Wimbledon has become an affluent suburb of South West London. It was originally a small village, and then, after the railways were built in the nineteenth century, it has continued to grow. The area has been inhabited since the Iron Age, and the remains of a hill fort can still be seen on the parkland of Wimbledon Common. Wimbledon has a relaxed atmosphere and sophisticated vibe, despite being part of London’s commuter belt. In particular, the quarter around Wimbledon Station and the Broadway offers exciting restaurants and bars. This introduction will provide a brief guide to first-time visitors.

Getting there

London Underground, or ‚tube‘ services as they are commonly called, as well as trains, run regularly between Wimbledon and central London, with a journey time of just over 15 minutes. Wimbledon Station is a key transport hub, with connections for trains, trams and the tube. Trains to central London go via the mainline railway, whilst the tube goes into the centre via the District Line. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are within an hour’s travel of Wimbledon Station.

Things to Do

Wimbledon Common – This is an area of open grassland and woods, around 1,100 acres in total. Whilst there, walk, relax, and perhaps have a picnic, just as the locals often do. There is also a picturesque windmill, with its museum at the northern end of Wimbledon Common. In June, there is a fantastic village fair, and bicycles can be rented from Smith Brothers on Church Street.

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, Church Road – this is without question a must-see museum dedicated to the game that is forever synonymous with Wimbledon. Guided tours are also on offer around the home of British tennis, including the world famous Centre Court.

Wimbledon Market, Plough Lane – when in Wimbledon, do as the locals do. Open every Sunday, this market offers bargains on clothing, fruit and vegetables.

Wimbledon Village – As the heart of old Wimbledon, this area is centred on the High Street, and retains some of its semi-rural charm. Often overlooked, Wimbledon Village is a fantastic and quaint part of Wimbledon, and is the perfect place to browse the various boutique fashion and antiques shops. You can also enjoy a drink at one of the many caf’es or bars.

Cannizaro Park – Another delightful, more secret and secluded destination in Wimbledon; a Grade II listed garden of just under 34 acres, and remains one of the lesser known areas. It offers a labyrinth of paths and gardens, and is great for picnics. The park also has an open stage venue where performances can be seen on a regular basis.

Tennis Championships

Probably the biggest and best attraction in Wimbledon is the annual tennis championships at the All England Club, known as Wimbledon fortnight; the oldest and probably the most famous tennis competition in the world, and one of the four grand slam events. The championships take place every June and/or July, and tickets sell very fast indeed. However, last minute seats can often be purchased, so be sure to check with local agents and on the internet for availability if you are in London at this time of year. Tours are also available from The Wimbledon Experience.

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