Top 15 Attractions in Wimbledon, Merton, London

A well-off residential area in Southwest London, Wimbledon has a reputation that extends beyond British shores due to a prestigious tennis tournament held in July.

The Championships represent a unique event in the ATP and WTA tours, embodying history and tradition, as well as the quintessential strawberries and cream.

If you are unable to attend the tournament, you can still visit the museum and take a guided tour, gaining insight into the inner workings of the All England Club and enjoying the legacy of past champions.

True to its verdant reputation, Wimbledon hosts London’s largest area of common land, which has valiantly resisted development and resembles open countryside amidst the urban environment.

Let us delve into the noteworthy attractions in Wimbledon:

1. The Championships, Wimbledon

The world’s oldest tennis tournament takes place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club during the initial two weeks of July.

The Championships, which have their origins in 1877, are the highlight of the All England Club, founded in 1868, originally established for croquet.

As one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon stands out as the only event contested on grass, adhering to several unique traditions.

Perhaps the most notable is the almost complete absence of advertising, along with a strict dress code requiring players to wear all-white attire.

The men’s and women’s finals are held at the iconic Centre Court, which has a seating capacity of 14,979 and was fitted with a retractable roof in 2009. Tickets may be obtained via a public ballot for both domestic and international attendees, although, unusually for a major sporting event, there is also the option to queue overnight for a premium seat.

2. Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

During the rest of the year, the All England Club operates as an exclusive members’ tennis club; however, there is an exceptional museum that is open daily, chronicling the history of the Championships and the sport of lawn tennis.

Established in 1970, the museum houses an impressive collection featuring a mid-16th-century tennis rulebook, tennis balls from the men’s final in 2014, Championship trophies, antique rackets, and equipment used by renowned players such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal.

The ticket price also includes a 90-minute guided tour of the grounds, where you will hear stories about famous players, visit the Media Centre, explore the BBC studio and interview room, and set foot on Centre Court.

3. Wimbledon Common

Covering over 1,100 acres, Wimbledon Common is the largest area of heathland within London.

The Common extends to Putney Heath to the north, while Richmond Park lies just across the A3 to the west.

This provides ample opportunities for several days of walking or cycling through the heath and woodland, which is remarkable considering it is situated within a city.

Two lakes, Rushmere and Kingsmere, can be found in the upper section of the common, which are former flooded gravel pits.

Due to the abundance of space and privacy, horseback riding is a popular pursuit in the common, while the esteemed members-only Royal Wimbledon Golf Club is located to the south.

A public footpath traverses the center of the course, leading to Caesar’s Camp, which is an Iron Age hillfort constructed around the 5th century BC and later occupied by the Romans.

4. Wimbledon Windmill

The windmill located in the heart of Wimbledon Common was constructed in 1817 and has operated as a museum since its restoration in 1975. This four-sail smock windmill is covered with local weatherboard and produced flour until the conclusion of the Second World War.

The museum was expanded across both floors in 1999 following financial assistance from a Heritage Lottery fund.

The lower level outlines the general history and evolution of windmills, showcasing antique millwright tools, models, and a video presentation.

On the upper level, visitors can learn more about the operations of this specific mill, with exhibits including a saddle stone, mortar, hand quern, and grain, allowing children to experiment with making flour.

Do stop by the shop, where books and souvenirs are available, and make a visit to the tearooms situated next door.

5. Wimbledon Park

Adjacent to the All England Club, Wimbledon Park is an expansive outdoor area that was formerly linked to Wimbledon Manor House.

The mansion’s grounds were designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century, resulting in the creation of the lake, one of the largest in South London.

Wimbledon Park is rich in amenities, including a watersports center on the lakeshore, a paddling pool, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a café.

The Guy Fawkes fireworks display in Wimbledon takes place in the park at the beginning of November, while the 18-hole Wimbledon Park Golf Club is accessible to guests Monday through Friday.

6. Wat Buddhapadipa

As the first Thai Buddhist temple established in the UK, Wat Buddhapadipa was inaugurated by the King and Queen of Thailand in 1966 and is located a couple of streets east of the Common.

Affiliated with London’s Royal Thai Embassy, the temple originally resided in East Sheen before relocating to its current site in 1976. Although there are resident monks and nuns, visitors are welcome to explore the temple and its wooded grounds while observing proper etiquette.

Within the grounds, there is a serene lake and stream, offering a few moments of tranquility, and the main temple showcases exquisite interior frescoes.

Be sure to see the black bronze Buddha, presented by the King in 1966, as well as the gold Buddha brought from Bangkok’s Grand Palace in 1990.

7. New Wimbledon Theatre

An enduring landmark on the Broadway, the Grade II New Wimbledon Theatre is a stunning Edwardian Baroque venue inaugurated in 1910. Crowned above the entrance is a gold statue of the Roman goddess of gaiety, Laetitia.

