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A tourist guide to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship

Wimbledon Tennis Guide
A tourist guide to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship and the local towns
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Photo Gallery

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Wimbledon Tennis Tips
WARNING. Please do not buy tickets from people that approach you in the street. The tickets they are selling may be forgeries. These ticket touts will also charge you a high price for something that it is worthless. They will say they are the real thing but you will be refused entry as the tickets you will be given will not have the correct built in security systems on them. Undercover Police officers work in the area and target ticket touts. If you stop to talk to the ticket touts you may get involved in an arrest which could turn out to be violent as the touts try to get away. Please be warned that genuine tickets are not transferable and cannot be resold.  

Tennis ball - A tourist guide to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship and the local towns Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball

Be prepared to queue for a long time. Wimbledon is very popular and the lines can be very big. Some enthusiasts start queuing for tickets two days prior to their release. They camp over night in the street. Remember you are going to Wimbledon Tennis in the middle of a British Summer so bring a raincoat and umbrella. You should also pack a sun hat, sun block and lots of water. You are not allowed to use barbeques after dark. Do not ride a bike to Wimbledon Tennis and expect to chain it up to railings near to the Tennis. Your lock will be cut and your bike will be removed by police. Terrorists have used bikes as bombs in the past. They have stuffed the inside of the bike frame with explosives.

You can be refused entry to Wimbledon Tennis even though you have tickets, if you arrive drunk or refuse to be searched. In the interests of security all bags will be searched by security guards at the gates. Please do no leave packages unattended around the ground as this may cause security alerts and result in the interruption of play. You can also be told to leave the stands if you are seen to be consuming alcohol. You will be arrested by police if you become abusive to staff or found to be carrying an offensive weapon. It is illegal to carry a mace spray or flick knife in Britain. You can also be arrested for carrying a folding pen knife that is over three inches. The staff at Wimbledon Tennis are hot on finding weapons due to the incident that occurred in the 1993 when a Monica Seles was stabbed during a quarter-final match in Hamburg. Picnic hampers and other large bags are not allowed in the stands and should be left at a the left luggage kiosk facility where you can leave coats, umbrellas, picnic hampers etc. for a small charge per item.

Please do not use flash photography when watching the tennis action from the stands. You will be asked to leave if you carry on. You must turn off the automatic flash on your camera before you use it. If the light quality is getting low and you still want to take photographs invest in a ‘Monopod’. A tripod is to big. You can use a monopod when sitting in the stands. It will help reduce camera shake. They are not that expensive and fold down to a small size that will fit in a handbag or rucksack. Photographs (still or motion) taken inside the grounds may only be used for private not commercial purposes.

You will be sitting down for a long time watching the action. The seats are unpadded so to stop yourself getting a ‘num-bum’ pack a cushion. If you forget you can buy special high density Wimbledon Tennis Championships cushions from many of the stalls and shops. They are printed with the Championships year and a unique Wimbledon design making them a collectable item. If you do not want to buy one of these special cushions you can hire cushions.

If you need money to pay for your Strawberries and Cream treat you will find a Bank Situated just to the south of Gate 3. It is open every day of the tennis tournament. There is an ATM automatic till machine inside the Bank. If you need toiletries, pharmaceuticals, photographic film or memory discs they are available from the kiosk in No.1 Court (Level 1) near Gate 2. If you have an accident or feel ill the St. Johns Ambulance Brigade runs six first aid posts.

If you have a baby in arms with you they will be allowed into the Wimbledon Tennis Championships grounds free but NOT into any of the show courts (Centre Court and No.1 Court and Courts 2, 3, 13 and 18). If your child is 5 years and over they will be charged at the full rate. An adult must accompany children under the age of 12. If you lose any items of property go to the Wimbledon Tennis lost property office. It is situated under No.2 Court West stand - near Gate 13. If you need to phone them their number is telephone enquiries 020 8971 2251.

You must switch off all mobile phones and pagers in the stands and around the courts so as you do not disturb the players. There are public phones. They are located inside the ground near Gates 4 and 13, in the No.1 Court. They are also outside the grounds near Gate 9 and in Marryat Rd. Something you should not miss is the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum which is situated near the Tea Lawn. It is open all year round. The Museum has its own shop. The profits from the official Wimbledon Tennis range of gifts and souvenirs go towards the further development of lawn tennis in Great Britain.

If you want to find out the daily Order of Play and results you will find them displayed in the piazza inside Gate 3 by the turnstile entrance. It is also displayed outside the Debenture holders’ Lounge at the north side of Centre Court. There are scoreboards showing point by point scores for matches on Centre and No.1 Courts. They are located on the south concourse, outside the No.1 Courts and opposite the gate. There are television screens showing up to date scores, results and other public information located at various points around the ground. If you need to leave and then re-enter the grounds a ticket and hand stamp or a ticket and wristband are required. Hand stamping is available at most gates.

