Hello everyone! I'm doing the Best of London tour this year and really want to visit Wimbledon. Sadly, I won't be there during the tournament but will be happy to see the grounds, nonetheless. I want to book a tour ahead of time and I'm trying to figure out when would be the best time to go.
For those who have been on the Best of London tour, is there a day where there is enough chunk of afternoon time to get out there? Looking at the itinerary, it seems that either Day 2 or Day 6 would be the best bets but I'd like to get an alum's perspective. It's hard to visualize what it's like to be in that big, busy city. I want to calculate how much time I'll need to allot for the whole experience (3 hours maybe including return transport?). Thanks for any suggestions, advice, and info!
Posted by
New York, NY
4007 posts
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is open all year and the tour of the grounds is fantastic. If you have a free 1/2 day, go. Take the District Line (green) to Southfields and walk to the club; it is only about a 1/2 mile walk. We visited several years ago and LOVED it. The time one spends is based solely on one's interest level. The tour is 90 minutes; if you have no interest in the museum, you could be done that quickly.
Posted by
Central Indiana, USA
357 posts
I toured the grounds and museum a couple of years ago, and spent more time at the museum than I would have thought.
I would recommend the bus from Southfields tube to the AELTC. Theres not much to look at on the way and you will do a lot of walking once you arrive.
Posted by
New York, NY
4007 posts
Unless the bus is right there or it is pouring rain, by the time you wait for a bus, you could already be there. Time has to be worth something. Besides, the walk is lovely.
Posted by
OP
30 posts
Thanks for the advice! I grew up watching Wimbledon on the telly so it will be a real treat to see the courts in person even if there are no matches :)
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5331 posts
If walking, for different scenery return by continuing on down Church Road and into Wimbledon Village and eventually Wimbledon train station.
Not so good in the opposite direction as it would be nearly all uphill.
Posted by
OP
30 posts
Thanks for the suggestion! I hadn't realized London had hills. For some reason I had this idea it was all flat. (??) Can't wait to get to know the city! Clearly, I have homework to do!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32821 posts
If you thought that London is is flat, let your googler have a wander and look at Primrose Hill, Hampstead, Hampstead Heath, Box Hill (just outside London but bags of fun), Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace), Muswell Hill and closest of all, Ludgate Hill.... and many more...
Posted by
UK
1015 posts
Central London is pretty flat but hills to the north and south in the suburbs. Great views of London from Hampstead Heath & Primrose Hill.