Ready to explore the best things to do in Wimbledon? Of course you are…
The soft whack of endless rallies, the aroma of strawberries and cream, and an atmosphere crackling with excitement — Wimbledon’s Tennis Championship is an event like no other. This epic event was established on 9 July 1877, making it the oldest and most recognisable grass tennis tournament globally.
Year after year, visitors flock to Wimbledon to glimpse the beautiful game. From the general public to high-ranking elites, Wimbledon brings individuals from all walks of life together.
While it might be best known for the tournament, Wimbledon actually offers so much more.
Hidden behind the vibrant curtains of this grand tennis affair lies a storybook-like British borough that is rich in history and exciting activities. From its majestic medieval roots to the best pubs, it’s time to discover Wimbledon.
Categorised by its two main areas, Wimbledon Village and the Wimbledon Town Centre, this suburban paradise has a tall tale of stories embedded within its folds. With roots dating back to the Iron Age, Wimbledon was first established as a medieval village.
We’re serving up some of the best sights and experiences in this picturesque residential area that we’re sure you’ll love and will undoubtedly cause a racket (had enough of the tennis puns yet?).
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Things to do in Wimbledon
Visit the Lawn Tennis Museum
Known as the largest tennis museum in the world, this sporty wonderland is a must for any fans of the elegant game.
The Wimbledon Championships has a vast and interesting history and has a multitude of various installations to encounter. Spend countless hours searching for your favourite player’s memorabilia scattered within the museum.
From the metallic brilliance of the trophies to the fascinating tennis clothing of the past, you’ll be able to browse the top artefacts of tennis history.
Marvel at the Buddhapadipa Temple
With a delicate sense of tranquillity and pious devotion, the Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
This Thai religious site was established in 1976 and was the first Buddhist temple built in the UK. This gold-trimmed temple includes an active monastery with magnificent shrines and murals within its quarters depicting various Buddhist renderings.
Bespeckled along the temple, you’ll find traditional gardens and sculptures to stroll through and enjoy the day in peaceful bliss.
Take a Trip to the Wimbledon Windmill
If you want to experience the captivating simplicity of historic structures and their interesting background, the Wimbledon Windmill will not disappoint.
Constructed in 1817, this structure originally housed Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts. Today, this impressive site is a windmill museum filled with milling and Scouting history exhibits and tours.
If you’re feeling peckish, head to the Windmill Tearooms on Wimbledon Common to indulge in an array of delicious homemade produce and nibbly bits.
Enjoy Wimbledon Common
Divided into three subsections, namely Wimbledon Common, Putney Lower Common, and Putney Heath, this slice of countryside heaven is the perfect place to unwind.
The biggest among the three is Wimbledon Common which provides one of the best walks in London to experience. Whether you prefer to trot along on a horse riding adventure or like to simply watch the bumbling bumblebees buzz by, you’re in for a treat.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the fauna and flora of the area, the Windmill Nature Trail offers a variety of splendid biodiversity to get lost in. However, be prepared to be disappointed if you’re hoping to grab a sight of the elusive Wombles, we’re told that they’re very shy during daylight hours…
Walk Through Cannizaro Park
Categorised as a Grade II listed park on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England, this garden escape will enchant you.
A dreamscape for nature lovers, the park is a kaleidoscope of rare and awe-inspiring vegetation. The expansive tree selection is a joy to see in any season.
From the orange confetti of Maples in Autumn to the splendid shade of Oaks in Summer, Cannizzaro Park is the place to see the wonders of nature in all its glory.
This ever-green park is also the perfect location for a late-afternoon picnic to watch the world slowly float by.
Attend a Show at the New Wimbledon Theatre
The New Wimbledon Theatre is a cultural gem with an intricately illustrated ceiling that would make Michelangelo beam joyfully. Established in 1910, this Edwardian auditorium is one of the best places to go in South London to catch a show or artistic performance.
From side-splitting comedies to show-stopping musicals, this theatre offers a wide range of sensational shows to experience. Get your long-stemmed roses ready; these productions will inspire a standing ovation and encore (or three).
Learn How to Cook Japanese at Hashi Kitchen
If, like us, you’re a big fan of Japanese food and would like to try your hand at creating your own sushi, sashimi and other delights crafted from the freshest seafood and veg, then this is the one for you.
Reiko Hashimoto runs Hashi Kitchen from the comfort of her Wimbledon home, where she holds classes for chefs (and non-chefs) of all standards, from complete beginners who don’t know one end of a knife from the other to cordon-bleu experts.
Full of Japanese hospitality, Reiko creates a low-key, informal atmosphere where she shows you how to create show-stopping, healthy and tasty dishes for meat eaters, pescatarians and meat-free folk.
Not only that, you get to sample some of Japan’s refreshing and underrated beer!
Find Some Furry Friends at Deen City Farm
For such a massive, sprawling metropolis, London has a beautiful number of spots devoted to bringing the countryside into the city, one of which is Deen City Farm – a great place for animal lovers, young and old, to get close to animals usually found miles away from town.