Always keep an eye on your belongings. Do not leave bags on the back of chairs or on the floor under tables. If you need police you can go to the Metropolitan Police office is located in the North Hall of Centre Court. Outside the main entrance on the other side of the road in the park there is a large temporary Police complex where you can also get assistance. You will find a lot of police on patrol inside and outside the grounds.

Please do not buy tickets from touts. Place your seat ticket in a red box, for sale on behalf of charity, as you depart the ground. Please be warned that your tickets are not transferable.

If you are a wheelchair users you will find that most areas of the ground are accessible. There are suitably equipped toilets in the main halls of the No.1 Court, in the south west Hall of Centre Court, at the north of Centre Court beside the Debenture Holders’ building, and near the Water Tower behind Court 13. Only guide dogs are allowed inside the grounds.

Wimbledon Tennis Travel Tips
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club organise the world famous International Wimbledon Tennis Championship Tournament during the last week of June and first week of July in the British Summer. (Bring an umbrella as it normally rains) The tennis complex is in Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19. It is NOT near Wimbledon town Centre. It is about a 30 minute walk up a very steep hill. So what is the best way to get there?

Travelling from Central London - Public Transport
Travel Tip One - Southfields Underground Station - Take the London underground metro tube train to Southfields Station. It is on the District Line, the green line in the bottom left of the Underground Tube Map. It is two stops before Wimbledon Station. The Wimbledon Tennis Complex is a ten minute walk which is mainly down hill. Southfields Underground Station is on a cross roads junction. When you come out of station cross over Augustus Road and walk south down Wimbledon Park Road.

At the bottom of the hill there is a small roundabout in the middle of the road and in front of you is the famous Number 1 Court at Wimbledon Tennis. There are special tennis buses run by London General and a shared taxi scheme available at a price but just follow the crowds and walk down the hill. It is only a short distance. Do not buy tickets from the ticket touts. You will get ripped off.

Travel Tip Two - The excellent 493 Bus route
Special Tennis Buses and Taxi cabs can be expensive, crowded and you may have to wait in line a long time. To avoid this take the regular 493 red bus that goes past the International Wimbledon Tennis Championship Tournament complex. Take the Underground on the Northern Line to Tooting Broadway Underground Station. It is on the black Northern Line at the bottom of the London Underground Map. It is three stops before the end of the line. As you come out of Tooting Broadway Station turn left and you will see a bus stop. Catch the next 493 bus going towards Richmond via St Georges hospital. They come every 15 minutes. It is a flat fare of £2. You pay the driver on the bus

You could also catch the 493 bus in the beautiful town of Richmond. Catch the ‘overground’ South Western Train from Waterloo Railway Station in Central London to Richmond. You can also get to Richmond by Underground train on the green District Line from Earls Court Station. Richmond is the end of the line for the 493 bus so you want to catch the bus going to St Georges Hospital, Tooting.

Travel Tip Three - Wimbledon Railway Station
Special Tennis Buses and Taxi cabs are available from the main Entrance of Wimbledon Railway Station. You will see signs leading you to special bus services run by London General. Marshals representing licensed taxi drivers (mornings only) are on hand to direct you to shared taxis, should you choose this option. You can get to Wimbledon Railway Station by overground South Western Trains from Waterloo Railway Station. Trams from the Croydon area and by Underground Trains on the green District Line.

Travelling by foot from Wimbledon Railway Station
Total distance 1.2 miles. As you come out of the main entrance of the Railway station turn right past Coffee Republic. At the next cross road go straight up Wimbledon Hill Road passing Argos store, The Hand and Racquet Pub, The Alexandra Pub, Wimbledon Library and The All Bar One Pub. Walk up the very steep hill. At the top there is a mini roundabout. You are now in Wimbledon Village. Go straight down the High Street passing numerous coffee shops, wine bars and restaurants, until you come to another mini roundabout. Take the right hand turning, which is Church Road, an attractive residential street. At the end of the road you will find yet another mini roundabout at the junction with Burghley Road. Go straight across the roundabout and start walking down hill, continuing along Church Road. You will soon see the large buildings of the International Wimbledon Tennis Championship Tournament complex.

