Laid out around a lake shaped by a famous landscape gardener, Wimbledon Park is a leafy open space in south-west London. It offers a mix of sport, water and quiet green spaces close to one of the most famous addresses in tennis. The park is the surviving part of a great estate, whose grounds were landscaped in the 18th century by Lancelot Brown, the gardener known as Capability Brown. The lake at its heart was created as part of his design. Over time the estate was broken up and built over, but a large stretch of parkland was kept as a public open space. It remains a green lung for the surrounding neighbourhoods. The lake is used for sailing, paddling and fishing, and is home to many waterbirds. Around it lie playing fields, tennis courts, a golf course and an athletics track. The park sits right beside the All England Lawn Tennis Club, where the Wimbledon championships are played each summer. In years past, part of the park has been used for queues and overflow during the tournament. Families come for the playgrounds, walkers for the paths around the water, and sportspeople for the courts and pitches. The mix of facilities makes it busy through the year. Tall trees, open grass and the broad lake give the park a restful feel despite its setting in a busy suburb. Plans have been made over the years to restore more of its historic landscape. It lies in the Wimbledon area of south-west London, next to the famous tennis grounds. During the tennis championships each summer, the surrounding area buzzes with activity, and the park has played a supporting role over the years. At other times it returns to its quiet life as a local park. Restoration projects have aimed to bring back features of the historic landscape, including the lake and its setting. The park remains a green retreat amid the busy suburbs.

Type: Outdoors

Address: London, United Kingdom, SW19 7HX