Here, you’ll find all the farmyard staples, including cows, sheep, goats and our faves, the pigs, as well as smaller animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits, and Edna, the resident barn owl.
With free entrance, this is an excellent way of spending a few hours getting away from the hustle and bustle of the town while getting down (and maybe dirty) with these wonderful furry friends.
Visit Morden Hall Park
One of London’s best National Trust Properties, Morden Hall Park, is just outside what is technically Wimbledon to the south, but it is well worth including in this guide.
A country estate in SW London, this green area takes you along the River Wandle and gives you a small insight into its agricultural and industrial past. Expect to spot all manner of wildlife while the snuff mills, which were central to the park’s income, remain in-tact.
The western mill and stable yard have both been renovated, with the latter a charming second-hand bookshop. And, if you have green fingers or find yourself inspired by your green surroundings, take advantage of the National Trust’s only garden centre on site!
Eating and Drinking
The Ivy Café
Located in the centre of Wimbledon Village, The Ivy Café offers a glamorous eating experience for every occasion.
Whether you’re craving a sneaky fish and chips or a fluffy scone for afternoon tea, this top-tier restaurant has got you covered.
Serving French cuisine with a British touch, this eatery offers a symphony of flavours. Equipped with a delightful garden terrace, this restaurant provides the best weekend brunch spot that will be sure to spark some envy from your Instagram story.
The Wimbledon Tap
You can’t visit any part of South London without stumbling across an independent craft brewery; Wimbledon is no exception. The Wimbledon Taproom at the Wimbledon Brewery is located in the middle of the College Fields Industrial Estate, but make no mistake, this is one of the area’s top spots for food and drink.
Just a five-minute stroll from Colliers Wood station (and maybe a 7-minute stagger on the return journey), the tap has indoor and outdoor seating for you to sit and chat with mates while sampling the area’s best and meticulously brewed treats.
Not only do they show live sports such as the Six Nations on big screens, but they also have regular live events such as comedy, acoustic nights, and plenty more, as well as some of the best food vans in South London as well.
Hemingways
The ultimate place to down ample drinks in pursuit of inspiration, Hemingways is a cocktail bar situated in Wimbledon Village. This bar is a popular choice among locals and travelling visitors alike and is always buzzing with a lively atmosphere.
The drinks menu’s inspiration is the charming pleasures of an English garden, which will elevate your sundowners with a regal edge.
Sip on lip-smacking creations such as the Sparkling Orchid and the Tudor Rose and feel your day bloom into an unforgettable experience.
Cent Anni
This charming Italian restaurant brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the streets of Wimbledon with a gorgeous, relaxed vibe to accompany the tasty freshly prepared food and wonderful array of wines.
Cent Anni takes its inspiration from the rich and diverse range of Italian ingredients to offer some of the best dishes in Wimbledon with a global flavour.
We loved the Yellowfin tuna tataki, with avocado, tomatoes and a dash of wasabi vinaigrette for starter before following up with the sliced rump of lamb with creamy polenta and mint jus. Simply delectable.
If you’re on a date and both like a good steak, the 600g rib of beef looked incredible and a must-try!
Top Shopping Spots
Centre Court Shopping Centre
The best place to burn calories featuring some of the most cut-throat activities known to man — shopping during sale season. This centre has an abundance of shops and stalls to window shop or buy dry, which ranges from big brands to little community shops.
Elys
Twinkling along the Wimbledon skyline, the Elys building stands waiting for its shopaholic prey. This premier department store holds various well-known brands and services to shop to your heart’s content.
Why not indulge in some much-needed therapy — retail therapy that is.
Wimbledon Farmers Market
A space embellished with intoxicating aromas, local stalls, and a sense of sophisticated charm, this market is a tapestry of sweet and salty delights.
Walk along a labyrinth of stalls and engage with a range of diverse counters to explore.
From Charlie’s Trout to Nana’s Chutney, this market has a loving sense of strong community ties.
A Brief History of The Area
Categorised by its two main areas, Wimbledon Village and the Wimbledon Town Centre, this suburban paradise has a tall tale of stories embedded within its folds. With roots dating back to the Iron Age, Wimbledon was first established as a medieval village.
Wimbledon’s most identifiable characteristic is as the chosen location for the Wimbledon Championships. This epic event was established on 9 July 1877, making it the oldest and most recognisable grass tennis tournament globally.
Year after year, visitors flock to Wimbledon to catch a glimpse of the beautiful game. From the general public to high-ranking elites, Wimbledon brings individuals from all walks of life together.
Practical Tips for Exploring Wimbledon
- If you’re planning to visit in June and July, Wimbledon has a sea of tourists and visitors who flock to the area. Tennis anyone?
- A mere 43-minute drive from London, there is an abundance of attractions and things to do near Wimbledon if you’re doing a road trip.
- Wimbledon hosts a variety of events to experience scattered across the year, such as the Wimbledon Bookfest. Be sure to look out for local flyers or do some research beforehand.
- Peppered with a seemingly endless array of pubs and drinking spots, Wimbledon can be a tough area to navigate wearing beer goggles. Before embarking on a boozy adventure, have your hotel name and a few pounds handy.