Travelling by car
DON’T travel by car. Use public transport instead. Parking in the streets around the championships is not allowed and offending vehicles will be towed away. The few car parks near the complex are very expensive. There are huge traffic queues to get in and even large traffic jams to get out when play is finished. There is a "Park and Ride" service at the BBC Sports Club, Motspur Park, New Malden, Surrey. This car park is clearly signposted from the A3 and is just 10 minutes drive from the A3 in light traffic conditions. Parking charges are £14 for cars. This includes a free bus shuttle to the Wimbledon tennis championships, which takes about 20 - 40 minutes depending on the traffic which is normally bad. There I another “Park and Ride” car park in Morden Park along the A24.

To save having to pay the expensive “Park and Ride” fees park your car in the Colliers Wood Sainsbury's Savacentre Hypermarket Car Park, Merton High Street, SW19 (A24). It is free and open 24 hrs. Walk over the river bridge at the front of the store. In front of you will be Merton Bus Garage. Turn right and walk north west up the High Street Colliers Wood for about 500 yards. You will go past Colliers Wood Tube Station. In the distance you will see the road goes over a large hump. That is a railway bridge. On the other side there is a cross roads with Blackshaw Road. You will find the 493 bus stop in this road. Catch the 493 bus going to Richmond. They come every 15 minutes. It is a flat fare of £2. You pay the driver on the bus. It stops outside the Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis championship complex. When you what to go back to your car just catch the 493 bus going to St Georges Hospital, Tooting.

If that car park is full behind the store is another shopping centre called the Tandem Retail Park in Tandem Way, SW19. By the side of the Sainsbury's Savacentre Hypermarket near the very ugly black tower block is yet another shopping centre’s car park called the Priory Retail Park. The Access road is off Merton High Street (A24) between the burger King and Kiss Me Hardy Pub. Both have free car parks. The 493 bus comes every 15 minutes.

Parking at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship
Do not park your car in the surrounding streets. It will get a ticket and be towed away. If you have to bring your car to Wimbledon Tennis there is limited official parking. There are long traffic jams and the official Tennis car parks are expensive and fill up very quickly. When the Tennis is finished it can take over an hour to get out of the car parks. If you still want to use the official car parks click on the link below to go to the official site. For up to date information check out their site.
 http://aeltc.wimbledon.org/en_GB/about/tickets/carparking.html

Parking in Wimbledon
The majority of the roads in Wimbledon town centre are covered by extended no parking yellow lines that are in operation until 11pm. The London Borough of Merton Parking wardens are very active and if you leave your vehicle on a yellow line there is a very good chance you will get a ticket. There are a number of car parks in Wimbledon. Make sure you read the regulations and closing times at each car park as they are different.

The major Wimbledon Car Parks are:-

Wimbledon Railway Station car park, Alexandra Road SW19.

B&Q car park, Alexandra Road SW19

Wimbledon Bridge Multi-storey car park, Hartfield Crescent, SW19

Sainsbury's super market, Worple Road, SW19

Centre Court Shopping Centre, Queens Road, SW19

Morrison’s Supermarkt Hartfield Road, SW19

Russell Road, SW19, behind Wimbledon Theatre

Parking in Raynes Park
(Take the bus or train to Wimbledon) In Raynes Park there is a car park in Coombe Lane, next to the railway station.

Parking in Colliers Wood
(Take the 493 bus to Wimbledon Tennis) Colliers Wood Sainsbury's Savacentre Hypermarket Car park is open 24 hrs. The bus stop is outside.

Parking in Morden
(Take the 93 bus to Wimbledon Village and walk down Church Road to Wimbledon Tennis)

Kenley Road Car Park, Kenley Road, Morden

Morden Underground Car Park, Kenley Road, Morden

Sainsbury’s car park, London Road, Morden

York Close Car Park off London Road, Morden

Lidl’s Car Park, Aberconway Road, Morden

Wyvales Garden Centre, Morden Hall Road, Morden

LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

London Underground Trains
Heathrow Airport is located 15 miles west of central London. Each of the four Airport terminals are connected to the Piccadilly line of the London Underground metro tube system. Get off at Earls Court station. The journey time would be about 40 minutes. Now look for the green signs for the south-bound District Line. When you are on the platform look for the electronic signs that indicate the next train is going to Wimbledon. Wimbledon Tennis is NOT at Wimbledon. Get off two stops before Wimbledon at Southfields Underground Railway Station.

The Wimbledon Tennis Complex is a ten minute walk which is mainly down hill. Southfields Underground Station is on a cross roads junction. When you come out of station cross over Augustus Road and walk south down Wimbledon Park Road. At the bottom of the hill there is a small roundabout in the middle of the road and in front of you is the famous Number 1 Court at Wimbledon Tennis. There are special tennis buses run by London General and a shared taxi scheme available at a price but just follow the crowds and walk down the hill. It is only a short distance. Do not buy tickets from the ticket touts. You will get ripped off.

