13 Things To Do in London if You're in Town for Wimbledon

Whether you’re a fan of football (soccer), cricket, or rugby, London has a wealth of sports stadiums for you to explore. Take a peek into the changing rooms of top football teams such as Arsenal on a tour of the Emirates Stadium; explore the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground; or catch a rugby match at Twickenham Stadium.

Watching world-class tennis is sure to work up your appetite. Head to Borough Market for the best of the city’s artisan offerings, which range from cheese and Scotch eggs to oysters and cakes. You can even combine a tour of the market with a London Bridge visit.

If you don’t have tickets to the next match, bring your market haul for a picnic on the grassy area in Wimbledon known alternately as Henman Hill or Murray Mound (named after two of Britain’s most successful tennis players). All matches are broadcast from a big screen here. Afterward, you can chat about all the most exciting moments while tasting cheese and beer at a nearby brewery.

No visit to London would be complete without a ride on one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—the London Eye. During its 30-minute rotation time, you’ll spot other highlights of the city including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. Lines can get long, so book your admission ticket in advance to beat the crowds. Or purchase a skip-the-line ticket for an even speedier outing.

Not far from Wimbledon in leafy south west London, you’ll find Kew Gardens —a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest botanical collections. The center boasts multisensory sculptures, 10 different climate zones; a 60-foot-high (18-meter) treetop walkway; and more than 14,000 trees. Book your ticket in advance to keep your schedule on track.

June often sees London bathed in sunshine, so take some time to cool off during a sightseeing cruise on the Thames River. You’ll view plenty of waterside landmarks—such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament—much faster than you would on land. If you want to satisfy an appetite for adrenaline, opt for a super-speedy RIB cruise instead.

Located just minutes away from Centre Court, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum traces the history of tennis since its conception in the 16th century. Inside, you’ll find tennis memorabilia such as trophies, rackets, and shoes from world-famous players. Plus, admission includes a 10-minute tour of the world-famous Centre Court itself. You can also visit the museum as part of a walking tour of Westminster landmarks.

Wimbledon often sees plenty of royal family members in the audience, but if you don’t manage to spot a prince or princess courtside, you can visit their various residences in and around London. Watch the century-old Changing of the Guard tradition outside of Buckingham Palace, or head out to Windsor Castle, which dates back to the 11th century.

London has only three boroughs that boast the ‘honorary’ status of royal, and Kingston upon Thames in Southwest London is one of them. Only 30 minutes from Wimbledon by train, Kingston is a lush and leafy town that boasts a historic market square, a plethora of riverside pubs and restaurants, and some of the area’s best shopping opportunities, making it a worthy addition to your itinerary.

Former home of the most notorious Tudor monarch, Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace harbors some of south London’s richest history. Explore the former royal residence’s chambers and gardens on a history-focused tour that reveals tantalizing tales you’re unlikely to get in a guide book.

Strawberries and cream are a staple of Wimbledon—in the 19th century, the event coincided with the only few weeks of the year that the fruit was available in England. For a quintessentially British experience, enjoy strawberry jam and clotted cream on scones, plus finger sandwiches and cakes, during a sophisticated afternoon tea experience in the capital. Or you can even get your Earl Grey fix as part of a sightseeing cruise on the Thames.

If you’re fascinated by ancient history, a visit to the 3,500-year-old Stonehenge should be at the top of your itinerary. Fascinating historians and archaeologists for hundreds of years, the UNESCO-listed circle of stones attracts more than a million visitors annually, so be sure to book your admission ticket in advance or visit as part of a stress-free day trip, which often includes a visit to the Regency city of Bath.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by lush green countryside, the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that’s home to historic villages, thatched cottages, traditional English pubs, and some stellar walking trails. Though you could easily spend a week exploring, a day trip from London gives you a good taste of the area’s charm—you can even add Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, to the itinerary.