Wimbledon and Putney Commons

Wimbledon and Putney Commons are some of the most famous greenspaces in all of London thanks to the little furry animals that live on Wimbledon Common.

The commons are a tranquil area with sprawling meadows and grasslands. Although 'common land' Wimbledon Common was normally owned by the Lord of the Manor and those allowed to use the land were tenants of the Lord who were granted 'common rights' that included the grazing of animals and collecting of firewood. However, after a court case during which the current landowner Earl Spencer fought to enclose the land of the common, the local residents became subject to levies that would enable them to preserve and use the land of the common.

Wimbledon and Putney Commons feature numerous ponds, some that are extremely old dating back to Medieval times. The Rushmere supported the local community up until Edwardian time and is today home to a shoal of Japanese Koi Carp. The Bluegate Gravel Pit is a place where Dragonflies thrive and the Hookhamslade Pond is a breeding ground for frogs and newts; others include the Ravine Pond and the 7 Post Pond. Animals thrive in the commons natural habitat and eagle eyes visitors could spot shrews, moles, bats, rats, weasels, stoats, rabbits, badgers and a array of birds include geese, ducks and herrings.

It most prominent feature of the commons is the Wimbledon Windmill. The mill was built by local carpenter Charles March 1817 and worked by three millers up until the 1860s, these millers combined their role with that on constable of the common and kept an eye out for any illegal duels that often took place on the common. Today the Windmill Museum is popular with visitors wanting to find out more the workings of the windmill and its history, however a small admission fee is charged. The commons also feature a nature trail that enables visitors to take on a cross section of the nature the commons have to offer.

Sport is a very popular activity on the commons, two golf clubs call it home, as does the oldest cross country running club in the world, cyclists, joggers, horse riders and rugby players.

The common is open to the public 24 hours a days, 365 days a year. Find out more about Wimbledon and Putney Commons.

How to get there

The closest tube stations are at Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park and Southfields.

If travelling by bus the 93 and 200 serve the Parkside of the Common.