Heathrow Express Trains
They run overground from Heathrow to Paddington Station in Central London. They are quicker than the underground and only take 20 minutes to reach Paddington Station. It is more expensive than the Underground Train. At Paddington Railway Station change to the District Line of the London Underground. Look for the green signs. Wimbledon Tennis is NOT at Wimbledon. Get off two stops before Wimbledon at Southfields Underground Railway Station. The Wimbledon Tennis Complex is a ten minute walk which is mainly down hill. Southfields Underground Station is on a cross roads junction. When you come out of station cross over Augustus Road and walk south down Wimbledon Park Road. At the bottom of the hill there is a small roundabout in the middle of the road and in front of you is the famous Number 1 Court at Wimbledon Tennis. There are special tennis buses run by London General and a shared taxi scheme available at a price but just follow the crowds and walk down the hill. It is only a short distance. Do not buy tickets from the ticket touts. You will get ripped off. Heathrow Express (overground train link between Heathrow Airport and Paddington Station ) www.heathrowexpress.co.uk 

Heathrow Black London Taxi cabs
Taxi services at each of Heathrow's terminals are provided by licensed London taxis and journey times to central London or Wimbledon are approximately 60 minutes. Do allow yourself ample time if travelling to or from the airport as heavy traffic can substantially increase these journey times. Ask what the cost will be before you get in the Taxi. They are expensive.

LONDON GATWICK AIRPORT

Gatwick Express Trains
Gatwick Airport is 27 miles south of central London. The airport has its own railway station. Average journey times on Gatwick Express trains to Victoria Station in Central London is only 35 minutes on. At Victoria Station change to the District Line of the London Underground. Look for the green signs. Catch a train going to Wimbledon. The front of the train will have the destination on it. Also look at the electronic signs on the platform. Wimbledon Tennis is NOT at Wimbledon. Get off two stops before Wimbledon at Southfields Underground Railway Station. The Wimbledon Tennis Complex is a ten minute walk which is mainly down hill. Southfields Underground Station is on a cross roads junction. When you come out of station cross over Augustus Road and walk south down Wimbledon Park Road. At the bottom of the hill there is a small roundabout in the middle of the road and in front of you is the famous Number 1 Court at Wimbledon Tennis. There are special tennis buses run by London General and a shared taxi scheme available at a price but just follow the crowds and walk down the hill. It is only a short distance. Do not buy tickets from the ticket touts. You will get ripped off. Gatwick Express (overground train link between Gatwick Airport and Victoria Station) www.gatwickexpress.co.uk 

Other Gatwick Train services
There are several trains an hour to East Croydon Railway Station in south London. From there you can catch a tram to Wimbledon. Walk out of the main entrance of East Croydon Railway Station. On the other side of the road is the Tramlink Stop. Get a ticket from the machine at the stop before you get on the Tram. Take a tram that shows Wimbledon on the front. It runs directly to Wimbledon Railway Station with a journey time of 30 minutes. Special Tennis Buses and Taxi cabs are available from the main Entrance of Wimbledon Railway Station. You will see signs leading you to special bus services run by London General. Marshals representing licensed taxi drivers (mornings only) are on hand to direct you to shared taxis, should you choose this option. South East Trains which services to South East London and Kent. Tramlink (tram services to & from Wimbledon) www.tfl.gov.uk/trams 

Metered private hire taxi cars
They are available at Gatwick Airport The journey to Wimbledon can be approximately one hour in light traffic. This is an expensive option. Heavy traffic will increase these journey times

LONDON LUTON AIRPORT
 There is a direct train service to Wimbledon which takes approximately 90 minutes. The airport is 1.8km from Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station but there is a free and frequent bus shuttle service from the Luton Airport to the Railway Station. If you are landing late at night this service may not be available. Special Tennis Buses and Taxi cabs are available from the main Entrance of Wimbledon Railway Station. You will see signs leading you to special bus services run by London General. Marshals representing licensed taxi drivers (mornings only) are on hand to direct you to shared taxis, should you choose this option. Thameslink (runs trains from Luton Airport to Wimbledon) www.thameslink.co.uk

