Wimbledon

Wimbledon Broadway is the heart of things: a busy stretch of shops, restaurants and cinemas that gives the area its town-centre feel, while just up the hill Wimbledon Village keeps a quieter, leafier character. For most visitors, though, the name Wimbledon means one thing first, and the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum lets you explore that history properly, from Centre Court to the trophies themselves, whatever time of year you come.

Staying here is straightforward and well-served by the big budget chains. Premier Inn London Wimbledon Broadway and Premier Inn London Wimbledon South sit close to the action, and Travelodge London Wimbledon Central offers another no-fuss option. All make sensible bases for train and Tube links into central London, so you can easily combine a stay here with a day in the city.

Families are well catered for beyond the tennis. Polka Theatre puts on shows aimed squarely at children, Pod2 Soft Play and Eddie Catz Wimbledon give younger ones somewhere to burn off energy, and the Wimbledon Mystery Treasure Trail is a fun way to explore the streets with a bit of purpose. If you're after something more traditional, Ridgway Stables offers riding for those keen to get out and about on horseback.

Whether you're here for the tennis history, a family day out, or simply want a base with good transport links into London, Wimbledon manages to feel like a proper town in its own right rather than just a stop on the way into the capital.