Things to do in Wimbledon

Wimbledon has more to offer than just tennis, but it is a big part of life in the Wimbledon Common. Lined with traditional pubs and popular boutiques, the city has ample activities for the entire family.

The top things to do include:

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

If you’re in town for tennis, the first stop to enjoy is the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Step foot into the largest tennis museum in the world. The museum was established in 1977, with the current location opening in 2006.

The museum has artifacts and exhibits dating back to 1555.

Memorabilia cannot be touched, but guests can use the touchscreen computers to interact with many of the items on display. Players from Victorian times up to the present day have contributed to the museum’s large collection.

CentreCourt360 allows guests to look around from Centre Court, and the exhibit closes near the time of the championship.

A guided tour is offered and is included for the price of tuition. The guided tour is 90 minutes long and is highly recommended for first-time guests. If you want to pick up a few gifts for yourself or loved ones, there is the Wimbledon Shop located near the museum’s entrance.

Casual goods are offered along with many tennis-centric items.

Polka Theatre

The Polka Theatre has a main auditorium with 300 seats and a studio with 70 seats. The theatre is one of the only in the UK that offers just children’s shows. The theatre is meant for kids 0 – 13, and it’s an attraction that first started as a puppet touring company in 1967.

When kids walk into the auditorium, they’re encouraged to look at the teddy bear collection before leaving. The collection is from the former Teddy Bear Museum. Kids will enjoy some of the best shows in theatre, but there is more:

  • Café
  • Exhibition spaces
  • Outdoor playground
  • Creative learning studio
  • Garden

Plays and courses allow kids to explore their creative side. A major play is on-going: Babe, the Sheep-Pig.

There are clubs and courses for kids of all age brackets to enjoy.

If guests get hungry – and they always do – they can grab food at the Polka Café. The café focuses on healthy cuisine, and there is everything from fruit and sandwiches to paninis. Guests can visit the café before the show, including mom and dad.

Drinks and other treats are available, too, for anyone with a sweet tooth.

The New Wimbledon Theatre

The New Wimbledon Theatre has some of the best shows in the region playing. The theatre is a Grade II listed building and has been a mainstay for over a century. The theatre’s three levels have seating for 1,670 people, with an 80-person studio also available.

The theatre opened in 1910 with Jack and Jill.

Numerous refurbishments were undertaken in 1991 and 1998 to revive the theatre’s atmosphere. Outside, guests will find a large Roman Goddess statue covered in gold atop the theatre. The original statue was removed during World War II and was replaced in 1991.

The eighth largest theatre in London, Wimbledon is handicap accessible and is just a 5-minute walk from the rail. The theatre also offers:

  • Street level access
  • Induction loops
  • Wheelchair adapted toilets
  • Accommodation for guide and hearing dogs

Some of the top shows that are going on at the theatre include:

  • The Buddy Holly Story
  • Swan Lake
  • Coppella
  • Evita
  • Lord of the Dance
  • Cirque Berserk

Dozens of other shows are scheduled throughout the season. Potential guests will want to book their tickets well in advance to ensure that they can attend their desired show.

Wimbledon Village Stables

The Wimbledon Village Stables is located on 3,000 acres of land and offers a ride through the beautiful countryside. The Stables allows guests to ride on horseback through a British Horse Society approved venue.

Guests who want to escape the hectic city will find the grounds to be quiet as they stroll through Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park.

A team of riding instructors are on-site to help anyone enhance their riding skills. There are 25 well-trained horses and ponies to ride.

Many guests don’t realize that the stables also offer:

  • Children’s riding
  • Livery
  • Riding holidays
  • Horse care
  • Yoga and fitness options
  • Lessons
  • Riding

There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy during their visit. A member’s club option is available to take advantage of even more benefits. Members will receive discounts on rides and bookings, and they will also be able to secure guaranteed riding times.

If you’re close to the area, becoming a member is a good option to save money and enjoy horse riding.

Events and workshops are held at Wimbledon Village Stables every month, with some events including a House ownership workshop and dressage theory. Guests who own their own horses or that plan to own a horse in the future can learn from the experts at Wimbledon Village Stables.