LONDON STANSTEAD AIRPORT
There is a train station at Stanstead Airport. There are four trains an hour that will take you to Liverpool Street Station in Central London. Change to the Underground system and take the Central Line, (look for the red signs) heading west towards Ealing Broadway or West Ruislip. Look for these destinations on the front of the trains and on the electronic signs on the platforms. Get off at Notting Hill Gate Underground Station. Change to the Green District Line heading South towards Wimbledon. Look for the destination of Wimbledon on the front of the trains and on the electronic signs on the platforms. Wimbledon Tennis is NOT at Wimbledon. Get off two stops before Wimbledon at Southfields Underground Railway Station. The Wimbledon Tennis Complex is a ten minute walk which is mainly down hill. Southfields Underground Station is on a cross roads junction. When you come out of station cross over Augustus Road and walk south down Wimbledon Park Road. At the bottom of the hill there is a small roundabout in the middle of the road and in front of you is the famous Number 1 Court at Wimbledon Tennis. There are special tennis buses run by London General and a shared taxi scheme available at a price but just follow the crowds and walk down the hill. It is only a short distance. Do not buy tickets from the ticket touts. You will get ripped off. Stansted Express (overground train link between Stansted Airport and Liverpool Street Station London) www.stanstedexpress.com 

What to do in Wimbledon
Wimbledon is located in the South West suburbs of London. It is about 6 miles (10 kilometres) away from central London. Wimbledon comprises of two distinct parts; Wimbledon Village is very chic and fashionable and is on top of Wimbledon Hill on the edge of Wimbledon Common, one of London’s large areas of attractive open space. Wimbledon Town Centre is at the bottom of Wimbledon Hill and is a major shopping and transport centre though not as attractive as nearby Kingston or Richmond that benefit from being on the River Thames. Both locations support many restaurants, bars, pubs and night clubs. Wimbledon is a pleasant area of London to visit, live and work in.

Wimbledon Theatre
Wimbledon is lucky to a have a beautiful Edwardian theatre that puts on West End plays, musicals, operas and ballet before and after they have their run up in Central London. The tickets are cheaper than if you went to see the same show up in the West End. Most of the shows are only on for a week before they tour around the rest of the country. In November and December Christmas Pantomime shows are put on for the children. You will find Wimbledon Theatre on The Broadway at the junction with Russell Road.

Wimbledon Polka Theatre
If you are a tourist, with young children or teenagers, visiting London or you are in Wimbledon for the Tennis check out the show list at the Polka Theatre. At the far end of The Broadway in Wimbledon you will find the Polka Children’s Theatre. It puts on shows aimed at children from Toddlers to Teenagers. The shows are enchanting. Make sure you book in advance, as tickets are popular. Coaches can often be seen outside the Polka Theatre delivering large groups of excited children on organised days out from all over southern England.

Wimbledon Multi screen Imax Odeon Cinema
If you visit on a rainy day consider going to the cinema to watch one of the new releases. The Wimbledon Odeon multiplex is on The Broadway not far from the railway station near Morrisons supermarket. It has a number of IMAX screens which you pay extra for but for films with lots of special effects it is worth it

Shopping in Wimbledon
Next to Wimbledon Railway Station is a shopping mall called ‘Centre Court’. It has a large, three level, Debenhams Department store, M&S food hall, Boots, Superdrug, and lots of well-known clothing stores. On the top floor there is a food hall which includes McDonalds. The main shopping street spreads out either side of the railway station and down the length of the main high street called ‘The Broadway’. One shop that deserves special mention and support is Copperfields, Second-hand Book shop, 37 Hartfield Road. It is a great place to pick up a bargain and that 1st edition you were looking for.

Eating in Wimbledon & Wimbledon Village
The range of eating and drinking establishments is immense. The Village has some very posh nuevo cuisine restaurants like the Lighthouse and of course there is the restaurant attached to Cannizaro Hotel on Wimbledon Common. There are also some mid range priced restaurants as well. I know it is a chain but I like Café Rouge. Try the Beouf Borginoing. The beef just melts in your mouth and the sauce is outrageous. Tootsies is child friendly upper market burger joint in nice surroundings. If you are on a budget go down the hill to The Broadway in Wimbledon. There are restaurants and fast food shops to suit every bodies tastes. You can eat food from around the world: Chinese, Indian, Thai, Portuguese, Mongolian, Spanish, Italian, French, Turkish, Cornish, South African and English. Special mention should be the traditional fish and chip restaurant with seating area called Broadway Place, 8 – 10 Hartfield Road, SW19.

Eating in Wimbledon & Wimbledon Village
Both the ‘Village’ and Wimbledon Broadway down at the bottom of the hill are full of drinking establishments ranging from wine bars, themed pubs, night clubs to traditional public houses selling proper English bitter. My favourite old pubs are the Crooked Billet and Hand in Hand pub on the small green just off Woodhayes Road. The other is the Fox and Grapes Pub in Camp Road. All three are away from the main shops of the ‘Village’, just a short walk over the common.

