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Top things to do in Wimbledon for teens

Top things to do in Wimbledon for teens

From bookshops to cultural delights to delicious places to eat, Wimbledon is the place to be – here are our highlights for young people.

By Emily Davidson

Main image: Tampopo

There’s more to Wimbledon than just tennis – it’s a bustling town and village full of exciting activities and places to go. With plenty of hidden gems and popular places, there’s sure to be something you fancy. Be sure to look for student discounts to secure the best deals!

Watch a movie

Perfect for a rainy day or lazy afternoon, check out the latest movies or events at the Curzon. This cosy and modern cinema offers an Under 25 membership with discounted tickets as little as £6. The Curzon has showings for a wide selection of movies including new Indie films. There is even the option to watch at home or private screenings.

Visit the bookshops

A brilliant spot for book shopping is Wimbledon Books, complete with a Young Adult section. Expect a wide selection of books available from hidden gems to popular new releases. Looking for set texts or revision guides? This independent bookshop also allows you to order books to the shop or directly to you, if they do not have it in stock.

Try a sweet

If a sweet treat is on the cards then Wimbledon has plenty to offer you. Famous for their rose shaped ice cream on social media, Amorino Gelato has 20 organic flavours, is gluten-free and vegan, but never compromises on exceptional flavour. Cafe Mori is a Japanese Tea House, with a relaxing and cosy atmosphere serving pastries, cakes and, of course, tea. The menu also features udon, chocolate bubble tea and matcha ice cream. Be sure to watch out for the exciting new Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Cafe opening in Wimbledon Quarter. Or try Bebeto for sweets.

Go to the theatre

Take a trip to New Wimbledon Theatre to experience an entertaining evening featuring comedians, the latest musicals or excellent plays, your choice! Enjoy the theatre’s historic breathtaking interior or opt for the Studio to see amazing development work from emerging talent. Student prices start from just £25 or Studio tickets start from £11.

With an emphasis on community, Lantern Arts Centre is the perfect place to watch a show or grab a coffee next door at the Lantern Hub. Get involved in Lantern Art’s Youth Choir for fun and engaging rehearsals. The Youth Theatre puts on a show every term and there are opportunities for older members to take responsibility for stage management or music.

Cindrella (2023) at New Wimbledon Theatre (c) Craig Sugden

Take a creative class

Wimbledon is full of spots for creative classes, why not give them a try? Perhaps visit Your Creative Space, a local art studio where you can get your creative juices flowing by clay sculpting or pottery painting. Bring a friend or take some time for yourself and explore the range of pottery pieces. Prices start from as little as £10, including the £5 studio fee. Head on down to TikTok famous Hobbycraft Wimbledon for a craft class or brilliant art supplies. These classes are also available online and are led by Hobbycraft colleagues and craft experts from the Hobbycraft Artisan program.

See some historical and cultural delights

Enrich your mind with Wimbledon’s historic and cultural delights. The Buddhapadipa Temple is known for its architectural grandeur and spiritual and serene atmosphere. Explore the beautiful gardens which feature an ornamental lake, flower garden and orchard. Wimbledon Tennis Museum, the largest in the world, allows visitors to learn more about the Championship’s rich history and the fascinating traditions of tennis. Artefacts date back to 1555 and interactive displays and the Championship Trophies are on show. After the museum, take a guided tour of the grounds for a full experience of the world class courts.

Have a bite to eat

Fire Station Cafe is a lovely new spot located right in the centre of town in a beautiful Grade II listed building. A selection of daily sweet treats and pastries are available alongside loaded banana bread, sweet chilli chicken wrap and mango hot shot. Bill’s is a superb place for brunch, their £9.95 (£5 on selected Fridays) bottomless pancakes are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Expect a warm welcome, vibrant decor and excellent food when you visit. Need a place for dinner? Check out Tampopo, a Far Eastern restaurant serving delicious dishes from Japanese Katsu to Buddha Bowls. A central island bar and nest shaped booths give this restaurant visual appeal.

Enjoy a nail treatment

Fancy a fresh set of nails? Look no further than Kimico Spa, expect neutral toned interiors and a wide variety of shades to suit every style. The experienced staff create gorgeous designs at affordable prices, a gel manicure is just £26. This female-only spa also offers waxing, threading and tinting.

Get a haircut

Switch up your look with a fresh haircut. Minutes from Wimbledon Station, Seanhanna’s hair stylists and colour specialists deliver tailored and professional service. Since 1981 the brand has helped shape the UK hairdressing scene. In partnership with L’Oreal Paris, they bring the latest product innovations to clients. Students can benefit from 20% off cuts or 15% off colour from Monday to Thursday before 4:15pm.

Get sporty

Wimbledon Park offers a variety of sporting options to the public. Wimbledon Park Watersports have sailing, stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking courses. These are run by professional trainers and are available for all ages and abilities. Equip Sports stations, containing sports equipment, let locals utilise pre-existing facilities, for example, tennis courts and table tennis tables. The equipment is free to use which makes sport sustainable and brings the community together. How about a game of beach volleyball? Wimbledon Park’s courts are just under £20 per hour per court. Originally, the nets and 200 tonnes of sand were used in the London 2012 Olympic beach courts at Horse Guards Parade.

Hit the gym

Sign up for a gym membership at The Gym Group where students pay just £299 for a year and have access to a large free weights area and many cardio and weight machines. Student membership means you will have unlimited free training and classes. Not only is this gym affordable but it is also flexible with no contract options and 24 hour opening. If gym isn’t your thing, give Pilates a go. YMCA has a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio, a single session is £23 and classes are available 8am-7pm.