Wimbledon Park

Wimbledon Park is a public park of about 27 hectares in south-west London, and it has given its name to the surrounding residential suburb as well. It is a good pick for a quiet walk away from the crowds of central London, and it sits right next to one of the most famous tennis venues in the world.

Where is Wimbledon Park and what should you know about it?

The park lies in the Wimbledon area. The name covers three things at once: the park itself, the suburb to the south and east of it, and Wimbledon Park tube station. Wikidata describes it as an area and park in the London Borough of Merton. It is not part of Wimbledon Common, the much larger stretch of open land further west up the hill.

What is the history of the park?

The landscape took shape in the 18th century. In 1764 the estate's owner, Earl Spencer, hired the celebrated landscape designer Capability Brown. Brown replaced the earlier formal Renaissance gardens with a more natural scene. His signature feature here is the lake, created by damming a brook that runs towards the River Wandle. The park still shows the gently rolling grassland and scattered trees typical of the English landscape style.

In 1914 the authorities of the Borough of Wimbledon bought the northern part of the parkland, including the lake. A golf course was laid out on part of the remaining land, and in 1922 the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, host of the Wimbledon Championships, was established on its new grounds to the west. Today Merton Council looks after the public park and lake, while the former golf course land belongs to the tennis club.

What can you do here?

• Walk around the lake – the most popular route, calm and easy for everyone.
• Relax on the grass – the open lawns suit picnics and children's games.
• Watch wildlife – the lake and mature trees attract waterbirds.
• Combine it with tennis – the club with the Wimbledon courts lies directly to the west of the park.

Local sources mention that residents once swam in the lake in summer and skated on it in winter. That is no longer something to count on, so follow any signs posted on site.

How do you get to Wimbledon Park?

The easiest way is the Underground. Wimbledon Park station is on the District Line, between Southfields and Wimbledon, in fare zone 3. The station is on Arthur Road, near the junction with Melrose Avenue. From central London you can reach it on a District Line service without changing at the station itself.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wimbledon Park the same as the Wimbledon tennis courts? No. The courts belong to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, just west of the park. The park is a separate public space.

How big is the park? About 27 hectares, enough for a leisurely walk of a few hours.

Is the park part of Wimbledon Common? No. Wimbledon Common lies further west up the hill and is a separate area.

Which tube station should I use? Wimbledon Park, on the District Line in zone 3.

Who designed the park's landscape? Capability Brown, who worked here for Earl Spencer from 1764.