Shopping in Wimbledon & Wimbledon Village
Many of the huge houses around Wimbledon Village are owned by the super rich. A number of the houses cost over 4 million pounds. The type of shops found in ‘Village’ reflect the sort of moneyed clients that frequent them. They are mainly boutique style with only a few of the major chains, which is rather refreshing. Many of the designer clothing shops do not have prices on display. The old adage ‘if you have to ask then do not enter’ applies.

Wimbledon Broadway at the bottom of the hill is very different. Here you will find most of the same franchised stores that can be found in most UK shopping centres. If you are looking at Wimbledon Railway station side entrance opposite the Prince of Wales Public House you will see two statues of over weight lady shoppers known locally as the two fat ladies. Behind it is the entrance to a large pleasant shopping centre Mall called ‘Centre Court’. Inside you will find many well known branded shops and at the back there is a big department store, a branch of Debenhams. On the third floor is a MacDonalds and other eating establishments. At the bottom of the hill is another large department store. This one is called Elys. It is opposite the Argos store and Starbucks. At the crossroads of Wimbledon Hill Road with Alexandra Road.

Wimbledon Common & Windmill
The common is a glorious place to explore at any time of the year. You can get lost as it is so large. When you are walking through the woods and moor land you could be excused in believing you were in the New Forest. You certainly do not get the feeling you are near the centre of London. The only thing that reminds you of how close you are is the constant stream of large aircraft coming into land at Heathrow Airport flying over the northern section of the common. There are always people using the Common; dog walkers, golfers, horse riders, joggers and mothers get fit groups. The symbol of the common is the beautifully preserved Wimbledon Common Windmill. Lord Baden Powell founder of the Boy Scout movement spent time here writing his famous book ‘Scouting for Boys’. The Windmill is open for a limited time at the weekend, There is a great Tea Room next to the Windmill and Car Park.

Cannizaro Hotel and park
There is a hidden landscaped secret garden full of flowers and spectacular specimen trees on the other side of the Wimbledon Common from Wimbledon Village. It is called Cannizaro Park. It is a vast and beautiful landscaped garden on the edge of Wimbledon Common and adjacent to the Cannizaro Hotel. I highly recommend it for a relaxing walk. When you enter the park there are flower beds either side of you as walk towards a strange looking green fountain that looks like a green teapot with too many spouts. The path then takes you to the main lawn at the back of the Cannizaro Hotel. In front of you will be a white bird aviary which the children will like. Turn right away form the main lawn and follow the path through the woodland area down to the duck pond. Take some bread with you to feed the ducks. Behind you is the old walled kitchen garden. It is now used to put on open air theatre shows in the summer. Walk through the kitchen garden to the other gates that lead to the azalea and rhododendron garden by a little stream. At the far right of this section of the garden is a path that takes you up hill. Follow it around to the left and it will lead you to a Greek folly with columns set on a balcony. Now walk back on the higher path and head towards the main lawn and Cannizaro Hotel.

Before you sit down on the hotels terrace to have a cup of tea or coffee and admire the view check out the two small formal gardens to the side of the hotel. In the summer special events and theatrical productions are organised for part of the Cannizaro Park Festival. The mansion took its name from the Sicilian Duke of Cannizaro and his Scottish wife who lived here from 1817 until 1841. When the Duke of Cannizaro first took the house, it was already over a hundred years old, having been built in the reign of Queen Anne. Cannizaro Park had a distinguished visit by the exiled Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. He was a refugee after the Italians invaded his country in 19355. He stayed with a local Seligman family. In honour of his visit a statue can be found in the park. The Emperor is best known for his revered position at the heart of the Rastafari faith

Black History - Wimbledon & the Abolition of Slavery
There is a house in Wimbledon that played a very important part in the global history of black Slavery. William Wilberforce was the main driving force in passing legislation in the British Parliament that lead to the abolition of Slavery. It was a hard battle and took over 30 years. He lived near Wimbledon Common for a while during his teenage years. He was born in Hull on August 24th, 1759 and was brought up with all the advantages that wealth and position. His father was a wealthy merchant but when William was just nine years old his father died. He was sent to London, into the care of his uncle who lived in Wimbledon. Here, he became influenced by his Aunt Hannah’s interest in John Wesley and the early Methodist movement. She passionately believed in the abolition of slavery, as did most Methodists. Aunt Hannah introduced him to John Newton, the former slave trader and composer of such hymns as Amazing Grace who was to influence him later. The house he spent his informative years in can be found along the southern boundary road of Wimbledon Common called Southside Common. The house is on the corner of Southside and Lauriston Road. The outside wall has a blue plaque on the outside commemorating that William Wilberforce lived there.s

The Princess Diana connection to Wimbledon
Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles. She came from the Spencer Family. 300 years ago the family were the largest landowners in Wimbledon. Their private country estate covered all the land to the east of Wimbledon Common including the area that is now known as Wimbledon Park and the All England Tennis Championship grounds. As their wealth increased they out grew their Wimbledon Estate. It was sold and the family moved to the grander Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. The land was sold to building developers.

