- Tube stations: Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park
- Rail stations: Wimbledon
- Location: east of Wimbledon Common, south of Wandsworth, northwest of Merton
- Borough: Merton
- Postcode: SW19, SW20
Landmarks: Wimbledon’s famous windmill is located in Wimbledon Common, but visitors are always surprised when they come across the beautiful Buddhapadipa Temple nestled between the common and Wimbledon Park. It’s the UK’s first Buddhist temple and is still used today to train monks.
Known for: The Wimbledon lawn tennis tournaments, where for two weeks every summer the world’s best tennis players and their 500,000 rabid fans converge on Wimbledon.
Who’s there? Commuters craving village greenery and also a large amount of Australians and South Africans. The neighbourhood’s dividing line is Wimbledon Hill, with posh commuters living in the village around it and chavs inhabiting the area below it. The locals can’t seem to make up their mind about whether they like the tennis tournament and praise and whinge about it in equal measure.
Making history: Ancient arrowheads and tools that date back to 100,000 BC have been found on Wimbledon Common, and there was once a fort on top of the hill. A manor house on the common was occupied by royalty until the 17th century, and when the railways arrived in 1838 it brought more people to the area. The first Lawn Tennis Championships were held in 1877, solidifying Wimbledon’s reputation as a tourist destination for the next century and a half.
Pub quiz facts: Much to the dismay of the Wombles of Wimbledon Common, ‘80s children used to constantly throw litter around the common to see if any furry creatures would tidy up after them.
Famous faces: Singer/songwriter Jamie T is being billed as the hottest thing to come out of Wimbledon since Adrian Borland.
When it’s hot: You’re at no loss for green space in Wimbledon, what with Wimbledon Park and Wimbledon Common in the vicinity. During the summer you’ll see many locals picnicking near the Windmill on the Common.
When it’s not: The gallery at Wimbledon College of Art has exhibits featuring student work and pieces by well known local artists. For shows, head to the New Wimbledon Theatre and Studio on the Broadway.
Content updated: 13/02/2012 16:38
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Content updated: 13/02/2012 16:38