Museum of Wimbledon
What Visitors Say
Looking at the reviews beforehand, I massively judged the person who gave it one star, just because it was closed when they visited!!?? Just because you hadn’t done your homework and realised it only opens between 2:45 - 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, doesn’t justify a ONE STAR rating because of your negligence! However as I went to enter I then realised it was closed too, and I was gutted! Apparently it’s closed for August, and there’s a sign on the front entrance. If only Google Maps knew this. Seems like a lovely library though and I’ll definitely go back in September.
A hidden gem in the heart of Wimbledon! This small and cozy museum offers a delightful journey through local history, with beautifully curated exhibits and fascinating historical maps of Wimbledon and London. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed—perfect for families. Staff are incredibly kind and engaging, especially with children, making the experience both educational and fun. A lovely spot to explore the area’s heritage and spark young imaginations. Highly recommended!
I love museums, moma, Albertina, British, etc; but this one is the best I’ve been to. Although small, but amazing
I enjoyed everything very much, everything was presented in an informative and educational manner!
Highlights
Wimbledon Common & the 1871 Act
Shows how the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act (1871) created a unique model of public stewardship still in force today.Maps, by-laws and early photographs reveal how common land was legally protected for recreation and natural habitat during Victorian expansion.
Introductory cases and Common section
Caesar’s Camp: Iron Age Wimbledon
Links Wimbledon to pre-Roman Britain via the Iron Age hillfort on the Common’s western ridge.Sherds, tools and reconstruction drawings make a visible bridge between the present heath and a defended settlement on high ground.
Archaeology displays
Manor, Village, Town
Explains the shift from manorial estate to commuter suburb through estate plans, parish records and cottage artefacts.A single parish chest and tithe plan can tell you who owned what, where roads ran and how fields became streets.
Medieval–Georgian wall
Lawn Tennis Begins at Worple Road
Anchors Wimbledon’s global sporting identity to a local address: the first Championships were played at Worple Road (1877) before the move to Church Road (1922).Early rackets, tickets and programmes show a village club event turning into an international tournament—rooted in a neighbourhood.
Sport & leisure section
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Wimbledon Common’s Iron Age hillfort, often called Caesar’s Camp, encloses several hectares—its earthworks are among the largest prehistoric remains in Greater London.
The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act of 1871 established elected Conservators; this community governance structure is still the legal basis for managing the Common today.
The first Wimbledon Championships (1877) were held at Worple Road; the All England Club didn’t relocate to Church Road until 1922.
