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Although possibly most famous for tennis, Wimbledon has a lot to offer – this year (in 2023), Wimbledon was recently voted as London’s most in demand location (via a ‘Rightmove’ poll). What’s more, Wimbledon Village is a chic, charming and convivial area, a little slice of country life in south London. Game, set and match, right?
From gorgeous green parks to historic buildings, numerous cinemas and theatres plus some classic pubs, there are lots of things to do in Wimbledon, south London.
There are also surprises in store at Wimbledon like a wooden windmill, a beautiful Buddhist temple plus one of the best afternoon teas in London.
Read on to discover all of the best things to do in Wimbledon, south London:
Top things to do in Wimbledon
1. All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Any tennis fan will ‘love’ this Wimbledon tennis tour at the home of lawn tennis. It will likely ‘serve’ as an ‘ace’ lasting memory.
A short walk from Wimbledon Village, this sleepy suburb becomes a world stage for the famous Wimbledon Lawn tennis Tournament held every July.
Famous as the only Grand Slam tournament still held on grass, it is an incredible experience to visit the hallowed lawns of Wimbledon All England Lawn and Tennis Club.
FYI – The dates for the 2023 Lawn Tennis Championships have been confirmed as Monday 3rd July 2023 to Sunday 16th July 2023.
Tennis tickets are generally available via a ballot so sign up in advance. In the last couple of years, there were last minute tickets available each night via the Wimbledon official tennis website.
When we went we paid less than £20 for tickets and it was AMAZING. However this changes each year so best to check the official Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Championships ticket website.
If you are lucky enough to have tournament tickets, make sure you book up your London accommodation well in advance.
Address: Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Church Road, London SW19 5AG,
2. Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
If your Wimbledon tennis stadium visit doesn’t coincide with the annual tennis championship or you can’t get Lawn Tennis Tournament tickets, you can still visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum all year round and do a 90 minute tour of the grounds.
As well as seeing all the classic trophies and the hallowed centre court during a Wimbledon Museum tour, you’ll also encounter John McEnroe’s ghost (we aren’t making this up!), meander the media centre and do a VR tour to put you right in the tennis action.
An audio guide in several languages is also available free in the Wimbledon Museum.
Book a Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and tour >
Address: Church Road, London SW19 5AF
YOU MIGHT LIKE: The best sports stadium tours & museums >
3. Wimbledon Village
One of the prettiest villages in south London and a joy to explore on foot (the original settlement dates back to 1838), Wimbledon is split into a verdant village area plus Wimbledon Town – the latter is where most of the chain high street shops are.
For our money, Wimbledon Village is THE place you should spend most time if you enjoy browsing independent shops, or fine wine and dining. There are a dozen or so cafes, delis and restaurants to enjoy, plus craft, jewellery and book shops.
Popular Wimbledon Village spots include Megans (for all day brunches), plus Mediterranean favourite Maison St Cassien (easy to spot – just look for the bright yellow tables and chairs outside at the top of the village).
The Ivy now also has a sumptuous outpost, plus Hemingways in another popular hangout in the village, chock full of the finest champagne and cocktails and canapes galore.
Whilst in the village, also check out Gardenia Florist as the floral display outside is always so colourful and well presented.
From delicious delis to tasty tapas and incredible independent shops, you can see why Wimbledon Village is such a property hotspot and one of our favourite things to do in Wimbledon.
If you like Wimbledon Village, how about a visit to Walthamstow Village, one of London’s oldest villages (dating from 1086).
4. Wimbledon Common
Whilst there may not be any Wombles* to discover, Wimbledon Common is a big, beautiful open space with grass and heathland to explore, running from Wimbledon Town to Richmond Park.
*For overseas visitors, the Wombles were fictional kids TV characters here in the UK (in the 1960s) who lived on the Common; you’re welcome.
Popular with picnickers, joggers and dog-walkers, Wimbledon Common is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and can easily be combined with Putney Heath.
Whilst on Wimbledon Common, you can grab a cup of tea or coffee at Cart on the Common – or if like us, you’d rather something a little stronger after a walk (read on).
5. The Fox & Grapes Wimbledon
After a walk around Wimbledon Common, relax with a cheeky pint (or three) at the Fox and Grapes, a popular pub that is right next to the Common (like literally on the edge).
The Fox & Grapes is currently the only independent Wimbledon pub, offering gastropub favourites like lamb chops or roast duck to ale battered fish and chips – they are also renowned for their Sunday roasts (try a whole poussin) and grazing platters.
The Fox & Grapes Wimbledon also has accommodation on the upper levels so you could easily make this your base to enjoy Wimbledon Common and nearby Wimbledon Village.
Address: The Fox & Grapes, 9 Camp Road, London SW19 4UN
6. Wimbledon Windmill Museum and Cafe
Located on Wimbledon Common (suitable down a ‘windy’ trail), Wimbledon Windmill is an iconic and historic former flour mill that is over 200 years old (construction of the windmill originally began in 1817).
