Wimbledon really serves up a treat for anyone that chooses to live here – and not just because it’s home to the world’s most famous tennis tournament. This salubrious setting has it all: green space, spacious homes, commuter trains, underground links and educational excellence.
Wimbledon: the perfect zone 3 area in London
It’s impossible to write a Wimbledon area guide without mentioning the ‘T’ word – and we’re not talking about the Tube. This southwest London suburb is famous for one thing: the Wimbledon Tennis Championships – the world’s oldest tennis tournament, established in 1877, that takes place over two glorious weeks in July. But what about the other 50 weeks of the year, when everyone has left town having been served up some sporting greatness – weather permitting of course?
It’s easy to say there’s more to Wimbledon than just tennis, but we can back this claim up with hard facts. From the picturesque village, excellent schools and speedy transport links to the boutique shopping, traditional pubs and sprawling common, this well-heeled spot is a commuter’s dream.
1. Transport
- Tube: the area is served by three tube stations: Wimbledon station and Wimbledon Park, which are both on the District Line – whisking you to Earl’s Court in around 20 and 15 minutes respectively – and South Wimbledon, which is on the Northern Line and connects to The City (Bank) in just 28 minutes.
- National rail: a wide selection of National Rail services run from Wimbledon Station, including a Waterloo service (17 minutes) – calling at Clapham Junction (seven minutes) and Vauxhall (12 minutes) – and a Farringdon service (36 minutes). Wimbledon Chase also offers a Farringdon service (40 minutes).
- Tram: the Tramlink connects Wimbledon with Beckenham Junction, calling at Croydon and Mitcham Junction.
2. Property
It’s not only the impressive transport links that attracts families to Wimbledon; the handsome Victorian housing stock is pretty tempting as well. The area comprises two main hubs: the village and the town.
- Village: this is widely considered as one of the most prestigious addresses in London – a unique blend of pastoral charm and period properties that’s within easy reach of central London. The prettiest and most expensive large Victorian homes are found here.
- Town: Wimbledon grew with the arrival of the railway in 1838, bringing Victorian commuters with it. Most of the houses are, therefore, attractive Victorian villas and four- and five-bedroom townhouses, together with 1920s and 1930s developments down the hill towards Wimbledon Park and in West Wimbledon.
Average rental price of a three-bed property in Wimbledon: £518pw
Average property price in Wimbledon: £684,000
3. Schools
- Primary schools highly rated by Ofsted: Dundonald Primary School, Wimbledon Chase Primary School, Holy Trinity Primary School (CofE), St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Bishop Gilpin (CofE).
- Secondary schools highly rated by Ofsted: Wimbledon College for boys (Catholic), Ursuline High School for girls (Catholic), Ricards Lodge High School for girls, and Rutlish School for boys.
- Private schools: The Rowans School (prep school), King’s College for boys (ages seven to 18 with girls in the sixth form) and Wimbledon High School for girls (ages four to 18).
4. Things to do
- The common: the tennis courts are not the only pristine green space in Wimbledon. The common – home of the legendary Wombles – is one of the largest expanses of common land in London. So large in fact that it’s home to nine ponds, an 18-hole golf course, athletics track and cricket pitches.
- Shopping: Wimbledon’s shopping scene is eclectic – from the boutique shops found in the village to the Centre Court Shopping Centre, which is a hub for high street shopping.
- Culture: Museum of Wimbledon, Southside House (a 17th-century house maintained in its traditional style), the Edwardian era New Wimbledon Theatre, the Polka Theatre (a centre of drama for children) and the beautiful Wimbledon Free Public Library, opened in 1880.