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The Ultimate Wimbledon 2019 Guide: Tennis, Attractions, Eating Out and More

Find out everything you need to know to visit Wimbledon SW19 and the south-west London tennis mecca with our Ultimate Wimbledon Guide

Once a year, SW19 takes centre stage in what is one of the world’s most famous tennis tournaments. But even though Wimbledon is insanely popular during The Championships, there is much more to this south-west London borough than tennis. Discover all there is to eat, see, and do in Wimbledon 2019 and the reasons why you should visit at any time of the year…

Wimbledon 2019 Tennis

Thousands of visitors will make their way to Wimbledon this year for the Championship on the 1-14 July. But how do you bag yourself a coveted Wimbledon tennis ticket, if you’ve been unsuccessful in the ballot? Don’t worry there are still ways to get yourself in to the famous grounds. Follow our essential tips on how to queue and other avenues to explore. If you’re still not able to get your hands on any and still desperate to catch all the tennis action then there are amazing places to watch Wimbledon 2019 live from outdoor spaces in SW19 and great pubs and bars.

One of the best places to soak up the atmosphere is from the Piazza in the centre of the town where you can pull up a deckchair and watch on a big screen for free. One man who has got himself a prime spot each year is top local photographer Duncan Grove – but he has to work for it! Find out how he has photographed some of Wimbledon’s most incredible moments. And do have a stroll around Wimbledon Village – shops and restaurants put on fantastic themed window displays (pictured top: Carluccio’s). This year, we also talk to a selection of the great and the good of the tennis world as they gathered to play at a special charity event to launch the new roof at No. 1 Court.

Amazing Wimbledon Restaurants

It’s not just about strawberries and cream. From fine dining to great burgers, Wimbledon has it all and boasts a plethora of different restaurants, cafes and eateries. If you head to Wimbledon, there is an assortment of cuisines to whet your appetite. From classic British pub grub, Italian, Japanese, French, Thai… and even an organic deli, there really is something for everyone. Our local writers have checked out some of the best SW19 has to offer in the ultimate round-up of the best Wimbledon restaurants so you can just pick up the phone and make a reservation! Some of T&L’s favourites include San Lorenzo and the White Onion.

Wimbledon Common and nearby attractions

If you head to SW19, there are plenty of outdoor activities and open spaces to explore. Wimbledon Common – which is famously known as the home to The Wombles – is an expansive heathland studded by ancient woods. Popular spots include the Windmill and the ponds – but strolling around, you’d be mistaken for thinking this was in the heart of the countryside.

Wimbledon also has a park located next to the All England Lawn Tennis Club with a huge children’s play area with a paddling pool, water features and climbing frames. Over the summer months, the park often hosts events such as alfresco cinema, and food and music festivals. With one of the largest lakes in South London, it offers canoeing, you can feed the ducks or take a nice stroll. Meanwhile, there is an abundance of things to see and do in Wimbledon including historic walks, museums and even a spectacular Buddhist temple, which adds a taste of the orient with its bold colour.  If you want to know more about the best Wimbledon attractions aside from the tennis, then check out this guide.

Culture and music

Wimbledon offers visitors a plethora of hotspots for those wanting a large dose of culture – from live music, comedy and festivals – such as Wimbledon Bookfest and the Merton Arts Festival and  Of course, it’s the New Wimbledon Theatre that draws in the crowds, giving locals and those who live nearby a West-End experience without having to travel into central London. You can catch anything from comedy and live musical performances to ballet and musicals.

Great drinking spots for Wimbledon 2019

Where to even begin? If you’re fans of ale, craft beers, fine wines or delicious cocktails you’re in for a treat. Heading to Wimbledon 2019 and want to carry on after all the tennis action has ended, you’ll find so many great drinking dens near to the All England Club  including traditional pubs such as The Crooked Billet or the Hand in Hand within spitting distance. But it’s not just Wimbledon Village that holds all the best drinking spots.

Head down the hill towards Wimbledon Town Centre and The Broadway and there are Wimbledon stalwarts including The Alexandra and The Old Frizzle. Whether you’re looking for a chilled out drink and conversation alongside good food, or somewhere more lively to dance into the early hours of the morning, this essential guide to the best pubs and bars in Wimbledon is a must read.

Treat yourselves…

SW19 has a thriving retail scene – and if you’re looking to go on a shopping spree, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes! Elys, which has been in Wimbledon since 1876, is a one-stop shop for designer fashion, accessories, beauty and skincare, electricals and homeware. Opposite this historic SW19 landmark, you also have the Centre Court Shopping Centre, which is home to 45 different shops, many of which are popular high-street brands such as H&M and New Look. High-street fashion not so much your thing? If you want to move away from the norm and shop more independently then Wimbledon has a wide choice from high-end fashion to unique gifts and jewellery. If you want more ideas of where to rinse your credit cards in Wimbledon check out this round-up for the best Wimbledon shops.