Merton is a great place for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and foodies. With its rich historical sites, expansive parks, diverse culinary scene, and bustling local markets, Merton offers something for everyone! This post lists 21 fun things to do in Merton this weekend.
21 Things to do in Merton
The London Borough of Merton covers Wimbledon, Morden, Mitcham, Colliers Wood, and Raynes Park. Each area offers its own unique attractions and experiences. Take a look at the list below to discover fun things to do across the borough of Merton.
See the remains of the medieval chapter house that was once part of Merton Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded in the 12th century.
The Chapter House is open on Sundays between April and October, and contains information about the history of Merton Abbey and the surrounding area.
Wimbledon Village is home to several charming pubs, some of which have been around since the 17th century.
Many of the pubs are on Wimbledon Common, and are the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon drink after a walk on the Common.
Wat Buddhapadipa is the first Thai Buddhist temple to be built in the United Kingdom. The temple offers regular meditation classes every Saturday and Sunday from 15:00-17:00.
The classes are open to everyone, and beginners will be guided and instructed. It's a great opportunity to learn and practice meditation in a welcoming environment.
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm, and offers tours of the grounds of the tennis club throughout the day.
On the tours you see the tennis courts used during the Wimbledon Championships, including Centre Court and Court 1, as well as areas of the All England Lawn Tennis club that are not usually open to the public.
The Wandle Trail follows the course of the River Wandle, passing through parks, nature reserves, and urban areas.
Along the trail, you can enjoy beautiful nature, spot wildlife, and even discover historical sites. It's a great way to explore the local area, get some exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.
Merton Abbey Mills is an excellent choice for dinner, offering a variety of outstanding restaurants. With options ranging from Thai and Italian to Caribbean and Filipino cuisines, there is something to satisfy every palate.
The Chinese supermarket in Mitcham is a great place to buy Asian cooking supplies like curry powders, spices and sauces.
They also have a tasty cafe that serves dumplings, dim sum, soup, and noodles, at lunch time.
There are two farmers' markets in Wimbledon. One is held on a Saturday morning at Wimbledon Park Primary School, and the other is held on Sundays in Wimbledon Village.
They are always filled with delicious, fresh produce like homemade jams, sauces, organic meat, and a huge range of fruit. They are also a great option if you are looking to buy interesting gifts.
Wandle Park in Colliers Wood is a tranquil green space situated next to the river Wandle. The park features open grassy areas, vibrant flower beds, and shady tree-lined paths. It is perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics with family and friends.
The crystal shop in Merton Abbey Mills is a fascinating store that specialises in crystals, fossils and gemstones.
It offers a selection of beautiful jewellery, healing stones, and decorative pieces. You can also learn about the different types of crystals and their unique properties.
The Wimbledon Home & Antiques Fair takes place four times a year in Raynes Park. It is a treasure trove of unique and vintage items, ranging from furniture and jewellery, to ceramics and artwork. It is a great place to find interesting pieces for your home.
Watermeads Nature Reserve in Mitcham is a great place to spot birds. It has a variety of habitats, like reed beds and lakes, that attract different species.
Some of the birds you can spot include sand martins, herons, little egrets, grey wagtail, little grebes, and Canada geese.
AFC Wimbledon offer tours that give football enthusiasts and local residents the chance to explore behind the scenes at the football stadium.
You get to see the players’ changing rooms, manager’s office, and hospitality areas, as well as learn about the club's history. One of the highlights is being able to walk through the iconic players’ tunnel.
The Wandle Industrial Museum contains a wealth of information about the history and industrial heritage of the River Wandle.
You can find displays about the Wandle's watermills, the Surrey Iron Railway, Merton Priory, and the history of calico printing. The museum is open twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Ravensbury Park is a beautiful green space with a tranquil wooded area, and lake. It's an ideal spot to take a picnic, as it allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Morden Hall Park is a great place to go for a coffee and relaxing walk.
The park has over 125 acres of land, which includes parkland, meadows and open wetland, as well as two cosy cafes.
The river Wandle also runs through Morden Hall Park, so on a warm day you can drink your coffee on a bench next to the river.
Wandle Meadow Nature Park is one of the nature reserves along the Wandle Trail. It's a great place to go for a walk and look for wildlife.
The park contains a mixture of habitats which attract a wide variety of birds, animals, dragonflies and plants.
You will also find some small, shallow ponds where you may be able to see toads, frogs and newts.
Wimbledon boasts a thriving brunch scene that has gained popularity in recent years. Whether you're seeking a traditional English breakfast, indulgent pancakes, or healthy options like smoothie bowls and avocado toast, Wimbledon has it all!
The former site of Liberty's Silk Printing Works, is today a Grade II listed building, where you can see pottery being made.
Visitors can also see the old waterwheel that once belonged to the printing works. The wheel is still in operation five days a week.
There is also a plaque next to the river Wandle, to mark where William Morris' factory once stood, which was next to Liberty, until it closed down in 1940.
If you have a fishing licence, Colliers Wood is a great spot to fish for barbel.
You'll often see anglers by the river along Wandle Bank, or near the Sainsbury's in Colliers Wood.
Morden is home to the biggest mosque in London, Baitul Futuh. The Mosque run events for both muslims and non-muslims, and also has a bookshop which is open to the public.
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Explore the articles below to find more things to do in and around Merton.
This Post was a List of the Best Things to do in Merton
Thank you for reading my post about the best things to do in Merton. Other locations in Merton that are worth visiting include Deen City Farm, Wimbledon Windmill and Wimbledon Theatre.