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.
Where are the best places to eat in Wimbledon?
Maison St Cassien
A long-standing local favourite, Maison St Cassien brings Mediterranean flair to the Wimbledon brunch scene. Warm up with an indulgent grilled croissant oozing with Emmental, or keep it classic with a smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese and chives. Sit outside if the sun’s shining - the terrace is perfect for people-watching.
Address: 71 High Street, SW19 5EE
Phone: 020 8944 1200
Website: maisonstcassien.co.uk
Distance from the station: 15-minute walk
Fire Stables
Head to this cosy, upmarket gastropub for its relaxed atmosphere and modern British menu. They’ve got all the classic favourites, from eggs royale and avo toast to homemade granola and a banging full English. Don’t miss the cocktails, with a Cuban Colada that’ll have you asking for dos más por favor.
Address: 27-29 Church Rd, London SW19 5DQ
Phone: 020 8946 3197
Website: firestables.co.uk
Distance from the station: 15-minute walk
Chango
This cosy Argentinian restaurant adds a dose of South American spice to Wimbledon’s brunch circuit. The empanadas are golden, flaky and packed with flavour, with fillings from spicy chicken to pumpkin and goat cheese. Grab some Chimichurri sauce and a couple of Alfajores, and find a pavement table for a bite-sized escape to Buenos Aires.
Address: 12 High Street, SW19 5DX
Phone: 07553 710057
Website: chango.co.uk
Distance from the station: 15-minute walk
Where are the best places to drink in Wimbledon?
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 are encouraged, making a visit to this pub one of the most chilled things to do in Wimbledon.
Address: 24 High Street, SW19 5EA
Phone: 020 8946 6565
Website: dogandfoxwimbledon.co.uk
Distance from the station: 15-minute walk
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.
Address: 68 The Broadway, SW19 1RQ
Phone: 020 8544 1343
Website: cafemori.co.uk
Distance from the station: 2-minute walk
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.
Address: 246 Alexandra Road, SW19 7JZ
Distance from the station: 2-minute walk
What are the best activities in Wimbledon?
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. It's one of the most interesting things to do in Wimbledon.
Address: 3 Church Rd, London SW19 5AG
Phone: 020 8946 6131
Website: wimbledon.com
Distance from the station: 20-minute walk
Wat Buddhapadipa
One of the more unexpected things to do in Wimbledon, 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.
Address: 14 Calonne Road, SW19 5HJ
Phone: 020 8946 1357
Website: buddhapadipa.com
Distance from the station: 20-minute walk
What are the best things to see in Wimbledon?
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.
Wimbledon Windmill
Tucked away on the edge of the Common, this 19th-century Grade II-listed windmill is one of the most iconic things to do in Wimbledon. 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.
Address: Windmill Road, SW19 5NR
Website: wimbledonwindmill.org.uk