Find out how to get to the tennis from Southfields station.
I’ve walked from Wimbledon tube station to the tennis. It takes around 20 minutes, is quite hilly and not a great option if it’s raining.
As I’ve never the journey from Southfields station, Miti kindly provided this information for my blog. Follow her on Twitter @Rafaddict
Wimbledon has a special place in my heart as it was in Wimbledon that I first discovered my love of tennis. I remember the day exactly, it was 1993 men’s final and the day Pete Sampras defeated Jim Courier to win his first Wimbledon title. Having lived in London for a good part of my life, I have always enjoyed the two weeks of the year when tennis truly comes into town and I have been fortunate to visit my place of worship many times.
There are many ways to get to the grounds, bus, taxi or trains. I recommend to taking the District line towards Wimbledon and getting off at Southfields. I find that it’s the fastest way. During the Championship there are always guides outside Southfields station who can give you directions but it is really easy. Just follow the crowd down Wimbledon Park Road which changes to Church Road. If you can, the best way is to walk. It’s a straight road and it’s pretty much flat and it will take you around 15 minutes to walk to the gates.
Along the way you will notice that the front garden’s of lot of the houses down that road are converted to pop up shops. They sell a range of souvenirs, food and beverages. If you are going there to queue, expect to see the end of the queue some way before the gates on Church Road. If you are a lucky ticket holder carry on walking, the ticket holder gates are clearly marked.
There are buses from the grounds that run to and from Wimbledon and Southfield stations. I have used the bus from Wimbledon station previously, please note they are not free (costing around couple of pounds per person). I don’t recommend walking from Wimbledon station as it will take you half an hour and it can be a bit of a hilly walk, keep your energy to enjoy your day of tennis!
If you are planning to take the bus back to either of the stations expect to queue.
Church Road tends to get very busy with cars, pedestrians and the famous Wimbledon queue so personally, I avoid taking taxis or the bus as you will waste a lot of time sitting in traffic, for the same reason and also because of limited parking spaces I also do not recommend you driving to the grounds.
You should also check train/tube times and best routes on The Transport for London website which also has a very good Journey planner.
There are buses that operate from Central London to the Championships.
Read more about getting to The Wimbledon Championships on the Wimbledon website.
Enjoy the tennis and the magic of Wimbledon.
Thanks Faisal, that’s a great tip for others to know to look out for the free rickshaws.
This year will be my 4th time at Wimbledon. I have always used Southfields as my stop, being more convenient to join the queue. Last year, I noticed a welcome addition en route to the queue, cycle rickshaws. Instead of walking 10 minutes to join the queue, I chose to give these guys a try. They’re free, apparently sponsors of the Championships like Lavazza coffee sponsor the guys.
In the early morning, there is no traffic. In the afternoon/evening, it depends on traffic but I would say better than walking anyway. Last year I believe I saw at least 3. They take about 5 minutes to reach the queue and don’t go all the way to the gates.