Paternoster Square, ping-pong in City of London / St Paul's

Photo: Table Tennis England

Paternoster Square: Ping Pong in City of London, London

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Paternoster Square, London ยท EC4M 7DX

Paternoster Square is a public plaza tucked behind St Paul's Cathedral, and it is home to two free outdoor table tennis tables. This is one for a quick, no-cost knockabout rather than a night out. The tables are part of the Table Tennis England Ping! scheme, so there is nothing to book and nothing to pay. You just turn up and play.

The catch is simple: you bring your own bats and balls, because none are provided on site. That suits office workers on a lunch break, friends passing through the City, and anyone wanting a casual rally in the open air. Set in a pedestrianised square ringed by cafes and bars, it is an easy spot to find a few minutes from St Paul's station. Weather permitting, the tables are there for whoever turns up first.

The ping pong setup

There are two permanent outdoor tables in the square, listed on the Table Tennis England Ping! map of free public tables. They sit in the open, so play depends on the weather and on whoever got there first. Crucially, no bats or balls are provided, so pack your own before you head over. There is no attendant, no booking sheet and no fee. It is built for short, casual rallies rather than long matches, which makes it ideal for a lunchtime game or a quick play while you are passing through the City.

Good to know

Everything here is free, and the square itself is a public, pedestrianised open space, so access follows daylight and the weather rather than set opening hours. Bring your own equipment, as that is the one thing that will stop you playing. The square is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants, so it is easy to grab a coffee or a pint between games. Because the tables are first come, first served and popular at lunch, midweek mornings or quieter weekends tend to be your best bet for an empty table.

Getting there

Paternoster Square sits directly behind St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London, postcode EC4M 7DX. St Paul's station on the Central line is the closest stop, a couple of minutes on foot. City Thameslink and Mansion House are also within easy walking distance. The square is fully pedestrianised, so there is no parking to worry about, and it is a simple landmark to find once you are near the cathedral.

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Common questions

What is Paternoster Square ping pong?
It is two free outdoor table tennis tables in a public square behind St Paul's Cathedral, part of the Table Tennis England Ping! scheme.
Is the ping pong at Paternoster Square free?
Yes. Both tables are free to use and there is nothing to pay.
Do I need to book or can I just turn up?
Just turn up. There is no booking; the tables are first come, first served.
Do I need to bring my own bats and balls?
Yes. No equipment is provided, so bring your own bats and balls.
How many tables are there?
There are two outdoor tables in the square.
What is the nearest station?
St Paul's on the Central line is closest, about two minutes' walk. City Thameslink and Mansion House are also nearby.

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