Come June-July every year, sporting fans from across the world come to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships to catch the best of tennis players fight it top for the top prize to win as on the grass courts of London. Here are the 5 best places to visit while you’re at Wimbledon.
How to get there
Well connected by transport services, Wimbledon is easy to get to. Although you can take a District line Tube all the way westward, you can also get to Wimbledon in just 16 minutes by catching a South West Train from London Waterloo.
- Wimbledon and its history
With most travelers brushing up their knowledge of the game, you can do so too by visiting the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. There’s so much to do besides watching the games at their legendary courts. If you’re in the mood for something cultural, watch a show at New Wimbledon Theatre. The kids might not seem so interested which is why the venue has got the Polka Theatre for the tiny tots.
2. Park yourself in the greenery
Wimbledon Common is the go-to spot for physical activities such as running, cycling. Spread across a vast landscape, the place serves for some very picturesque scenery which is a photographer’s paradise. What’s more, this scenic venue promises a lot in store for bird lovers and watchers who can watch time fly by the lake besides.
3. Shop till you drop at Wimbledon
The tournament may be famous around the world for the quality of tennis it offers to sport lovers, but there is so much more to discover when it comes to food and eateries. The range is absolutely wide here as there are luxury designer fashion labels and chic cafes at your disposal.
Hosting over sixty shops including independents and top brands, Centre Court Shopping provides a weather-resistant experience. High end retailers including Phase Eight, Oliver Bonas and Jigsaw alongside independent shops including Partica Fancy Dress & Party and volunteering retail initiative, Fayre & Square. Anchored with Debenhams department store, Tesco Metro and Marks & Spencer Simply Food, Centre Court Shopping offers customers secure parking and easy access by public transport.
Whereas The Wimbledon Village has a blend of chic shops, cafes and bars set amongst handsome period buildings and open spaces making the place unique in London.
4. Wet your beak at Wimbledon
There is no shortage of pubs and restaurants at Wimbledon. If you’re in the mood to have something local from London, then you’ve just come to the right place.
Here’s some of the top pubs and restaurants at the iconic venue.
a) Dog & Fox
This pub has stood the true test of time at Wimbledon. Having been rooted to the prestige and pedigree that the tournament has brought down the years, the venue recently underwent a rather snazzy makeover. The Young’s pub and hotel now boasts a glitzy sheen to its drinking quarters, with dining available, and a popular beer garden for basking in the British summertime.
b) The Rose and Crown
Being just a 10-minute walk away from the courts, The Rose and Crown is not only a convenient post-match pitstop, but a pretty good one too. One can listen to live music bands playing all through the night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Their beers and burgers at the Burger Shack sure has one covered over the two long weeks at the tennis Grand Slam.
c) Hemingways
If you’re more of a cocktail person than a beer person, than Hemingways, an independent cocktail bar in Wimbledon ready and waiting for you. The signature drinks here are a English gin-based ‘Tudor Rose’, and an equally floral tequila-filled ‘Forget-Me-Not’.
d) The White Onion
If you’re looking to eat like the locals, head to The White Onion, one of the venue’s most highly acclaimed and popular restaurants. The place will be serving up a special set lunch menu in celebration of the championships.
e) Dip and Flip
In the mood for some local burgers? Then this is one place that you must visit over the course of the tournament.
5) Special Saturday’s at the Farmer’s Market
On Saturdays between 9 am and 1 pm all roads lead to the Farmer’s Market at Wimbledon Park Primary School. The place is an established family friendly farmers’ market with a lovely range of produce and very engaging, knowledgeable stall holders. The places to go here are the Grange Nurseries where one gets the best of seasonal cut flowers. Galileo Farm would give one organic meat and poultry. Milk and cheese from Ellie’s dairy and a huge range of fruit and vegetables from Perry Court Farm.
