“Wimbledon” may be synonymous with tennis around the world, but there’s much more to see, eat and do in this pleasant neighbourhood than just sitting court-side. A quick 20-minutes’ drive from central London, Wimbledon is ideal for a weekend spent shopping, museum-hopping, and reconnecting with nature surrounded by the stunning countryside.
The Ivy Café
There’s no better way to kick-start your day than with brunch and a cheeky mimosa or two at The Ivy Café, a haunt of celebrities and socialites alike for its Instagrammable décor and hearty breakfast fare. The Ivy Café eschews standard bacon and eggs for more creative offerings such as truffled wild mushrooms with potato rosti, while eye-catching desserts please both sweet tooths and your IG feed.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Tour
Short of catching a match at the internationally-renowned tournament, tennis fans have plenty to keep engaged in London’s home of tennis at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, where tours take you through the history and traditions of the sport, with up-close exhibits of the famous trophies, star-studded tributes, and a sartorial look back at early Victorian tennis fashions.
Wimbledon Common
LONDON, ENGLAND – June 28: Wimbledon Common during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on June 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Stretching out for 460 hectares, Wimbledon Common offers a serene slice of countryside life, filled with endless green expanses, exciting wildlife, and exotic flora and fauna. The perfect place for those who fancy a long walk, you can meander through the many trails, visit prime spots for wildlife and bird-watching, and enjoy a picnic beside one of the park’s nine lakes.
Gina Conway
Feet aching from hours spent rambling the countryside? Soothe tired muscles and get in an afternoon cat nap at lifestyle spa, Gina Conway. Specialising in relaxing bespoke massages, indulgent body treatments and London’s best facials, complete your quest for zen and pamper yourself with one of the many luxurious treatments available. Truly caring for you from head to toe with Gina Conway’s signature Indian head massages to balancing foot treatments, treat yourself to a well-deserved full-body pampering.
Wimbledon Village
With your energy renewed, break up your afternoon with a spot of retail therapy at Wimbledon Village, imbued with a quaint, small-town feel. At this retail and dining hub, streets are lined with independent boutique shops, bookstores, galleries and grocers. Browse resort wear at Boho Beach Fest, peruse paintings at Clarendon Fine Art, pick-up fine cheeses and wines at Bayley & Sage, and then make your way to Centre Court Shopping Centre for even more shops, retailers and food outlets.
New Wimbledon Theatre
Theatre buffs will want to make a beeline for the New Wimbledon Theatre, which has hosted year-round shows from comedy acts to musicals since 1910. With gorgeously ornate interiors and an amazing line-up, any evening here is well-spent whether you’re listening to a concert, tapping along to an award-winning musical, or getting your daily dose of laughter at a comedy show.
atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre
Hemingways
This chic bar in Wimbledon Village is the perfect spot to cap off the night with a craft cocktail or two. Adorned in plush velvet interiors and industrial-style lighting, this cosy drinking den keeps it classy with specialty gin & tonics and old-fashioned classics, while an all-day food menu provides late-night ballast with mezze platters, charcuterie and stone-baked pizzas to line your stomach.