Published: 15/04/2024 By LONEY MILLER
Everything you need to know about Wimbledon 2024Events:
In the weeks leading up to and throughout the tournament, many of our brilliant independent local businesses put on small events, which are always incredibly fun-filled evenings out. Stay tuned on our socials to keep up to date with some great offerings throughout the month!
Green spaces to explore:
Green spaces in and around Wimbledon and Southfields:
- Wimbledon and Putney Commons - 1,14 acres of English countryside amidst the urban surroundings of Wimbledon, Putney and Kingston upon Thames. A designated site of special scientific interest and a special area of conservation, it provides an important home for wildlife and a place for visitors to relax in the bustling capital.
- Cannizaro Park - public park with open space, formal gardens, lawns and woodland, featuring a calendar of arts events - find out more here!
- Wimbledon Park - located next to the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon Park is one of the largest in Merton, and has many facilities, including a large lake, athletics track, play areas, tennis courts, paddling pool and adventure gold - a great day out!
- King George’s Park - featuring formal and ornamental gardens, an ecology site, lake and riverside walk. There is also a play area, adventure playground and one o’clock club for children. Pitches, a leisure centre, a bowling green and tennis courts are all great facilities for sports enthusiasts.
Where to stay:
We’ve got you covered.
Here at Loney Miller, we have some incredible properties taking part in our new, exciting offering; Wimbledon Tennis Stays!
For the 2-4 core weeks of Wimbledon, we’ve sought out some hidden gem homes you could rent during your visit. Perfectly situated, beautifully decked out and containing everything you’ll need for a seamless transition to becoming a Wimbledon local!
If you want to find out more about how you can find your perfect stay, take a look at our available Wimbledon lettings offerings here, or give us a call on 0208 945 7555.
The History of Wimbledon:
Before heading to the all-important tournament, make sure you’re armed with all the facts!
Here are some key pieces of history within the Wimbledon timeline:
1870s - The start of it all!
Originally, the four acres of rented meadowland on Worple Road in Wimbledon was home to croquet but from 1875, one lawn was given over to the new game of tennis, which fast became the new big thing, overtaking croquet in leaps and bounds!
While there were only seats for 30 people, the final attendance numbers were just over 200. With rackets resembling snowshoes and balls having hand-sewn flannel cases, things were looking a little different to the Wimbledon we’re used to today.
1880s:
Increasing in popularity year on year, the Gentlemen's Singles later snowballed the Championships to expand, in 1884, to include competitions for Men’s Doubles and Ladies’ Singles.
The first-ever female champion became Maud Watson, beating her sister Lillian.
Crowds were now reaching as much as 3000!
1900s:
The 1900s brought the first ever overseas champion from the US, May Sutton, who won the Ladies’ Singles in 1905. The first foreign male came two years later, from Australia; Norman Brookes.
1940s:
The Wimbledon Championships halted during World War II. When they resumed in 1946, there were crowd restrictions due to damages to the centre court from a bomb striking the roof in 1940.
1970s:
The 1970s crowned the first black male winner, Arthur Ashe, and the first Australian Aboriginal champion, Evonne Goolagong.
2000s:
The infamous sisters and Queens of Centre Court, Venus and Serena Williams were crowned, originating from the unlikely tennis background of the public courts of south-central LA. Winning eight out of 10 finals and beating each other on four occasions, the sisters benefitted from 2007 from the decision to pay equal prize money for men and women.
2010s:
Having not had a British winner for 77 years, Scot Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic in 2013.
The ‘Big Four’ were coined, consisting of Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Serena Williams remained dominant on the courts, adding another four championships.
The longest tennis match in history took place in 2010 on court 18, taking place over 11 hours and five minutes between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut, ending with the American winning 70-68 in the fifth set!
Eating and drinking:
Wimbledon Village
- The Crooked Billet or Hand in Hand - next to each other at the edge of the Common - quintessentially English pubs
- Hemingways - independent cocktail bar, ideal for food, brunch and drinks
- Dog and Fox - an iconic pub with rooms in the heart of Wimbledon Village serving both food and drink
Southfields
- Chanteroy - specialised French delicatessen delivered to you
- The village butcher - traditional friendly butchers
- Drop Shot Coffee - independent speciality coffee shop and eatery
- Lupo Bros - local independent coffee shop selling chocolate and baked goods
- Wylies Coffee - another incredible independent cafe, serving great coffee and very recently opened in Southfields
- Original Tapas Sabores - recently opened Spanish restaurant right by the tube
- Bosa - authentic Lebanese restaurant
- The Earl Spencer - Gastro Pub with a great range of gins, wines, cocktails, beer and food - something for everyone!
- The Olive Garden - local independent Italian restaurant - family favourite serving fab pizza
- Chilli and Basil - local Thai restaurant
- Sen Yai - Thai street food
- Farmers market at Wimbledon Park primary - meat, dairy and fresh veg