Best known for hosting the international tennis championship, Wimbledon is one of those quintessentially “British” areas, a wealthy suburb with traditional houses, parks and gardens dotted all around.
But aside from enjoying the tennis, there are plenty of other things to do in this incredible area!
As a Londoner, I’ve always had a soft spot for Wimbledon. It’s a charming area in South West London that’s best known for its world-famous tennis tournament (and for being pretty posh).
But there’s so much more to Wimbledon than just tennis!
From frolicking in flower gardens to browsing goodie-filled charity shops in Wimbledon Village, this area is perfect for a day visit or weekend trip away in a peaceful part of London.
So read on, as I’m sharing the best things to do in Wimbledon Village, prefaced by where to stay in Wimbledon.
Smiling with flowers on a cloudy summer day in Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon
Best Things To Do In Wimbledon 2024
Where To Stay in Wimbledon: 3 Best Hotels in Wimbledon
There are plenty of places to stay in Wimbledon, whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly hostel.
Hotel du Vin Cannizaro House Wimbledon
This stylish, elegant Georgian boutique hotel is my #1 hotel in Wimbledon. It’s located just a few minutes’ walk from Wimbledon Village and offers beautifully designed rooms, a restaurant serving seasonal British cuisine, and a bar with an impressive wine list. I’ve stayed here and it tops the list.
Dog and Fox Hotel Wimbledon
Nestled in the heart of Wimbledon Village, the Dog and Fox Hotel blends traditional charm with modern comforts. This boutique spot has cosy rooms and a charming ‘local fave’ pub, perfect for anyone wanting to soak up more residential hospitality (and probably a lot of dogs).
Rose and Crown Hotel Wimbledon
The Rose and Crown Hotel is a historic gem that’s warm and friendly. A stone’s throw from Wimbledon Common, it offers easy access to beautiful walks and local attractions. You can relax in comfy rooms and enjoy delicious British dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Things to Do in Wimbledon: A Londoner’s Guide
1. Take a stroll in Cannizaro Park
Stroll around the historical Cannizaro Park, hidden in the south of Wimbledon Common.
This much loved, locally popular Grade II-listed park has beautifully landscaped gardens with duck ponds and ornamental sculptures, great for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to unplug from the chaos of city life!
The grounds are teeming with rows of fresh lavender and pristinely manicured flower gardens. If you’re a green thumb, you can wander along the botanical trails and discover rare plants and exotic flowers along the way.
One of the main highlights of Cannizaro Park is the historic Cannizaro House. This Georgian mansion, steeped in history, dates back to the early 19th century and is now part of the Hotel du Vin, a luxury boutique hotel overlooking Cannizaro Park.
I stayed at Hotel du Vin for the weekend, and though the service was a little lacklustre, the surroundings were stunning and the bedrooms were super quaint, with lovely views of the gardens.
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth a visit to admire the architecture and perhaps enjoy a meal in its distinguished restaurant. The house has a quaint charm, perfect for history buffs.
I’d recommend heading to the beautiful hotel bar for a drink or aperitif, or having afternoon tea at the restaurant (which has a 2AA Rosette Award).
2. Browse boutiques in Wimbledon Village
Get a delicious flat white (or turmeric latte) to go, then head out to explore Wimbledon Village.
There are some charming independent boutique stores and high-street chain shops dotted all around. If you’re in a splurging mood, both Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon Broadway are great for retail therapy.
From the bougie boutiques in the village to the more standard high street shops in Centre Court Mall, you can pick up unique gifts and designs here.
For lunch, go east in Wimbledon. Enjoy some seriously great Thai food at either Giggling Squid, Patara or Thai Tho (a small but mighty, highly-rated Thai eatery further down on Wimbledon Broadway).
If it’s sunny during your visit and you don’t fancy a big meal, why not grab an outdoor table at a bar and have a nice jug of Pimms? Wimbledon Village is ideal for people-watching (so bring your sunglasses along, too!).
3. Take a long walk around Wimbledon Common
Check out Wimbledon Common, a stunning 1,200-acre open space that’s perfect for nature lovers. It’s brimming with wildlife—think birds, rabbits, and foxes—and has miles of walking and cycling trails.
