Minibus Hire Wimbledon

All you need to know about hiring an MPV or minibus in Wimbledon

Wimbledon might be famous for its world-class tennis championships, but it’s also an incredibly affluent London postcode with plenty to keep couples and kids occupied alike.

The biggest sight in the borough has to be the leafy green scenery found in Wimbledon Common, which – together with Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common – makes up over 1,000 acres of green and pleasant land. Much of the common is a conservation site, with two nature reserves to explore, a brook, and two ponds. If you know where to look, you might also spot slight traces of an Iron Age hill fort named Caesar’s Camp.

As well as the common, Cannizaro Park attracts a huge number of visitors throughout the year, with features including a rose garden and water garden. You can set up the perfect picnic on the manicured lawns, or opt for afternoon tea in the stunning orangery of Cannizaro House.

When it comes to culture, there’s lots to discover in this premium London address. Theatre-goers will love the New Wimbledon Theatre, which puts on performances ranging from plays to comedy shows. And there’s also a fantastic exhibition space, Wimbledon Art Studios, which gives a home to community artists and projects. As for a slice of escapism, you’ll find it by the bookload in Wimbledon Library, and of course there’s also the famed Wimbledon Windmill Museum (with an intact windmill still to be found in the common).

Shops and restaurants in the Wimbledon Village area provide lots of opportunities for retail therapy, and every weekend, you’ll find a well-stocked farmer’s market where you can dig out delicious artisanal finds. Finally, kids will love a break from the busy urban sprawl at Deen City Farm, which even features its own riding school.

Whatever you come to Wimbledon for – and whether you’re a family, couple or group of friends – you’ll need a convenient way to get around, which is where our MPV and minibus hire could come in useful.

Driving zones
As part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Vision Zero policy, most London roads will see their speed set to 20mph, including in the Merton area – which covers Wimbledon itself. This also means some roads have additional traffic calming measures like humps, speed cameras and built-out pavements.

Wimbledon is also in the ULEZ zone (Ultra-Low Emissions Zone), but sits outside the congestion charge zone. That means that depending on your vehicle, you might have to pay a charge to drive in the area. Some minibuses may need to pay a separate charge, the LEZ (Low Emissions Zone) instead.

Road links
Wimbledon is boxed in by A-roads, including the A3, the A24 and the A214. Travelling North, you’ll head into Putney; North-East takes you to Battersea; East to Streatham; South to Mitcham; and West, Kingston. The A24 also runs the same way as the Northern Line, meaning you’ll find lots of tube stops along it (and the extra traffic that generates).

There’s plenty of ways to check the traffic, though. BBC London 94.9 and Capital FM London 95.8 broadcast regular travel bulletins to advise drivers on accidents and road closures, while The AA and of course Google Maps have route planners that give you alternative ways to your destination, should there be traffic disruptions.

Events and attractions

Many groups opt to do the capital by MPV or minibus, as it’s a convenient way to take the whole family – or a close group of friends – out for the day. In Wimbledon, you’ll find lots to do, whether it’s putting about at the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, visiting the Tennis Museum or catching a match with AFC Wimbledon.

In Wimbledon, you’re not too far from some of the largest event venues in the capital – like 02 Academy Brixton, the Windmill in Brixton and the Eventim Apollo across the Thames in Fulham. But places further afield are easily accessible by road, like Wembley Stadium and The Royal Albert Hall. Plus, you can also visit places that all the family will love, whether it’s Thorpe Park theme park or the iconic Legoland Windsor.

Most venues have on-site parking for ease, or you could consider parking in a nearby residential area and having a short walk or tube journey. Always check the relevant website before you travel.

Airport parking, pick-up and drop-off
London wouldn’t be London without great transport links further afield, and it’s home to not one, but six airports – earning it the reputation of the busiest airport system in the world. All corners of the capital have an airport, including:

Stansted and Luton (North)
London City and Southend (East)
Gatwick (South)
Heathrow (West)

When driving a minibus or MPV, though, you’ll have to take careful note of any airport parking restrictions, as well as different areas for drop-off and pick-up or length of stay, there are often height restrictions. Be aware that some airports don’t just charge fees for parking, but even services like drop-off. Heathrow, for example, charges £5 every time a vehicle enters the terminal. Before you visit the airport, read up on your insurance documents in case any charges are covered, and be sure to ‘shop around’ for nearby car parks.

Tolls and charges
We’ve touched on some of the many London tolls and charges already, but for a clearer breakdown, these are the main ones to be aware of:

Dartford Crossing: To the East of the city, this crossing connects the two sides of the Thames, but you may need to pay a toll if you use it. Crossing between 6am-10pm can cost £2 to £6 each way, which you can settle online, through a Payzone store or through a Dart Charge account (some of these may take payment in advance).
Congestion Charge: Now set at £15 a day, the congestion charge aims to reduce traffic in and around the capital. It currently applies 7am-6pm on weekdays and 12-6pm on weekends and during most bank holidays, with full details here.
ULEZ: 24/7 and 360, ULEZ applies to all areas within London’s North and South Circular Roads. Most vehicles are liable for the charge, which comes to £12.50 per day. It’s easy enough to do this online, here.
LEZ: An alternative to ULEZ for larger, heavier vehicles, just check whether you’re liable for this on the TfL website.

Other help and advice

We’re ready and waiting to get you going on your journey. From the best vehicle for your trip to what to know before you go, adding on insurance and peace-of-mind driving tips, check out our social media pages or get in touch today. Some of our vehicles also come with some great extras, like unlimited mileage – so your ride’s even easier than ever.

Wimbledon Minibus & MPV Hire

Minibus & MPV Hire Wimbledon

All you need to know about hiring an MPV or minibus in Wimbledon

Other help and advice