The 15 metre sails were used to help produce and grind flour until the 1860s, whereby the windmill was converted into accommodation (latterly used by the park rangers). At the start of the new millennium, funding was received to transform the windmill into a living history museum and it has been open to the public ever since.
Wimbledon Windmill is now a Grade II listed building – weekday tours are available on request. The Windmill Museum closes for the winter months (due to reopen from 1 April 2023).
Address: Wimbledon Windmill Museum, Windmill Road, London SW19 5NR
7. Wimbledon Theatre
Around a 10 minute walk from the train station and entertaining Londoners with all manner of stage shows and their annual pantomimes for over a century, New Wimbledon Theatre opened in 1910 and is one of the best preserved Edwardian theatres in the whole of London (and Grade II listed).
Spending Christmas in London? New Wimbledon Theatre is popular for its pantomimes (“He’s behind you” etc) – we saw Shane Ritchie as Dick Whittington here recently and it was so well staged.
The New Wimbledon Theatre pantomime for Christmas 2023 / 2024 will be Cinderella starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Stepmother – expect plenty of booing and hissing! Cinderella runs from 8 December 2023 to the 7 January 2024.
Address: New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG,
8. Wat Buddhapadipa
The first temple of its kind to be built in London (in the early 1980s), the Wat Buddhapadipa is a beautiful Buddhist temple built on a four acre site that contain an orchard, a small lake and a flower garden. As you’d expect, the Wat Buddhapadipa is a very peaceful place that is pleasant to walk around.
Inside the ground , the main temple building at Wat Buddhapadipa is known as the Uposatha, open for worship and prayers – here you will also see the statue of Buddha.
Monks and nuns live on the site at Wimbledon’s Wat Buddhapadipa but is open to visitors daily for worship (9am to 5pm as at 2023) and for special occasions and festivals like Loy Krathong. Various classes are also available like learning mindful meditation.
Wat Buddhapadipa is one of the most incredible Buddhist temples in London – you can also visit the Buddhist Tibetan Peace Garden in Elephant and Castle and the Buddhist London Peace Pagoda in Battersea.
Address: Wat Buddhapadipa Buddhist temple, 14 Calonne Road, London SW19 5HJ,
9. Wimbledon Farmer’s Market
Open every Saturday between 9am and 1pm, Wimbledon Farmers Market is located at Wimbledon Park Primary School.
One of best known and longest running Saturday Farmers Markets in London, the Farmers Market set up shop almost 25 years ago in 2000 and has continued to grow (like its fresh fruit and veg!) ever since.
Expect to see between 10 to 30 farmers market stalls every Saturday – you’ll find organic and free range farm produce, seasonal plants, vegetable and fruits plus honey, preserves and all manner of goodness.
Address: Wimbledon Park Primary School, Off Havana Rd, Durnsford Road, London SW19 8EJ
10. Wimbledon Town Centre
One of the main local shopping thoroughfares, Wimbledon Town is the area that has sprung up around the main train station.
Here you’ll find several pubs, cinemas and many of the high street chains (the more boutique and independent stores can be found in Wimbledon Village).
Concentrated around The Broadway, here you’ll find chain coffee shops like Pret A Manger and Caffe Nero, fast food favourites like Greggs, Taco Bell and McDonalds and supermarkets like Waitrose, Tesco and Morrisons.
Whilst not worth a special visit, you may find you start your Wimbledon walk here and it is quite good for shopping.
11. Centre Court Shopping Centre
Of course the main shopping centre in Wimbledon has to be called Centre Court (and yes, you can buy tennis rackets here!). Located right next to the train station, it is easy to find; just look for the colourful umbrella display at the entrance (very similar to Camden Market).
From Boots to Body Shop, H&M to Holland & Barrett, you’ll find all your favourite brands under one roof (making it also good for wet weather days in Wimbledon).
Big changes are planned for Wimbledon’s Centre Court Shopping centre in the future as new owners have recently taken it over and wish to include a new courtyard, a rooftop area including honey bees and co-working spaces.
Centre Court Shopping Centre is open 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm weekdays, 8am to 7pm Saturdays and 8am to 5pm on Sundays (as at 2023). Individual store trading hours may vary.
Address: Wimbledon Centre Court Shopping Centre, 4 Queen’s Road, London SW19 8YE
Like shopping in London? Try the whopping Westfield shopping centres in Stratford or Shepherd’s Bush.
12. Museum of Wimbledon
Hurrah, Wimbledon Museum has recently reopened following an extensive refurbishment.
Want to know more about Wimbledon past and present? Wimbledon Museum is a small local history museum open most weekends Friday to Sunday (2.30pm to 5.30pm). Exhibits include model mansions, old toys, Women’s Suffrage items and various ephemera.
