Loacl facilities for Wimbledon
Merton Abbey Mills a popular weekend craft market, shops, restaurant and riverside bar all open daily, alongside the river Wandle next to the old water wheel and close to the archaeological remains of the Merton Priory built in 1117 where Thomas a Beckett was educated and Henry 1's body lay in state in 1135.
Wandle Industrial Museum can be found in an annexe to The Vestry Hall on London Road, Mitcham where it preserves and promotes the heritage of the Wandle Valley, as the museum is only open limited hours it is suggested that you ring them on 0208 648 0127 to avoid disappointment.
Buddhapadpa Temple built in 1980 using traditional Thai architecture, for the purpose of teaching Theravada Buddhism, it can be found on Calonne road, Wimbledon, for further details click on the above for their website.
Windmill Museum telling the story of windmills and milking through working models, machinery and tools of the trade. This museum promises to be a great family treat with a number of interactive exhibits. Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common. Check opening times by ringing 0208 947 2825
Society Museum of Local History demonstrates over 3,000 years of Wimbledon history through pictures, words and objects, the museum is accessible by both the number 93 and 200 buses from Wimbledon town centre, it is open Saturdays 2.30pm to 5.00pm and with free admission you can find it at, 22 The Ridgeway, Wimbledon.
Wimbledon Theatre is a stunning Edwardian theatre, recently re-furbished, it presents an exciting programme of plays, musicals, dance, opera, comedy, music, children's shows and pantomime. Find it on the Broadway, Wimbledon. T 0208 540 0362
Polka Theatre the only theatre building in Britain producing work exclusively for children, from the age of 3 to 13 years, in two theatre spaces. The theatre boasts exhibitions, souvenir shop, café and playground. The Broadway, Wimbledon. T 0208 543 4888 (Box Office)
Wimbledon Studio Theatre (In Wimbledon Theatre) is part of the beautiful Grade 2 listed Edwardian theatre. Originally the Studio Theatre was a Ballroom upon which Fred and Adelle Astaire are reputed to have danced. The Studio Theatre boasts a broad programme of performances, workshops and art's projects. They present musicals, revivals of classic drama, new plays, children's shows, one-night comedy, jazz and cabaret evenings, as well as education and outreach projects. Essentially the Studio Theatre hosts "off-West End" shows on The Broadway
Colour House Theatre opened in the summer of 95' housing a comprehensive and diverse programme of shows and events, with its acclaimed and innovative children's musical theatre every weekend, theatre school, weekly blues club, monthly chamber Concerts and seasonal evening theatre. It also plays host during the summer months of July and August to Abbeyfest, a two-month summer festival of comedy, cabaret, theatre and music at Merton Abbey Mills. Merton Abbey Mills, Merantum Way. Colliers Wood T 0208 542 6644
Morden Hall Park is a green oasis that was once a deer park, with a network of waterways, ancient hay meadows and an avenue of trees, it now nestles in the heart of Morden suburbia.
Southside House built in 1687 is one of the oldest private residences in London and is still lived in by the descendents of Robert Pennington. The house boasts royal connections and maintains an enchanting collection of art and historical objects. It can be found in Woodhayes Road, Wimbledon. T 0208 946 7643 for opening times
Merton Heritage Centre tells the history of Merton through a comprehensive collection of documents and items exhibited in this local museum, which provides an ever-changing program of exhibitions and events that can be found at The Cannons, Madeira Road, Mitcham. T 0208 640 9387.
Wimbledon Common and Putney Lower Common are located in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth, Merton and Kingston. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) the area is managed for conservation and maintains a wide variety of bird, insect, animal and plant life along with nature trails, golf courses, horse rides and cycle paths
Wimbledon Common & Putney Heath has been proposed as an area to be designated as sites of Special Area of Conservation (SAC). SACs are deemed to be most important sites for wildlife and are a European designation that covers animals, plants and habitats and provides them with increased protection and management
For more information on Wimbledon go to Wimbledon TownTalk