It may be famous for its tennis, but there’s much more to explore in Wimbledon. A true hidden gem, Wimbledon is the ideal location for those wanting to spend a weekend exploring London further out from the tourist crowds.
Wimbledon feels like a slice of the countryside among the ever-growing city, with so much urban greenery to explore. We’ll show the top things to do in Wimbledon, including the best restaurants, shopping spots and attractions.
Day 1: Your first day in Wimbledon
Wimbledon has a train, tram and tube station, along with plenty of bus routes, so planning your visit couldn’t be easier. Those living in and around the city can catch a train from Waterloo and Hampton Court stations. Trains also run from the Surrey towns of Guildford, Shepperton and Woking.
If you’re travelling from further afield, catch a train to nearby Richmond station. You could also head to one of London’s main train stations, then hop on the Tube via the District Line to Wimbledon.
Start the day with breakfast at Paul’s Boulangerie
Once you’ve arrived at Wimbledon, grab breakfast on the go at Paul’s Boulangerie, a 10-minute walk from the station. Located in the heart of Wimbledon Village, this breakfast spot has everything from freshly baked croissants to delicious pains au chocolat.
87 High Street, Wimbledon Village, London SW19 5EF
After fueling up for the day ahead, it’s time to dive into the fantastic independent shopping scene in Wimbledon Village. You can find a great selection of boutique clothing and homewares alongside brands you’ll know and love like Reiss. It’s the perfect place to shop ‘til you drop!
If you’re around on a Saturday, head to the Wimbledon Farmer’s Market where local food producers showcase fresh fruit, veg and more. Be sure to visit Grange Nurseries’ stall for beautiful flowers and Ellie’s Dairy for delicious goats’ milk and cheese.
This is a half-hour walk from Wimbledon Village, so if your legs are tired, hop on one of the many London buses that pass through the area.
Wimbledon Park Primary School, Havana Road, London SW19 8EJ
All that retail therapy has probably worked up an appetite, so it’s time to call in for some lunch at Chango. International foodies are sure to love this spot. Specialising in authentic Argentinian food, their empanadas make the perfect bite between sightseeing.
With a selection of mouth-watering fillings to choose from, including pumpkin and goats’ cheese, spinach and ricotta, and classic ham and cheese, no one will be left unsatisfied.
A Wimbledon weekend wouldn’t be complete without visiting the world-famous tennis grounds. Hopping on the 493 bus, the grounds are just a 15-minute journey from Wimbledon Village.
Your Wimbledon grounds visit will include a 90-minute expert-led tour, giving you plenty of time to soak up the site that’s played host to tennis legends past and present. Finish off your experience with a trip to the museum, where you can see The Championship Trophies firsthand and learn all about the sport’s incredible heritage.
You can visit the grounds from Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:30 with the last admission at 15:30. But bear in mind that ground tours will not take place in the run-up to and during The Championships.
Now that you’ve stepped foot in Centre Court, how about dining at the same place as Wimbledon superstars? Maison St Cassien has hosted plenty of tennis greats, the likes of Slam winners Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova among them. The family-run Lebanese restaurant serves authentic dishes in a relaxed and friendly setting. Try out their legendary moussaka, meze and baklava to sample traditional Lebanese cuisine at its best.
Since this restaurant is located in the village, you’ll need to hop back on the 493 bus to get here.
A 15-minute walk from Maison St Cassien, New Wimbledon Theatre is a fantastic way to bring your evening to a close. Within this early-twentieth-century structure, you can enjoy musicals, stand-up comedy tours and more. There’s something going on here at any time of year, so check their website to see what will be playing during your stay.
If you’re away in the capital as a family and want to keep the little ones entertained, the nearby Polka Theatre is a must-visit. Located on the same street as New Wimbledon Theatre and close to the train station, Polka is easy to find. You can start your day with a morning storytelling session or enjoy an afternoon performance or workshop.
Start your day right and fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Megan’s is a small London-based chain, and its Wimbledon branch is located, as per its name, “In The Village”. Choose from a range of brunch-style meals, including delicious Shakshouka baked eggs and classic Eggs Benedict.
Take a gentle 15-minute stroll from your breakfast spot to Wat Buddhapadipa, the UK’s first Buddhist temple. This beautiful and fascinating structure was built in 1966 following Thai designs with spectacular gold embellishing. It was moved to Wimbledon from East Sheen in 1976 and is home to resident monks and nuns to this day.
The temple is free to visit, and you could even make the most of daily services. From meditation classes to talks, there’s so much to see and do.
This stylish gastropub is a 15-minute walk from the temple and renowned for its excellent Sunday roast. A great addition to a wholesome day in Wimbledon, the Fire Stables’ Sunday menu features mouth-watering meat and veggie options, with a long list of outstanding trimmings and sharing sides.
Had your fill? Then it’s time to walk it off at the idyllic Wimbledon Common, a short distance from the Fire Stables. With 1,140 acres to explore and no admission fees to think about, you can easily spend hours at this popular Wimbledon attraction. Here are just some of the things you can get up to around Wimbledon Common:
Wimbledon windmill
Wimbledon Windmill: Dating back to 1817, the windmill reflects the designs of those found in Holland. It has now been transformed into a museum, where you can learn all about the Wimbledon landmark’s history.
Horse riding: With 16 miles of horse riding tracks across Wimbledon Common, this is a popular activity with tourists and locals alike. A great option for couples or families, you can book a session with one of the nearby horse riding stables in advance.
Golf: Wimbledon Common’s golf course is used by two clubs; The London Scottish Golf Club and the Wimbledon Common Golf Club. This is a fun way to spend the afternoon and have some light competition with loved ones.
If you have some time left to spare, head to nearby Wimbledon Park. The park’s watersport centre is excellent if you’re looking to try something new and make the most of the great outdoors. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Wimbledon that will keep kids entertained, there are many activities on offer, including paddleboarding and kayaking.
A short walk from Wimbledon Common, Giggling Squid is easily among the best restaurants in Wimbledon. The Thai restaurant’s dinner menu is huge, with over 40 options to consider, and you can expect top-notch quality throughout. Tuck into the Tumeric sea bass parcel or opt for some delicious pork dumplings to round off your day perfectly.
Your fun-filled 48 hours in Wimbledon, exploring the very best attractions the area has to offer, is just a few clicks away. Plan your Wimbledon weekend away by booking your train tickets in advance. Browse our ticket types to ensure you book the correct one for your journey, and check out the Railcards and discounts to get extra savings. You could even get money off your hotel stays, food bills and bar tabs just by booking tickets online through us, thanks to our SWR Rewards scheme!