Wimbledon Common is a lush green wonderland that stretches across Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common. You’ll love watching dogs chase tennis balls thrown with those funny pooper-scooper tools. And don’t miss the sight of dogs joyfully plunging into the giant pond—just watch out for those wet fur shakes afterward!
After a long walk, grab a drink at the Fox and Glove pub or treat yourself to afternoon tea in Wimbledon Village. Better yet, pack a picnic and stay until dusk to catch a marvellous pink-orange sunset.
4. Indulge your inner foodie at Market on the Piazza
Are you a foodie? Then Market on the Piazza is for you.
Organised by Love Wimbledon Local, the monthly weekend Market on The Piazza is an incredible outdoor market known for amazing gourmet hot food, baked goods and locally made crafts!
Think decadent desserts and fresh charcuterie, plus stalls selling bespoke jewelry, unique art, and cool accessories from indie creators. They’re also single-use plastic-free, so you can shop guilt-free about your carbon footprint.
The market is just two minutes away from Wimbledon Train Station, right outside Morrison’s, Odeon, and Wahaca. Personally, I’d go for a Greek souvlaki and top it off with a vegan brownie. If you’re in the mood for a film afterward, you can pop into Odeon and catch a movie.
Image Credit: Comedy Gigs
5. Catch some culture – be it theatre, film or music
Culture is everything, and Wimbledon certainly isn’t lacking in exciting venues to inspire and entertain you on a night out!
Whether you fancy catching a theatre performance, watching a movie, or hearing live music play, there’s plenty of things going on – not to mention tennis events in summer!
You can see iconic shows and tribute acts at the New Wimbledon Theatre, a beautiful Edwardian theatre that has all sorts on the list, from West End shows to comedy acts and music concerts. Check out the schedule and book your tickets in advance.
I recently took my nephew to watch Madagascar: The Musical, which had a packed-out crowd and was such fun.
For a more chill brand of entertainment, catch some live music at The Old Frizzle gastropub, enjoy a local open mic night at one of the indie cafés, or catch the latest thriller at the Odeon or Curzon cinemas!
6. Discover Wimbledon’s Tennis History
One of the biggest attractions in Wimbledon is, of course, the world-famous Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
Even if you’re not there during the tournament, you can still feel the tennis magic.
If you’re a tennis buff, no visit to Wimbledon would be complete without a visit to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Learn about the history of tennis, explore the Championships’ rich heritage, and see the trophies up close.
In fact, if you’re into history anyway, why not take a guided of Wimbledon? There are a few tours and experiences on offer, including walking tours, cycling tours, and even tours by vintage bus!
Head over to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum to check out an amazing collection of tennis memorabilia, from vintage equipment to honorary awards. You can also take a guided tour of the grounds, get a peek at the iconic Centre Court, and soak up the rich history and tradition that make Wimbledon a tennis haven.
Where to Eat in Wimbledon
Wimbledon has a great food scene with plenty of options for every taste and budget. Here are a few of my favourite places to eat in Wimbledon:
- The Dog and Fox: This iconic, historic pub in the heart of Wimbledon Village is a great place to grab a pint and some classic British pub food. The menu includes favourites like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Sunday roasts.
- The Ivy Cafe Wimbledon: This stylish restaurant offers all-day dining, with a menu that includes everything from breakfast dishes to hearty mains and indulgent desserts. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, and the service is always excellent.
- The Black Lamb: This neighbourhood restaurant highlights British produce and English wines with a hunter-gatherer cooking approach. Their drinks menu features award-winning wines from their Nutbourne vineyard, and the exclusive Little Black Book offers special vintages and bin-ends.
- Café Mori: This Japanese food and dessert spot has awesome matcha lattes, delicious pastries and desserts on the counter (matcha basque cheesecake, anyone?) and a cute vibe to sit and relax or do some co-working in.
Ready for a weekend visit to Wimbledon?
Whether you’re from London looking for a restful part of the city to have a staycation, or you’re coming from out of town to enjoy a quintessentially British weekend away, Wimbledon is an ideal place to relax and recharge.
Hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Wimbledon!
Share this post if you found it useful – and in the meantime, check out my other posts:
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