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Car Hire Wimbledon
All you need to know about hiring a car in Wimbledon
There’s more to Wimbledon than a spot of tennis and strawberries – but admittedly, that’s a very good place to start! One of London’s most affluent postcodes, it’s packed with things to do, from sport to green spaces and even entertainment.
Today, we’ll share some ideas for things to do when you hire a car in Wimbledon, so you get the most out of your trip (and have a great-value way of seeing the sights, too).
We’ll start with Wimbledon Common. Along with Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common, there’s almost 1,000 acres of greenery to explore – with conservation areas protecting local flora and fauna, and features like ponds and brooks to enjoy. There’s also an old Iron Age hill fort, Caesar’s Camp, that’s still visible today – so history buffs and interested kids will enjoy picking out some of its features. And, nearby Cannizaro Park and House give a more leisurely experience, with gorgeous manicured lawns and both a rose and water garden to potter around. Visitors love to set up a picnic or even take high tea in the orangery, forming the basis of a grand day out.
For the culture nuts, you can book a show at New Wimbledon Theatre; escape into art at the Wimbledon Art Studios; get lost in a book in Wimbledon Library; and visit the Wimbledon Windmill Museum (there’s still a windmill standing on the common itself). Visiting any of these landmarks will also give you some local insights, since community artists and authors can be found across the venues.
Moving on to shopping, and Wimbledon Village is the top destination for a spot of retail therapy. There’s even a farmer’s market here at the weekends, where you can indulge in local delights and tasty artisanal makes. Plus, for the kids, there’s Deen City Farm and riding school, a real gem in the bustling metropolis.
Whatever you decide to do in Wimbledon, one thing’s for sure – you’ll get around best when you hire a car with Nationwide. Read on to find out more about driving regulations and advice in this leafy London borough.
Driving zones
If you’ve heard of Vision Zero – a policy to set residential speed limits to 20mph – you’ll see it’s already been rolled out in Wimbledon. Built-up areas tend to have traffic calming measures (think humps and cameras) and you might even see wider pavements to cut parking.
Alongside Vision Zero, Wimbledon is part of ULEZ (the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone), so you might be susceptible to charges when you visit. Check it out before you travel, so you don’t get caught out.
Road links
Encircled by the A3, A24 and A214, Wimbledon is exceptionally well-connected to other parts of the capital. Head North to visit Putney; go North-East for Battersea; visit Streatham to the East; and don’t forget Kingston, due West. You can also jump on the tube for ‘park and ride’ service or catch a bus.
However you choose to travel, BBC London 94.9 and Capital FM London 95.8 broadcast regular travel bulletins, so you’ll be the first to know about any road closures or accidents. And both The AA and of course Google Maps have journey planners that can circumnavigate any traffic disruptions.
Events and attractions
Hiring a car in Wimbledon gives you quick and easy access to tons of venues across the city:
- Visit the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club or Tennis Museum for world-class sport
- Travel to the O2 Academy Brixton, Windmill in Brixton or Eventim Apollo for big gigs
- See a show or some classical music at The Royal Albert Hall
- Let the kids blow off steam at Thorpe Park theme park or Legoland Windsor
You’ll find most places have car parks, or you could travel by tube (where possible). As with any travel, it’s best to know before you go, so be sure to check in advance.
Airport parking, pick-up and drop-off
London doesn’t get called the world’s busiest airport system for nothing! Here, you’ll find the following airports:
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Stansted and Luton (North)
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London City and Southend (East)
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Gatwick (South)
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Heathrow (West)
When visiting an airport, take note of parking restrictions, waiting zones, tolls and fees, and whether your insurance covers any charges. Also, be aware – Heathrow charges £5 every time a vehicle enters the terminal, regardless of length of stay. Before you visit the airport, read up on the relevant airport policies.
Tolls and charges
Here are a few charges to be aware of when you’re hiring a car in Wimbledon and travelling around the capital:
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Dartford Crossing: Connecting the two sides of the Thames, there’s a crossing charge each way, which can be paid online, through a Payzone store or via your Dart Charge account. You might be able to pay for some of these before you drive.
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Congestion Charge: Aiming to reduce the flow of traffic, it applies to most days – even bank holidays. Get the full prices and details here.
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ULEZ: Applicable within London’s North and South Circular Roads and with most vehicles liable, check and settle the ULEZ charge here.
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LEZ: An alternative to ULEZ for larger, heavier vehicles, this usually doesn’t apply when you hire a car in Wimbledon, but be sure to check on the TfL website first.
Other help and advice
Whether it’s tips on where to go, add-ons you need for your trip or bonuses like unlimited mileage, our team are here to help. Get in touch today to find out more.