Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

The basics

Established in 1977 and significantly revamped in 2006, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum has since grown into one of the world’s most important collections of tennis artifacts and resources. Items on display date as far back as the 16th century and include everything from historical rackets to items donated by world-famous players. A number of interactive displays, including a virtual-reality experience, are also offered.

Visitors can purchase Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum tickets for entry (which include a 10-minute tour of Centre Court) or upgrade to a combination museum entry-and-tour package, which also includes an in-depth, 90-minute guided tour. Pre-book admission online or pay in person. The London Pass and iVenture Card plans also conveniently include the museum.

Things to know before you go

• Free audio guides are available in 10 languages.

• The museum is fully accessible for visitors with limited mobility. Guide dogs are also permitted, and audio induction loops are also available.

• In addition to its permanent collection, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum hosts occasional temporary exhibitions.

How to get there

Via Tube, take the District line to Southfields Station, after which it’s a quick journey on bus 493 or a roughly 15-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, Wimbledon Station, located slightly farther afield, is served by the District line, Tramlink, and several National Rail services. If you’d rather not take public transportation or use bus services, you can get to the museum by taxi or car (though there is very limited parking available on-site).

When to get there

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is open daily 10am–5pm; last admission is at 4:30pm. The museum is closed December 24–26 and January 1. During the annual Wimbledon Tournament, held roughly during the first two weeks of July, the museum is only accessible to tournament ticket holders.

Collection highlights

The museum features a wide range of collection highlights. From Andy Murray’s 2012 Olympic outfit to “the ghost of John McEnroe,” from Victorian-era tennis invitations to a range of trophies, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is packed with must-see memorabilia.

Ways to explore

Artifacts on display at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum date as far back as the 16th century, and include everything from historical rackets to items donated by world-famous players. Highlights here include the dressing room bench used by Roger Federer and a glimmering collection of trophies. Several interactive displays, including a virtual reality experience, are also available. Tennis fans can go behind the scenes on a 1.5-hour museum tour led by an expert Blue Badge guide.

Accessibility

The museum has step-free access and accessible restrooms, though parts of the tour route have uneven ground and hilly terrain.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Museum tours run in all weather, so bring an umbrella in case it rains during your visit to the open-air sections.

What to wear

You’ll do a lot of walking at this museum, so wear comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Pets, selfie sticks

Amenities

Shop, restrooms, luggage storage, café

Address

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is in the leafy southwest London suburb of Wimbledon, which is just 15 minutes by overground train from London Waterloo. It’s on the way to Hampton Court Palace.

Driving

Depending on traffic, it takes around 30 minutes to drive from Central London to Wimbledon. Head southwest on the A4 (Piccadilly) toward Hammersmith. Continue onto the A219 through Fulham and across Putney Bridge. Proceed on the A219 through Putney and Wimbledon. Follow signs for the museum; there’s no dedicated parking.

Public transportation

The nearest public transportation stops to the museum are Wimbledon Station, served by South West Trains, the District Line, and the Tram Link, and Southfields Station on the District Line. The 493 bus links both of these stations to the museum.

Best times to visit

Try to arrive in the morning, as soon as the museum opens, for fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

Midweek days (Tuesday–Thursday) are the least busy at the museum.

Best months to visit

The museum is closed during tournaments, so opt for tickets to a Wimbledon tennis match from the end of June to mid-July.

Special events

The museum offers family-friendly experiences such as kid-tailored tours on the first Wednesday of the month, plus multimedia trails.