In addition to a world-renowned tennis tournament, Wimbledon—a residential district in south west London—draws visitors from near and far for its eclectic mix of scenic countryside, sports and shopping, and quaint eateries, pubs and cafés. Hit the main attractions such as Wimbledon Common and Wimbledon Village, then discover more of this charming district with everything from horseback riding to visiting a traditional Thai temple.
Wimbledon
Naturally, no list would be complete without the thing to do in Wimbledon: watch one of the greatest tennis tournaments in the world. If you happen to be in town during this prestigious two-week-long Grand Slam event, you won’t want to miss the highlight of the summer sporting calendar, with top players from around the world descending on London’s home of tennis to battle it out for the title.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
Tennis fans looking to dive further into the history and heritage of the sport will want to head to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum—the largest tennis museum in the world. Take a tour of the grounds, peruse a collection of tennis memorabilia, and gain a deeper understanding of the history of the sport in this multi-dimensional museum.
Wimbledon and Putney Commons
Go for a pleasant picnic or stroll through Wimbledon and Putney Commons, a vast public park and green space covering 1,100 acres. Walk, run or cycle through the plentiful pathways to explore, and discover a wealth of wildlife at this haven for nature enthusiasts.
Wimbledon Windmill Museum
A can’t miss landmark at Wimbledon & Putney Commons, cap off your visit to the woodlands with a visit to the Wimbledon Windmill, originally built in 1864 and now operating as a museum. Learn about life in Wimbledon and brush up on your history while exploring the treasure trove of artefacts on offer at this volunteer-run attraction.
Wimbledon Village Stables
Saddle up and hit the trail at Wimbledon Village Stables, an award-winning riding school led by an experienced team of instructors. Channel your inner equestrian spirit and take a scenic trot through the idyllic countryside on the back of your well-schooled horse, or level up your riding skills at EQUICISE, an interactive on-site simulator designed to help improve students’ fitness, confidence and riding technique.
Wimbledon Village
From the savvy sartorialist to the tech wizard and the everyday homemaker—get your retail therapy in at Wimbledon Village, with a plethora of independent shops, boutique retailers and big-name brands lining the streets. Need a place to park your bags? Seek out one of the many quaint cafés or chic restaurants nearby to refuel before hitting the pavement again.
Polka Theatre
With a mission of inspiring young audiences through theatre and entertainment, Polka Theatre is a great place to take juniors if you’re looking for an immersive and interactive experience. Sparking a sense of creativity and imagination, Polka features both indoor and outdoor play spaces, a shop, book corner, a friendly café, and an Adventure Theatre and Main Theatre with children’s shows playing all year round.
Wimbledon Farmers’ Market
Find the freshest seasonal ingredients at Wimbledon Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday with a dazzling array of local food makers, farmers, growers and craftspeople. The mix of vendors means you’re covered with everything from organic meat and poultry, to premium dairy, homemade cakes and pies, free-range eggs, fresh herbs and plenty more to serve as weekend cooking inspiration. The open-air market has a convivial, family-friendly feel, making it a year-round neighbourhood favourite.
Wat Buddhapadipa Temple
The first temple of its kind to be built in the UK, this traditional Thai Buddhist temple makes for a delightful excursion, with its striking red roof, intricate indoor murals and gold detailing. The Buddhist monastery covers four acres with traditional gardens, sculptures, an ornamental lake and orchard situated on the grounds.
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Southside House
Step back in time at this unique landmark made for architecture and history buffs alike. Behind the beautiful façade, the historic family home houses a number of enchanting antiques, treasures and memorabilia, taking the visitor through generations of stories and folklore. In addition, Southside House plays host to a number of cultural and community events throughout the year.