Strawberries and cream reunite, blades of grass are clipped to perfection, and suddenly everyone is wearing white. It can only mean one thing: it’s time for the Wimbledon tennis championships. As the leafy London suburb transforms into the unofficial capital of British summer and all eyes are on Centre Court, locals will tell you there’s more to Wimbledon than a perfectly executed backhand.
Whether you’re braving the famous queue or just here for Pimm’s and people-watching, there’s a whole world to explore beyond the baseline. These are the best things to eat, drink, see and do in Wimbledon, all in under half an hour from central London with Thameslink.
Eat
The Ivy Cafe
Head to The Ivy for an elegant pre- or post-match meal, complete with tennis-themed cocktails and Instagram-ready interiors. Think sophisticated dining, relaxed atmosphere, and a miso-glazed chicken salad which you’ll be thinking about for days.
75 High Street, SW19 5EG
Maison St Cassien
This independent Lebanese café and restaurant is a cult favourite with locals (and tennis stars like Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova). Order the chicken shawarma with a mango smoothie and thank us later.
71 High Street, SW19 5EE
Drink
Dog & Fox
Wimbledon village’s buzzing pub and hotel is the prime spot for Pimm’s on the pavement and live tennis screenings with the volume up. Four-legged friends encouraged.
24 High Street, SW19 5EA
Café Mori
This calm and cosy Japanese tea house offers some of the best hand drip coffee in London, plus a menu packed with gorgeous Asian specialty cakes like matcha crepes and red bean or custard Dorayaki.
68 The Broadway, SW19 1RQ
Served Wimbledon
An uber trendy independent coffee spot with “the best chai latte I’ve ever had” according to one reviewer. Go for the freshly squeezed juice, stay for the friendly vibes.
246 Alexandra Road, SW19 7JZ
Do
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
Need a breather between matches and your late-afternoon strawberries and cream? This museum offers a fascinating dive into tennis history - even if you don’t know your Kyrgios from your Kuerten.
3 Church Road, SW19 5AG
Wat Buddhapadipa
For something more unexpected, this Thai Buddhist temple is set in tranquil grounds just a short walk from Wimbledon Village. Few visitors realise it exists just minutes from SW19’s sporting centre. Inside, hand-painted murals and lotus ponds provide a moment of meditation and zen.
14 Calonne Road, SW19 5HJ
See
Wimbledon Common
You haven’t really seen Wimbledon until you’ve done a lazy amble across its famous common. Whether you're chasing the last bit of sunshine or simply escaping the match-day crowds, its wide open spaces, woodland trails and cricket pitches offer a quintessentially English backdrop.
Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common, SW19 5NR
Wimbledon Windmill
Tucked away on the edge of the Common, this 19th-century Grade II-listed windmill is part museum, part storybook moment. Climb up for a peek at the sails, then explore the exhibits on rural life and early engineering in the free-to-enter museum. A breezy detour, especially if you’ve packed a picnic.
Windmill Road, SW19 5NR