A trip to Wimbledon is about more than tennis. With The Championships taking place just outside Central London, guests can spend their match days watching the world’s best players and the rest of their stay exploring one of the world’s great cities. Centuries of history sit alongside world-class museums, renowned shopping, an extraordinary food scene, and some of the best theatre and nightlife anywhere.
Whether you have a free afternoon between match days or several days to explore, here are some of the best ways to experience London during your Wimbledon trip.
See London’s Iconic Landmarks
For a first visit to London, there are some sights that are difficult to skip. Buckingham Palace, home to the Royal Family during some of Britain’s biggest ceremonial occasions, is perhaps the most recognizable. Nearby, Westminster Abbey is a historic church that has hosted royal coronations and weddings for centuries. From there, visitors can see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben along the River Thames before heading east to the Tower of London, a nearly 1,000-year-old castle, and the distinctive Tower Bridge.
For a completely different view of the city, take a ride on the London Eye, the giant observation wheel overlooking the River Thames. From its glass capsules, visitors get panoramic views across London, with private capsules also available for a more exclusive experience with Champagne and canapés.
Those with more time can venture outside Central London to Windsor Castle, a favorite royal residence with nearly 1,000 years of history and close ties to generations of the Royal Family.
Explore London’s Museums and Galleries
London is home to some of the world’s great art collections and museums, and many of its best-known institutions are free to enter. At The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, visitors can see works by artists including Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci, with a collection spanning hundreds of years of European art.
For something more contemporary, Tate Modern occupies a former power station on the River Thames and focuses on modern and contemporary art, with works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Dalí. The building and its riverside setting are part of the experience, with views across the Thames toward St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Beyond art, the British Museum is known for its vast collection of objects from civilizations around the world, while the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) focuses on art, design, fashion, and decorative arts.
Shop London’s Most Famous Districts
London offers everything from historic department stores to some of the world’s biggest luxury fashion houses. In Knightsbridge, Harrods is a destination in its own right, with multiple floors of designer fashion, jewelry, beauty, homeware, and its famous food halls all under one roof.
For luxury boutiques, head to Mayfair, where Bond Street and the surrounding streets are home to names such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Hermès. Nearby, Regent Street mixes British names with major international brands, while Covent Garden offers a different experience with boutiques, beauty brands, restaurants, and its historic market buildings.
Even for visitors who are not planning a major shopping day, these neighborhoods are easy to combine with sightseeing, lunch, or an afternoon exploring Central London.
Experience London’s Food Scene
London’s food scene stretches far beyond traditional British fare, with everything from Michelin-starred dining to neighborhood pubs and cuisines from around the world. For a more casual way to explore it, Borough Market is one of the city’s best-known food markets, bringing together produce, specialty food shops, bakeries, restaurants, and street food beneath the railway arches near London Bridge.
For a distinctly British experience, afternoon tea is worth making time for. Sketch in Mayfair puts a more playful, contemporary spin on the tradition, while many of London’s luxury hotels offer their own elaborate versions. Harrods Food Halls in Knightsbridge are another worthwhile stop, particularly for visitors who want to browse British and international specialties without committing to a full meal.
And, of course, there are the classics. A good pub is still one of the best places to try dishes such as fish and chips, pies, or a Sunday roast, while London’s enormous international dining scene means a Wimbledon trip can just as easily include Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Italian, or virtually any other cuisine.
Spend an Evening in London
London comes alive after dark, with plenty of ways to spend an evening beyond dinner. The West End, the city’s theatre district, offers everything from long-running musicals and major productions to new plays featuring some of Britain’s best-known performers. Dinner followed by a show is an easy way to make an evening of it.
For something livelier, head to Soho, where restaurants, cocktail bars, pubs, jazz clubs, and late-night venues fill the streets around Old Compton Street and Carnaby. The neighborhood has long been at the center of London’s nightlife and offers plenty of options within a relatively compact area, making it easy to move between dinner, drinks, and live music without planning every stop in advance.
Make the Most of Your Time in London
With so much to experience across London, a Wimbledon trip can be as much about the destination as the tennis. Whether your interests lean toward history, art, shopping, food, or nightlife, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time away from the courts.
On Point Events offers private tours and other tailored experiences to help guests explore London based on their interests and time in the city. Explore our Wimbledon travel packages to start planning your trip to The Championships.