Widely regarded as the world’s premier tennis tournament, Wimbledon is a prestigious event which draws visitors from across the globe. The championship is steeped in over a century of history, thus attracting a distinguished audience, including many from the world’s ultra-high-net-worth community, who descend on SW19 each summer in pursuit of world-class tennis.
However, during this vibrant season in England’s capital, there is far more on offer than just tennis. London boasts an array of top-tier restaurants, upscale entertainment venues, and diverse leisure activities – providing the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the very best Britain has to offer. Read on to discover some of the most essential things to do in Wimbledon during the tennis championships.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
Visitors to the championships would be remiss not to visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, conveniently located within the tournament grounds. A tennis fan’s dream, the tour will take you behind the scenes of the world’s most significant tennis tournament, providing insight into things you would otherwise take for granted, such as the way in which the Wimbledon surfaces are all meticulously cared for.
Of course, there is also the chance to experience the grand history and tradition of the site via the trophy room. Getting up close to the famous old trophies won by luminaries such as Perry, McEnroe, Williams and Federer, visitors can also get a feel for the fashions of the Victorian era through the old displays.
While the museum is closed during the tournament, it will reopen shortly after – ideal for those looking for an activity to round out their trip to London for the championships.
Wimbledon Village
Located roughly a kilometre south of the championship grounds – around the area consisting of Wimbledon Hill Road and Wimbledon High Street – sits the ancient settlement of Wimbledon Village. Inhabited since at least the Iron Age, the area is mentioned in the Domesday Book, bringing centuries of history and cultural significance to the district.
Within the village itself, there is a plethora of things to do, including the independent Wimbledon Museum, which gives a nice overview of the area. High-end fare is also taken care of in the shape of the exceptional Thai restaurant, Patara, which offers an expansive lunch menu – perfect for refuelling after a morning of exploration around the village. A little further down Wimbledon Hill Road, and we come to establishments such as the highly-rated Roxie Steak, as well as Wahaca and YORI, each offering a diverse range of global foods.
There is also a fine array of traditional British pubs in the area – such as the Dog & Fox located on the junction of Church Road and Wimbledon High Street – each offering a delightful touch of British culture and ideal for a stop-off on the way back to the hotel after a long day sightseeing.
Wimbledon Common
Representing one of the largest areas of public land in London, Wimbledon Common is a good choice for those who wish to experience the British summer, when the weather allows. Due to the often temperamental nature of the supposedly warmer months in London, Brits are known for taking full advantage of any hint of good weather, so you can expect to see BBQs aplenty, as well as big groups playing football in the sunshine. This is the ideal opportunity to fully immerse yourself in British culture, so feel free to join in the fun.
Within the grounds of the common, you will also find a couple of historical landmarks, such as ‘Caesar’s Well’, an inviting hideaway surrounded by greenery. Wimbledon Windmill Museum is also located towards the north end of the park, providing interested observers with a look into the history of windmills in the area.
Royal Wimbledon Golf Club
What better way to experience true British culture than to play at a “Royal” golf club? To be granted permission to use the moniker, clubs must invite a member of the Royal family to be a patron or an honorary member, or to be an institution of immense historical and cultural significance.
Designated a Royal course in 1882 – 27 years after it was opened – by Queen Victoria, the course is the third oldest in England and offers its visitors a touch of regal elegance. Bernard Darwin – golf writer and grandson of famed British naturalist Charles Darwin – once complimented the course for its ability to dissolve all traces of “men, houses, omnibuses and other symptoms of a busy suburb.” The course also played its part in the war, giving up the old 17th hole to create space for wartime allotments.
Well-maintained yet challenging, Royal Wimbledon offers a classic layout with narrow, tree-lined fairways and excellent greens. For those looking for a round at a highly prestigious club just a short distance from the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, there is no better option than Royal Wimbledon Golf Club.
New Wimbledon Theatre
Located on The Broadway, this refined Edwardian theatre is replete with timeless baroque detailing, and has been standing in its current position for over 100 years. With more than 1,500 seats, the venue has welcomed a wide variety of performers and performances over the years, with global stars such as Priscilla Presley, Jerry Springer and Jo Brand all appearing in pantomime at various points. The theatre has also hosted touring productions such as The Sound of Music and Cats, while also regularly featuring on TV, with episodes of hit shows such as Little Britain, Extras, and The IT Crowd all being filmed there.
This summer, the theatre will host a variety of performances, including the classic musical The Rocky Horror Show, as well as the acclaimed National Theatre production, War Horse.
Buddhapadipa Temple
A nod to the eclectic mix of cultures in the English capital, this contemporary Thai temple stands as a peaceful and calming experience in the heart of the community. The temple is actually under Thai Royal patronage and was established in the mid-1960s, opened by King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit themselves. The royal couple also gave the temple its name, which translates as “Light of the Buddha.”
Sitting on a plot of land which spans about 4 acres, the property was the first Thai temple to be built in the UK and, for that reason, holds special significance for those who follow Buddhism. However, it isn’t simply a temple; the facility also doubles as a learning centre, with the aim of spreading the word about the teachings of Buddha.
The holy site is also set within beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for an afternoon stroll or with a morning coffee before the action at the tennis championship begins.