Address: 22 Ridgway, London SW19 4QN
Like Museums? Visit Fulham Palace and Gardens in west London >
13. Cannizaro Park
A grade II listed public park, Cannizaro Park is renowned for its landscaped gardens, ornate statues and ponds; yes even the parks in Wimbledon are pretty damn fine!
Cannizaro Park started life as the grounds of a former 18th country house (it is now a rather regal hotel – Hotel Du Vin Cannizaro House; more on this later).
As well as rose gardens, an azalea dell and a sunken garden, there is a cafe to enjoy.
Cannizaro Park is open 7 days a week until dusk (from 8am weekdays and 9am weekends and public holidays).
Like Cannizaro Park? Try Crystal Palace Park and its dinosaurs >
14. Take afternoon tea Cannizaro House Hotel du Vin
Located in the heart of Cannizaro Park, Cannizaro House is a former country house that has now become a rather swish 4* Hotel, operated by Hotel Du Vin.
The star of the show here is their opulent Orangery restaurant which overlooks the Park (plus their Lanson Terrace which is perfect for warm summer evenings).
Many people rave about the afternoon tea here at Cannizaro House. Hotel Du Vin afternoon tea consists of finger sandwiches, English scones, handmade gateaux and cakes topped off with a cup of tea.
Hotel Du Vin afternoon tea prices start from £22.50pp as at February 2023. If you fancy something stronger, you can combine it with champagne for £30 per person. Cheers!
Check rates and availability for Hotel du Vin Cannizaro House >
Address: Cannizaro House, West Side Common, London, SW19 4UE
15. Polka Children’s Theatre
With a mission to inspire and entertain young minds, Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre put on a variety of eclectic shows and performances for children up to the age of 13 years old, with around 100,000 children attending each year.
As well as a creative learning studio, Polka Children’s Theatre has a playground and garden, plus an exhibition space and a cafe. Polka Dot Theatre is open to visit daily from 9am (9.30am at the weekend) to 5pm; closed Tuesdays.
Address: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB.
16. Wimbledon Park
Located next door to the Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon Park is a practical (and not so pretty) public park that is popular for sporting activities.
Based on 27 hectares, there is a small boating lake, tennis courts, a running track plus crazy golf, a bowling green and beach volleyball courts.
The Park cafe is open for hot drinks and snacks too plus every November, Wimbledon Park is home to one of London’s largest fireworks displays on or around Guy Fawkes night.
Address: Home Park Road, London SW19 8AU
17. Earlsfield High Street
Very close to Wimbledon (and nice to combine with a walk through nearby Wimbledon Park), Earlsfield is an up and coming neighbourhood with a nice high street, with lots of bars, coffee shops and places to eat.
Right by Earlsfield Station and located in the former station ticket office, the Earlsfield is a gastropub and a craft beer connoisseur’s idea of heaven.
A few minutes walk down the road brings you to the Wandle of Earlsfield, a lovely looking local pub with a big beer garden out back plus live sports and a table tennis table.
Nearby, the Pig and Whistle pub is a lovely spot to sup a pint – although not on the scale of say the Churchill Arms in Kensington, The Pub & Whistle always have a nice summer hanging basket display (and the beer ain’t too bad either). Grab a seat in one of the huge bay windows and watch the world go by with a beer – it is what weekends in Wimbledon are made more.
18 Cinemas in Wimbledon
If you are looking to catch a film after completing other things to do in Wimbledon on this list, there are two main cinemas in town – the Odeon cinema and the Curzon cinema.
Curzon Cinema
Curzon is a small chain of cinemas mainly in and around London specialising in art house movie screenings and special events like Q&A sessions or live theatre streams.
The Curzon is located on The Broadway and has three screens with a bar and cafe.
Address: Curzon Cinema, Second Floor, 23 The Broadway, London SW19 1RE,
Odeon Cinema
Not only does Odeon cinema have 12 screens showing all the latest big blockbusters, it also boasts a big IMAX screen and a RealD 3D screen and bar – premium seating and dining options with your movie are also available.
Address: Odeon Cinema, 39 The Broadway, The Crescent, London SW19 1QB
19 Catch an AFC Wimbledon Game
Wimbledon tennis not your thing? Prefer football / soccer? Then for the last of our potential things to do in Wimbledon, why not head to the Cherry Red Records Stadium and watch a AFC football match.
AFC Wimbledon have been a successful soccer story over the last few years, having gone from ninth tier all the way to third and as high as League One.
AFC Wimbledon currently play in the EFL League Two meaning tickets are a little easier to come by and the 9,200 seater stadium is easy to get to. AFC Wimbledon tickets start for as low as £1 for kids (a special promotion) and £23 for adults.
Address: Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane, London SW17 0NR
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