Quiet and quaint, Wimbledon is a small borough in South London. It becomes the focus of the sporting world for two weeks every year, when the Wimbledon tennis championships are held here at the All England Tennis Club.
For most of the year Wimbledon is an affluent borough on the outskirts of the city. It's home to the pleasant greenery and woodlands of Wimbledon Common, the Wimbledon Windmill Museum, and Britain's oldest Buddhist temple: Buddhapadipa. For longer visits to London, Wimbledon provides a tranquil low-rise base that's far from the bustle of the city.
The borough transforms for two weeks in late June and early July, hosting the world's oldest tennis tournament. Tens of thousands of daily visitors flood a borough that isn't well suited for large crowds. Most tickets must be purchased in advance but a limited number of tickets are sold on the day on a first-come first-served basis. Some people queue through the night to ensure they get a ticket. Outside the actual championships, it's possible to view the courts on a tour of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Note that playing on the courts is strictly for members.
Southfields Underground Station is the closest to the All England Tennis Club. Wimbledon Railway Station is on the National Rail Network and there are over a dozen direct trains an hour to Central London. During the tournament authorities strongly discourage driving to Wimbledon. During other times there is ample parking in the borough.
The first Wimbledon tennis championships were held in 1877 and at least one British player featured in the final every year until 1912. However, since Fred Perry in 1936, the Wimbledon locals had to wait until 2012 before another Brit made the final.