There's far more to the district than just tennis, though, and there's been a village on this site since medieval times, with Wimbledon High Street now occupying part of that site. While that early village, however, has now been completely absorbed by the sprawling metropolis that is London, the district still retains pockets of village charm and wide open spaces. With a sporting history that includes football, horse-riding and rifle-shooting, in addition to the tennis it's most famous for, plus a selection of shops, theatres and other attractions, a visit to Wimbledon can be whatever you want it to be, from a relaxing break, to an action-packed adventure.
Read on for some of the best things to do in Wimbledon.
Visit the Tennis Museum
If you can’t get tickets for centre court, a trip to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum might just be the next best thing. The largest tennis museum in the world, it’s a treasure trove of information and artefacts which tell the story of tennis, from 1555, all the way up to the present day. Exhibits, including memorabilia from famous players, change frequently, but one thing that remains constant is the opportunity to visit the world-famous Centre Court - assuming there are no games in progress at the time, of course!
Go riding at the oldest stables in England
Riding stables have existed in Wimbledon since the 13th century, with the current site of Wimbledon Village Stables being founded in 1915. Catering to everyone from complete novices to experienced equestrians, the stables offer an opportunity to see Wimbledon Common from horseback. Alternatively, if you’d prefer, there’s also an interactive horse riding simulator to try.
See a show at the New Wimbledon Theatre
Although the name might convince you otherwise, the New Wimbledon Theatre has actually been a Wimbledon landmark for over 100 years. Founded in 1910, it bills itself as South West London’s premier theatrical venue, and has a varied programme of entertainment on offer, from comedy and dance to drama and pantomime. Shows run all year round, so be sure to check out the website to make sure you don’t miss anything!
Take a tour of the Windmill
A windmill might be one of the last things you’d expect to find in the heart of a city, but Wimbledon Windmill, located on the common is also a museum, where you can learn more about the history of windmills, and even try your hand at making some flour. Built in 1817, it was restored in 1975, and has been open to the public ever since. There’s also a tearoom and gift shop, if you want to take home a souvenir of this Wimbledon landmark.
Take a walk on Wimbledon Common
Wimbledon Common is one of the largest areas of common ground in London, and contains three main areas: Putney Heath, Wimbledon Common, and Putney Lower Common. Home to the fictional Wombles, plus a multitude of real-life wildlife, the common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and an excellent place for a picnic or walk, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Experience the great outdoors at Wimbledon Park
It may not be quite as well known as Wimbledon Common, but Wimbledon Park, located next to the famous tennis court, has one of the largest lakes in London, and has been around since the 18th century. There’s plenty to enjoy here, from the lake itself to the many play areas, paddling pool, adventure golf and athletics track.
Visit a Buddhist temple
Wat Buddhapadipa was the first ever Buddhist temple to be built in the UK, and is a striking sight with its white walls and red and gold roof. The temple offers daily services, meditation classes and residential retreats, but, if you don’t want to go inside, a wander around the exterior will also give you the opportunity to soak up this beautiful building.
Learn more about the locality at the Museum of Wimbledon
The Lawn Tennis Museum might be the first stop for sports fans, but the Museum of Wimbledon goes far beyond the area’s sporting history, and delves deep into the history of the district - 3,000 years of it, in fact! Ancient history aside, many of the displays you’ll find here focus on the Victorian era up to the present day, and give a fascinating insight into Wimbledon life across the generations.
Stroll through the landscaped gardens of Cannizaro Park
The country house which stands here is now a hotel, but the grounds remain open to the public, and has grade II listed status due to the variety of rare plants you’ll find dotted around the park. You’re welcome to stroll and stay for as long as you like, but, if you’d like to know more about the park, and the various plant species it's home to, you can also book a guided walk, which is one of the best ways to enjoy the area.
Sample local produce at the farmers’ market
Wimbledon Park Primary School is the location of the Wimbledon Farmers’ Market, which trades every Saturday morning, and features regional products, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and freshly cut flowers.
The best things to do in Wimbledon with kids
As you’d expect for any metropolitan urban area, Wimbledon has plenty of activities on offer for visitors of any age. Here are some of the best things to do in Wimbledon with kids:
Polka Children’s Theatre
A trip to the theatre doesn’t have to be only for the grown ups, and, at Polka Children’s Theatre, the focus is firmly on the little ones, with performances suitable for children aged between 0 - 13. There are two performance spaces, along with an auditorium and studio, and there’s also a garden, indoor and outdoor play areas, and cafe - more than enough to keep everyone occupied!
art-K Art Workshop
Suitable for children aged 6 - 16, this two hour workshop allows your child to express themselves with lots of one-to-one teaching time. Choose between five different creative projects, and create your own masterpiece to take home.
Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf
Navigate nine life-sized dinosaurs that roar and move, as you golf your way through a Jurassic encounter that takes you past waterfalls, through caves, and countless other adventures.
Wimbledon Murder Mystery Treasure Trail
Explore Wimbledon the fun way, with a self-guided walking tour that will see you solve a murder mystery as you go. Solve clues, and see all of the most important local landmarks as you navigate from Wimbledon Village, through the Common, and all the way to the Lawn Tennis Club. The trail is 3.4 miles long and will take around three hours to complete: there’s even a chance to win some “treasure” as all correct answers are entered into a monthly prize draw.
Deen City Farm and Riding School
One of London’s oldest city farms, Deen City is a five-acre working farm, which also has its own riding school. The farmyard is home to a range of friendly animals, and there’s also a riding simulator, growing gardens, and cafe.
The Best Restaurants in Wimbledon
For London quality with a more laid-back atmosphere, Wimbledon is a great choice. Here are some of the best restaurants and cafes in the area.
Touro
Sample unlimited cuts of 20 different varieties of grilled meat, from sirloin steak and filet mignon to short rib and more. Brazilian trained gaucho chefs carve your meat tableside and there’s also a sidebar with plenty of salad and other tasty treats.
Carole’s Creperie
Carole Simb trained at the prestigious Au Soleil Breton Kervingard in France, and now brings her crepe-making skills to various locations around London in her mobile creperie, which can frequently be found on the streets of Wimbledon.
The White Onion
French cuisine in a relaxed setting is the order of the day at The White Onion, which is a favourite of both locals and visitors alike.
The Ivy Cafe Wimbledon Village
Part of the prestigious Ivy chain, The Ivy Cafe offers diners a less formal version of its stylish restaurants, serving up seasonal dishes from the heart of Wimbledon Village.
Giggling Squid
Fresh Thai food based around sharing platters, in a fun and quirky setting, Giggling Squid has grown from its humble beginnings almost 20 years ago into a popular chain of restaurants.
Black Radish Restaurant
This small but popular Wimbledon Village restaurant creates simple dishes based around a seasonal set menu, and focuses on offering a small number of options, cooked to perfection.
Cote
Welcome the weekend in style with a champagne brunch at Cote - a brasserie style restaurant inspired by Paris.
Megan’s in the Village
At Megan’s, the setting is almost as stunning as the food, with lots of hanging lamps and fairylights to add ambiance to the Mediterranean-style meals.
Cent Anni
For classic, contemporary Italian food, Cent Anni, in Wimbledon Village, is the place to go.
NYEAT Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
Steak and seafood meet signature cocktails and entertainment from live bands and DJ sets at this award-winning Wimbledon restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s Wimbledon famous for?
The London borough of Wimbledon is most famous for The Championships, which is the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. It’s also known for Wimbledon Common, one of London’s largest outdoor public spaces, its football club, and its upmarket restaurants and housing, making it one of London’s most affluent areas.
