If you’re visiting London, one of the most fascinating things to do is to explore the many diverse neighbourhoods that make up the city.

Wimbledon, tucked away in the south-west corner, will offer you yet another perspective of the bustling capital.

Just a few miles from London’s centre, Wimbledon is easy to reach by public transport. The downtown hub buzzes with activity, and an array of tempting restaurants and shops line the main drag of Wimbledon Broadway.

Within walking distance, there’s a charming historical hamlet surrounded by parks and woodlands. In fact, you’ll feel you’re nestled in the English countryside than the metropolis.

So, without further ado, put on your walking shoes and hit the streets of into one to venture into one of London’s greenest suburbs.

Stay in a 17th-century pub

If you want to stay in Wimbledon, we recommend The Rose and Crown, a 17th-century pub in the heart of Wimbledon Village.

Not only are the rooms sumptuous and spacious, but the staff (including Fred, the pub dog!) are friendly and welcoming.

An oak-beamed restaurant serves a delicious breakfast, and there’s also a heated outside terrace.

By staying in the village, you’ll have easy access to shops and eateries on your doorstep and it’s a short walk to all the local attractions.

Kick-start the day with a hearty brunch

If you’ve come from central London, take a left when you get off at Wimbledon Underground Station to head along Wimbledon Hill Park.

All Bar One is on the right-hand side, a perfect spot to make your first stop and indulge in a hearty brunch.

The menu here offers some fabulous choices from a decadent full English breakfast to tasty veggie options such as shakshuka.

If you fancy starting your day with some fun and fizz, bottomless brunches are served from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm with unlimited prosecco flowing throughout a one-hour-and-a-half sitting!

Retail therapy in Wimbledon village

After a boozy brunch, keep walking and it won’t be long before you hit Wimbledon Village, a quaint enclave brimming with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants.

There are oodles of shops to browse from Postmark, which sells fabulous greetings cards to Patrick Steel Landscapes, specialising in stunning local photography.

The village has a rural vibe and many of the businesses are housed in period buildings – you can even hire a horse at Wimbledon Village Stables to explore the nearby common.

When you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, it’s time for tennis!

Experience the excitement of the world’s greatest tennis tournament

If you happen to be in town during the last week of June or the first week of July, don’t miss the chance to watch the top tennis players battle it out on the most famous courts in the world.

You’ve struck gold if you managed to get your hands on Wimbledon tickets before arriving here.

If you’re up for queuing on the day, the atmosphere among the fans is electric and you can get ground tickets, or even centre court seats if you arrive early enough.

Take a tour of the All England Club

Even if you’re not lucky enough to be in London for the championships, you can still get a taste of the Wimbledon tennis experience by taking a tour of the All England Club.

Go inside the Millennium Building where you can see the trophy and press rooms as well as the private facilities used by the top players.

Not only do you get to see the centre court, but the tour includes entrance to the superb Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

At the museum, you can check out the state-of-the-art interactive exhibits including a hologram of tennis legend, John McEnroe.

Bask in tranquillity at Buddhapadipa Temple

Make tracks back to the village via Calonne Road and dip into Buddhapadipa, a dazzling white Thai Buddhist temple.

The temple was the first of its kind to be built in Britain and inside there are impressive murals depicting the Buddha’s teachings.

A working temple, it’s home to monks and nuns who can often be seen carrying out daily tasks on the grounds.

The serene flower gardens that surround the temple are a perfect spot for meditation, and a pretty pond adds to the relaxing, mellow vibe.

Have lunch at the Dog & Fox

After pounding the streets of Wimbledon, it’s time to take the weight off and enjoy an early dinner at the village gastropub, the Dog & Fox. Located in the village, it’s a favourite with visiting tennis players.

You’ll find it a challenge to choose between the tasty sandwiches, sharing plates, and main dishes that range from burgers and steaks to vegan hot pot.

Snuggle up in the cosy and comfortable ambience with a roaring fire to keep you toasty during the winter months and a gorgeous beer garden for long summer days.

Discover sprawling Wimbledon Common

Feeling revived, head to nearby Wimbledon Common, one of London’s great urban green spaces, to explore the many trails and paths.

It’s a vast 1,140 acres of heath and woodland, an oasis of nature to escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day living.

While here, it’s worth checking out Wimbledon Windmill, which is one of only four windmills in the capital and built in the early 1800s.

It’s free to enter and you’ll marvel at the three floors of fascinating exhibits.

Stroll around Cannizaro Park

Before heading back to central Wimbledon, we think you’ll love a stroll around the ornamental gardens of elegant Cannizaro Park, which is on the west side of the common.

It’s truly a fine example of 19th-century London gardens and has a country mansion at its centre, decorated with sculptures, ponds and an aviary, as well as manicured lawns which are ideal for summer picnics.

Back in the day, the house (now Hotel du Vin) was visited by superstars of the time including Oscar Wilde, Lord Tennyson, and Henry James.

Cocktails at The Loft followed by a show

On the way back to town, make a pit stop at The Loft, a colourful and contemporary rooftop bar on Wimbledon Park Hill.

Enjoy a cheeky classic cocktail and if you fancy a bite to eat, try the mouth-watering curly dirty fries loaded with pulled pork, avocado, sour cream, and red chillies.

If you have time, it’s worth checking to see what’s on at the glittering New Wimbledon Theatre on Broadway. The theatre, which dates back to the early 1900s, is home to a range of shows from musicals to concerts.

A new side to London

It may be time to hop on the tube, but it’s surprising what you can pack into a day. A visit to Wimbledon will leave you with treasured memories to last a lifetime.

Who will you bring on your next adventure?