The Nelson Connection
The elderly ex-British Ambassador to Naples Sir William Hamilton, lived in South Wimbledon with his young wife Lady Emma Hamilton and her lover Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. It was a very open ménage a trios that fascinated the public. They lived in a Georgian style building set within its own landscaped garden called Merton Place. Nelson purchased the house in 1801. In his love letters Nelson says that he was never more content as the time he spent with his Emma at Merton House. It was their love nest. Sir William died in 1803 and Nelson returned to sea soon after

After Nelson's death in 1805 at the battle of Trafalgar, Emma quickly spent the small pension Sir William had left her. She fell deeply into debt. Nelson’s estate passed to the next male heir which was his brother. He he gave Emma Nelsons house in South Wimbledon . She depleted her finances trying to keep the house as a monument to her love. Even though Nelson was a national hero, the government ignored instructions he left to provide for Emma and and his daughter Horatia. They showered honours on Nelson's brother and wife instead of his mistress. William, was made an earl, and parliament voted him £99,000 with an annual pension of £5,000 a year. Frances, still formally Nelson's wife, was granted £2,000 a year. This was in the days when an income of £100 a year was deemed to be very good. Emma and Horatia got nothing. She was so in debt that Emma spent nearly a year in a virtual debtor's prison, in the company of Horatia, before running away to France to try to escape her creditors.

She became an alcoholic and died in poverty in Calais in January 1815. A number of local pubs are named after the pair like the "Emma Hamilton" public house at Wimbledon Chase. The Nelson trading estate off Morden Road and Hamilton Road, Hardy Road, Nelson Road, Victory Road and Trafalgar Roads off Merton High Street are all built on land once part of the Merton Place estate.

Lord Nelson's and Lady Emma's pew remains in the parish church of St Mary, the Virgin, Church Lane, SW19 and on the wall of the north aisle of the church are the funeral hatchments of both Nelson and Sir William Hamilton. Outside the church, on Church Path, are "Nelson's Steps" (now some what overgrown) which Nelson used to climb onto his horse

Merton Abbey Mills, Merantum Way, SW19
At the weekend there is a craft market held at the old William Morris workshops, in lovely riverside setting on banks of River Wandle. The watermill is still working. It provided the power for the workshops. There are shops, restaurants, and a riverside pub. It was built on the site of Merton Abbey, which was a very important monastic medieval building that held the investiture of Kings and parliaments. King Henry VIII had it knocked down in 1538 as part of the dissolution of the monasteries. Nothing is left above ground anymore. The site of the huge church is now the petrol station and car park of the Sainsbury and M&S Savacentre shopping centre

Merton Abbey Priory became nationally important as it was used for royal councils and conferences. In 1236 King Henry III met his Barons at the priory to agree the Statutes of Merton, which became an important foundation piece of legislation for the modern English Common Law. King Henry III also brought his Queen Eleanor to be crowned at the priory in the same year. Henry VI, was the only king of England to be crowned outside of Westminster Abbey in the last 1,000 years . In 1437 his coronation ceremony was held at Merton Priory. Thomas Becket and Nicholas Brakespeare, who was the only ever English Pope. Adrian IV (Brakespeare) were educated at the Merton Abbey Priory. As Pope he granted lordship of Ireland in 1155 to the English King Henry II. Walter de Merton, the founder of Merton College in Oxford University, Lord Chancellor of England and Bishop of Rochester was also educated at Merton Abbey.

William Morris opened a factory at Merton Abbey in 1881. He producing high quality printed and woven fabrics, furnishings, stained glass, carpets and tapestry. William Morris is credited as the founder of the Arts and Craft Movement, which rejected the Industrial Revolution mass-produced goods and promoted craftsmanship. His company continued trading until 1940. Arthur Liberty, an eminent Victorian entrepreneur and founder of the famous Liberty's shops had his production base in Abbey Mills. The Liberty works produced thousands of yards of hand printed silks that made Liberty a household name.

Deen City Farm, Windsor Ave, Merton Abbey, London.
If you are spending time in Wimbledon with small children then take them to Deen City Farm where they can get up close to a variety of farm animals. There is also a stable where they can take horse riding lessons. If you take the tube or bus to Colliers wood walk towards the Sainsbury and M&S Savacentre shopping centre. It will take you about 10 –15 minutes to walk there from Colliers Wood Tube Station. Cross over the bridge that spans the fast moving waters of the river Wandle. There is a footpath that goes along the river. Cross Merantun Way and carry on along the riverside path for about 300 yards. You will be walking past the Merton Abbey Mill shopping complex. At the next road called Windsor Ave you will see in front of you the TV studios where they film the police show called ‘The Bill’. To the left of the TV studios the foot path carries on along the river. At the back of the studios is the entrance to Deen City Farm.

