood-heavy dining area are several Olympic standard table tennis tables.

Nottingham’s Old Market Place

It can be slightly confusing to hear the distinctive popping of a ping pong ball bouncing in your direction as you drink, but once the food comes it will take more than a small plastic ball to tear you away from the feast in front of you.

There are plenty of choices for where to wash down your meal. For the beer lover, Junkyard brings a slice of Bruges with 12 beers on tap; descriptions of the weird and wonderful brews scrawled on a chalkboard. The decor is simplistic throughout with no bells and whistles, but with such good beer, distractions are not warranted.

For the history buffs, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem purports to be the oldest pub in the country. It is carved into the very rock upon which Nottingham Castle stands and legend has it King Richard the Lionheart celebrated returning home from the Crusades at the inn.

Back on the court, Saturday, is the turn of the men to take to the grass, with major names such as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Feliciano Lopez and James Ward featuring during the week-long event.

British summers never last that long so if you can, take a moment to soak up the sunshine and lazily enjoy the sporting feast on offer.

* Tickets cost between £15 and £45 for adults and £5 and £35 for children for show courts. Ground passes cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. Available at lta.org.uk or on the door.

ESSENTIALS

* Where to stay: A classic double room at the St James Hotel in the city centre from £58 including breakfast. Parking is £8 overnight.

* Getting there: Trains run from Oxford via Derby or Birmingham (two-and-a-half hours). Coaches from Gloucester Green bus station (four-and-a-half hours).