This statue was removed during the Second World War to avoid serving as a potential target for bombing raids and was restored only in 1991. The grand theatre, richly adorned, accommodates 1,670 guests, placing it among the ten largest theatres in London.

A prime location for live performances, the venue draws prominent stand-up comedians, touring plays, and musicals freshly arrived from the West End, along with numerous tribute bands.

8. Polka Children’s Theatre

This cherished “producing theatre” for children dates back to 1967 and found its permanent residence on the Broadway in 1979. The Polka presents performances aimed at children up to 13 years of age in its 300-capacity main auditorium, as well as productions designed for babies, toddlers, and younger children in the 70-seat studio.

For those seeking activities for children during school holidays, there is usually a variety of events happening, including award-winning performances, a wide array of workshops, educational theatre, storytelling, and much more.

9. Museum of Wimbledon

This charming local museum located on the Ridgeway opens on weekend afternoons and showcases 3,000 years of history in Wimbledon.

The majority of the exhibits are Victorian or from the 20th century, providing insights into domestic, occupational, and community life.

Among the artifacts are furniture, tankards, bakery and farming tools, posters from events of the 19th and early 20th centuries, historic maps, archival photographs, and valuable manuscripts.

Notable items include a grant of tithes to the Prior of Merton from 1354 and the property deeds for Admiral Nelson’s acquisition of Merton Place in 1801.

10. AFC Wimbledon

The local team holds its home matches only a ten-minute train ride away at the 4,850-capacity Kingsmeadow in Norbiton.

AFC Wimbledon was established in 2002 and has steadily advanced through the leagues, now competing in League One (the third tier). This development occurred following the controversial relocation of the original Wimbledon F.C. to Milton Keynes in the early 2000s, thereafter known as MK Dons.

A supporters’ group formed a new local club in response, and after beginning in the modest Combined Counties League, AFC Wimbledon now plays at a higher level than the team that departed for Milton Keynes 15 years ago! Founded by fans, AFC Wimbledon actively engages with the Merton and Kingston communities, promoting active lifestyles and organizing training programs for children.

11. Cannizaro Park

Originally the gardens for a country house (now a luxury hotel) located on its eastern side, Cannizaro Park boasts a Grade II listing and exemplifies the features of an opulent estate.

Spanning 35 acres, it includes a diverse collection of exotic trees and shrubs arranged around the Mediterranean Garden, Azalea Dell, Rose Garden, Italian Garden, Sunken Garden, and Water Garden.

The name Cannizaro derives from a Sicilian nobleman, Francis Platamone, who leased the house in the early 19th century.

The house and gardens were acquired by Wimbledon Borough Council in 1947, following the planting of an abundance of rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas by the last owners, the Wilsons.

Visit for peaceful strolls among the blossoms during early summer.

12. South Park Gardens

Established at the conclusion of the Victorian era (1901) in the Beaux-Arts style, South Park Gardens is a delightful 2.4-hectare formal park that consistently earns the Green Flag award.

The park underwent restoration in 2009 with assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, including relaying its paths, restoring its fountain, and adding new seating arrangements.

The winding paths guide visitors alongside ponds, shrubbery, and meticulously tended flowerbeds.

A quaint kiosk is located within the park, while various classes take place at the Garden Pavilion, including Pilates, yoga, art classes, reading groups, and calligraphy.

13. Horseback Riding

The ambiance of affluence and the seemingly endless greenery make horseback riding a popular activity in Wimbledon.

The common is merely separated from Richmond Park by the A3 road, allowing for a vast area of greenery for horseback riding, appropriate for individuals with horse-riding experience.

Wimbledon Village Stables, recognized as the oldest stables in England, is located on the outskirts of the common and accommodates non-members for lessons every day of the week.

Absolute beginners will commence on a horse simulator, while more experienced riders can take their horses either into the ring or out across the open parkland on a training hack.

These sessions can be arranged in groups or privately, subject to an additional fee.

14. Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf

Just one stop on the train to Raynes Park is a captivating family attraction with a dinosaur theme.

Jurassic Encounter offers a creatively designed adventure golf course featuring 18 holes amidst waterfalls, artificial caves, and on island greens.

The dinosaur theme is brought to life with nine nearly life-sized animatronic dinosaurs scattered throughout the course.

The course remains open year-round and is equipped with floodlights, allowing play until late in the evening.

15. Wimbledon Farmers’ Market

Operating every Saturday morning at Wimbledon Park Primary School, the Wimbledon Farmers’ Market has been in existence since 2000 and consistently receives fresh accolades each year.

The market features stalls from regional organic producers, ensuring that the fruit and vegetables available change with the seasons.

April brings wild garlic, May introduces strawberries and asparagus, while July showcases cherries and late summer offers plums and apples.

Additionally, seasonal cut flowers are obtainable, with the selection of game, meat, and poultry varying throughout the year.