Things to do in Wimbledon

Wimbledon Common is a large expanse of heathland and maintained grassland covering over 300 acres. The common connects to Putney Common and on to Richmond Park, providing some of the best communal greenery in London.

Whether you want to sit and read, stroll or enjoy a picnic, there is plenty of green space for all.

Some of us of a certain age will think Wombles as soon as we hear of Wimbledon Common. Yet the common is a haven for actual UK wildlife, with up to 100 species of birds regularly spotted here. This is a designated site of Special Scientific Interest, providing the diverse range of habitats to support the assorted wildlife residing on the common.

There are nine ponds dotted around the commons, adding to the diversity of wildlife the area supports. Human activity is very much to the fore too, with Wimbledon common popular among runners, walkers and cyclists.

There are four car parks serving Wimbledon Common, with Wimbledon mainline and Wimbledon District line the nearest stations. The information centre can help you make the most from your visit, while the tea rooms open every day of the week for hot and cold refreshments, including home-made cakes.

One of the big focal points on Wimbledon Common is its windmill which today houses a museum. The windmill is a fabulous throwback to life in rural Britain in the early to mid nineteenth century. Although only operating from 1817 to 1864, it has now been restored to its former glory, complete with working sails.

The museum was opened in 1976 and the exbibits occupy both the ground and first floor of the structure. On the ground floor is a reproduction of the Great Spur wheel central to the operation of the mill. There is a fine collection of tools on this floor dating back to the 15th century.

On the first floor you will learn about the milling process. Millstones, weighing machines and tools are on display on this floor. You are provided with some grain if you fancy a go on the saddle stone. You will also see the Victorian room, which shows a converted apartment space from when the mill closed.

Admission to this historical building is free and you should give yourself around an hour to take in all the exhibits. During the summer the Windmill museum is open at the weekends between 2pm and 5pm on Saturdays, and 11am and 5pm on Sundays.

There is a great mix of high street brands and local independent stores to be found in Wimbledon. From fashion, homeware, books, sports gear, jewellery and toys, you will find all you need in Wimbledon. This includes Elys on St Georges Road, Wimbledon’s first department store which has been trading since 1876.

Centre Court shopping centre is full of familiar brands. Here you will find The Body Shop, Oliver Bonas, Lakeland, Pandora, H&M, Monsoon and Phase Eight. The centre is open every day of the week, with late night shopping on Thursday when the centre is open until 8pm.

Well known brands such as Sweatty Betty, Reiss and Le Creuset can be found in Wimbledon Village. This is where you will also find a great selection of independent stores and chic boutiques. Set among the period buildings you will find book stores, galleries, organic food outlets, bakers, fashion, gifts, antiques and more.

The Buddhapadipa temple provides another place of calm, and was the first Thai Buddhist temple to be built in the UK. Originally located in East Sheen, the temple was established in Wimbledon in 1976. This is a Buddhist monastery and visitors will see the monks quietly going about their business.

The exterior of the temple is a striking sight on approach, the white walls contrasting with the red roof and its spectacular gold decorative elements, plus the gold coloured frames on the doors and windows. The walls of the temple interior are lined with paintings depicting the life of the Buddha.

The ornate temple is set within lovely gardens which contains a pond and bridges. This is an ideal spot for a tranquil stroll or to take time out from the day to meditate. The garden is free to enter and is usually open to the public from 9am during the week.

The Buddhapadipa temple is located close to Wimbledon Common and is only accessible to the public at the weekends. It is always best to check opening hours in advance, but the temple also holds a range of activity classes throughout the year.

What better way to enjoy the countryside around Wimbledon then by horseback. The Wimbledon Village Stables offers the chance for members and non-members alike to ride along the tranquil lanes of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park.

Wimbledon has a claim as the oldest recorded riding stables in the country. The current stables were founded in 1915 and can be found behind the Dog and Fox pub in Wimbledon Village. The stables offer hour long rides to non-members, while lessons are also held on Wimbledon Common.

For total newcomers to horse riding, or for those who may not have ridden for a while, you can use their horse riding simulator. This can be an ideal way to build confidence before moving on to the real thing.

The one hour group rides on Wimbledon Common are offered Tuesday to Friday, cost £75 and are aimed at those of experience levels 4-6. The stables require any newcomers to take an assessment lesson where you can be evaluated and advised about further lessons and which horse would be best suited for your ride. These lessons are available from Tuesday to Friday and cost £110.

Cannizaro Park is a grade II listed park adjacent to Wimbledon Common. It was opened to the public in 1949 and since then its tranquil mix of woodland and formal gardens has been enjoyed by both residents and visitors.

The park has a number of gardens you can visit including the Italian garden, the Water garden and the Sunken garden. The Gothic style aviary is a popular attraction within Cannizaro park, housing birds which are declining in numbers in the wild, such as Java sparrows, Diamond finches, quails and Diamond doves.

Away from the aviary, the park itself is a haven for British wildlife and plants. Foxes, badgers, moles and rabbits are all resident, while native British birds are similarly well represented, making the park a good place for birdwatching. The park is also an important habitat for native butterflies.

The main entrance to this tranquil park is on Westside Common by the Hotel Du Vin. It is open from 8am on weekdays and 9am at the weekend, closing at dusk right throughout the year. Events are occasionally held in the park, including guided walks where you can learn more about the flora and fauna you see.

Fancy a fun challenge? Then head to the Mystery Cube, an immersive escape room where you will be presented with a series of puzzles to solve to secure your release. The Mystery Cube is great for first timers or experienced gamers, with the emphasis placed firmly on a fun group night out.

Players have one hour to work out the inner secrets of the Mystery Cube and find their way out of the chamber. The creators do not rely purely on theatrics to impress. They set a stream of puzzles to solve that gets the adrenalin pumping as you look to solve the cube’s conundrums before the clock ticks down.

The escape room is ideal for family groups or friends looking for an off the cuff experience. Located in Deer Park road, don’t fret if you think cryptic clues are not your thing as the games master will offer clues where needed. The key point to remember is the Mystery Cube is designed to entertain and make you smile.

Built in the 17th century, Southside House is one of Wimbledon’s hidden gems. This lovely property is packed full of paintings, period furniture and quirky pieces collected across the years by the Pennington family who bought the house during the 1930’s.

Much of the interior décor, furniture and paintings is of French origin, brought over to England from a villa in France previously owned by the family. The interior layout stays true to its former residents, providing a mildly eccentric yet absorbing style.

Family photographs are also very prominent, a reminder that Southside House was first and foremost a family home. Guided tours offer visitors an insight in to the lives of previous residents. Be sure to explore the gardens too with its water features and follies.

Southside House is located on Woodhayes Road, next to Kings College school. Guided tours normally commence from Easter and run through to the end of September. However, there are events including concerts held at the house through the year.