Running from late June to early July, the annual ‘Wimbledon Championships’ known just as ‘Wimbledon’, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon since 1877. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the others being the Australian Open, the French Open (Roland Garros) and the US Open.

Wimbledon is also well known for its shopping. With the most popular mall being Centre Court (another tennis connection). Wimbledon boasts many popular high street stores and smaller independent shops. There are also a lot of Wimbledon tennis merchandise stores throughout the town.

Wimbledon Common is protected by the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act of 1871 from being enclosed or built upon. The common is protected for the benefit of the general public and for the preservation of natural flora and fauna. It is the largest expanse of heathland in the London area and most of the Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as being a Special Area of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive.

Famous past and present residents of Wimbledon include British actor Martin Clunes who was born and grew up in Wimbledon, attending the Royal Russell School and the Arts Education School. Other famous residents include Andrew Rye (writer), Daniel Pinder (musician) and Chris Whitten (composer).

Wimbledon is located south of Wandsworth (3 miles), west of Mitcham (2 miles) and north of Sutton (5 miles).

http://www.wimbledonvisitor.com/attractions.html