It is one of the few real tennis clubs and courts in the United Kingdom.
In 1866, a real tennis court was built at the western end of Burrell's Walk, close to Grange Road, on land leased from Clare College.
In 1958, associate membership was introduced for real tennis players who were not members of the university.
After World War II, the Cambridge University Tennis Club was formed.
In 1974, the freehold of the site was acquired from Clare College by the university.