Buddhapadipa Buddhist Temple
This beautiful Thai Buddhist temple is in Calone Road off Wimbledon Common Parkside. To visit the Temple take the 93 bus towards Putney if you are in Wimbledon and get off at bus stop along the side of Wimbledon Common as you come out of Wimbledon Village. Calone Road is near the Parkside Oncology Clinic. Alternately take the District Underground tube to Putney Bridge Station and then catch the 93 bus towards Cheam and get off at the Wimbledon Common bus stop just after Parkside hospital.

You do not have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the wonderful Thai architecture It was built in 1980 as a centre for teaching Theravada Buddhism. The Temple is a complex of buildings set in four acres of parkland and is one of only two outside Asia. Make sure you examine the excellent mural paintings by Thai artists on the interior walls. They depict aspects of the Buddha's life.

As soon as you pass through the ornate Thai gates you feel like you’ve been transported off to Asia. You will see monks wandering the delightful grounds including an ornamental lake, a small grove, a lovely flower garden and an orchard. It is so tranquil that you cannot believe you are in the middle of London. Then right in the middle is the temple which is so detailed and ornate. The window and door frames are made of gold leaf gilded carved teak timbers and are also inlaid with coloured glass. It’s not disabled friendly as there’s lots of steps but there are toilets on site with disabled access. It’s FREE to go in.

Wimbledon Greyhound and Stock Car Racing Stadium
If you want to try something different during your stay in Wimbledon you could go to a greyhound race meeting or a stock car, Hot Rods, Lightening Rods, Superstox and Bangers racing meeting at the same stadium. Look on their website for details of events via Google. You will find it in Plough Lane at the junction with a road called Summerstown in Wimbledon. Try to buy the more expensive tickets as the environment is more attractive and has more facilities like a bar and restaurant.

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
If your are in Wimbledon but out of the All England Lawn Tennis Championship two weeks you can still look around the complex including the famous Centre Court and No.1 Court. You must visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. It houses an impressive display of tennis material relating to the long history of the sport, collections of tennis outfits, rackets, balls and other tennis memorabilia. Wimbledon championship trophies are also on display. There is also a coffee shop within the museum. Take the 493 bus from Wimbledon Railway Station as it stops outside the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

Indian History - The British East India Company & Eagle House, Wimbledon Village.
One of the finest examples of a Jacobean Manor house to survive in London can be found in Wimbledon Village and is called Eagle House. You will find it near the junction of Marryat Road and the High Street Wimbledon Village next to the Rose and Crown Pub. It is set slightly back from the road and has a gated entrance. The Dutch style double gabled roof sets it apart from other buildings in the ‘Village’. Eagle House is a very pretty building. It was built about 1613 for Mr Robert Bell Esq, co-founder and a director of the British East India Company. They traded mainly in cotton, silk, indigo dye, saltpetre, tea, and opium. However British East India Company also came to rule large areas of India, exercising military power and taking over government administrative functions. This man had a big influence on the companies activities which eventually lead to Britain running the whole of Indian until just after World War II.

Eagle House was purchased by the Rev Thomas Lancaster in 1789 who used it to house the Wimbledon School for Young Gentlemen and Noblemen. Lord Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton visited the school in 1805, after which it was renamed the Nelson Academy. Many of the original features including fine ceilings and 17th century Delft tilework have been retained

Since 1989, it has been home to the Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation who have completed extensive renovations. The Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation aims to document and preserve the Islamic written heritage. It pursues this aim principally through its work in surveying, cataloguing, editing and publishing Islamic manuscripts covering jurisprudence, logic and philosophy, as well as mathematics, botany, biology, poetry and literature, and art and crafts. The Library does not collect manuscripts but it holds microfilms and CD-ROMs for some thousands of manuscripts in the Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Bosnian and Indonesian languages

Southside House
This pre Georgian, William and Mary style country house is open to the public. It is at 3-4 Woodhayes Road, Wimbledon Common London SW19. It can only be viewed on a guided tour at 2pm,3pm and 4pm, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, from Easter to September. An admission fee is charged. It has been maintained in traditional style with much of the original furniture still in place. You fell like you have entered a time warp and gone back 250 years.

Wimbledon tennis books


Tennis ball - A tourist guide to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship and the local towns Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball Wimbledon Tennis ball

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