Join us as we explore the fascinating history of Wimbledon, one of the richest of London’s suburbs
How did a small village on a hill outside London, become one of the most famous places in the world?
Originally an old Anglo-Saxon settlement, Wimbledon’s seen its fair share of action; a place for gun fights and duels (where a Prime Minister missed his opponent); a place where stagecoaches would set off for London from old Georgian pubs and a place where highwaymen would give chase to catch them along today’s A3.
The manor of Wimbledon was owned by prominent people throughout English history, Thomas Cromwell, Catherine Par, Mary I, Cardinal Reginald Pole, the Cecil family, Sarah Churchill and the first Earl Spencer.
And there’s weird history on the way: the man who deliberately set fire to a house with the king and queen in it and got away with it; bizarre tennis matches like the man who asked for champagne (it helped his power, but apparently he fell over every time he tried to turn).
And of course we’ll cover the history of the most famous, oldest, tennis tournament in the world which dates from 1870s from a sport called Sphairistiké, from an eight-page instruction booklet, invented by a Welshman and played on an hour-glass shaped lawn.
By 1922 King George V opened the new courts in Wimbledon Park and with three blows on a gong the first match started – and the rain came down. Rain or shine, there’ll be no rain delays to this tour as you can log in on zoom from the dry comfort of your own home.
We use Google earth, site maps, paintings, photos of course the stories live-streamed to bring it all alive.
Virtual Tour details:
Cost: £8 per screen or £10 for up to 2 households.
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Via Zoom
Book your tickets here
We’ll email you full details of the Zoom meeting link, password and Meeting ID on the morning of the tour
Please check your spam folder for the email or get in touch with me if you haven’t received it by lunch time of the day of the tour.
If you have booked for another household, please send them the email.
Google reviews of our virtual tour
“”Will hold your attention with fascinating facts”
Thoroughly enjoyable and informative virtual tour. I’ve gone on a couple of tours with Let’s Discover London and it’s a testament to how good Loona is that I’m a repeat customer!
If you want an interesting tour that will hold your attention with fascinating facts about London then this tour is for you. Highly recommended!
Rakesh Patel
“Clear concise and welcoming “
Interesting and informative, clear and concise and welcoming.
Toni K
London tours for everyone 