Tuesday, March 4, 2014

What will you choose to do in Wimbledon?

By Morgan Green


Wimbledon is a town most commonly known as the home of tennis. Once a year the tennis club is the focus of the World as the famous tournament unfolds on television. This town has a great many other things of interest to offer too, and is a nice part of south west London to visit after the tennis is finished.

The Wombles made Wimbledon Common a well-known open space when the BBC made the book, by Elisabeth Beresford, into a popular children's television series during the 1970's. The common is a nice place to have a picnic, and families come here to spend some time outside. It is a popular place to walk dogs, cycle, jog, or just to sit and read.

Over on the common, you could spend a little time at The Windmill Museum. This museum is housed in a restored windmill where you can learn all about these buildings and their importance to communities in England. There's a little bit about the local history too. Plus, there is some scouting memorabilia on display as a tribute to Baden-Powell who spent some of his time writing 'Scouting for Boys' here.

On Calonne Road, there is a beautiful Buddhist, temple which was built following Thai architecture. It was the first Buddhist Temple of its kind in Great Britain. Wat Buddhapadipa is surrounded by 4 acres of pretty grounds and it is a unique site to visit.

Kew Gardens can also be found in this part of London. You can spend many-an-hour wandering around the different sections of this homage to all things green. Three greenhouses hold exotic plants for you to oh and ah over. Then there are formal gardens, ponds and water gardens. Stroll above the trees on the tree top walkway. Or buy tickets to the summer evening concerts at Kew that'll have you bopping to your favourite bands surrounded by the foliage.

And if that isn't enough of the great outdoors for you, then Richmond Park must be your next destination. As far as parks go, this one is a bit special because it's a Royal park, and the largest one to boot. The pride of this 2300 acre space, though, is the deer; 600 of these beautiful creatures and you can usually see them along with other wild life. And for any 'You Tube' fans, see if you can spot 'Fenton'!

Wimbledon Village offers up a different set of things to do. With its feeling of rural England, you can spend some time shopping, eating, drinking and relaxing. You can even get your nails done or your hair coiffed. The buildings are quaint and colourful, all picture book stuff.

To save you getting the train into the West End, great shows come to The New Wimbledon Theatre. This Edwardian building has seen been putting on great live productions for years, and the likes of Noel Coward and Gracie Fields have appeared on its stage. This year, you shouldn't miss the chance to see Spirit of the Dance which is on at the same time as the tennis. This award-winning tango, salsa and Irish dancing combo is a real treat for the senses.




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