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- Wimbledon, Strawberries, and the Art of Slowing Down
Wimbledon, Strawberries, and the Art of Slowing Down
PLUS: The Top 10 Bars & Pubs Around Wimbledon (download)
Alex Mustaros
July 09, 2025
In partnership with
On July 9th, 1877, a small tennis tournament began on a manicured lawn in southwest London.
There were 22 players.
The winner took home a 25-guinea trophy.
The crowd, dressed in their finest, clapped politely.
Wimbledon was born.
On This Day - Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles competition, 1877
Nearly 150 years later, it remains one of the few places where luxury doesn’t scream, it whispers.
Tradition isn’t a trend. It’s the whole point.
From the all-white dress code to strawberries and cream (served in the thousands, not the dozens), Wimbledon has become a quiet masterclass in how to elevate the simple… and how to turn an annual sports event into an international ritual of elegance.
Which made me think:
What are the Wimbledons of travel?
The places that don’t shout for your attention.
The experiences that feel effortless, not excessive.
The ones that reward you not for chasing novelty… but for noticing.
Play on!
And while we pack for Ibiza…
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For the “been there, done that, back for the good stuff in Wimbledon”…
The Savvy Traveler | Wimbledon, UK
Beyond Centre Court.
Wimbledon isn’t just a sporting event. It’s a state of mind.
Yes, there’s the tennis. The strawberries. The all-white dress code and the hushed roars echoing across Centre Court. But step beyond the gates, and you’ll find a London neighborhood that’s surprisingly lush, quietly cultured, and entirely its own.
This week, we’re skipping the queue and taking you deeper into hidden gardens, hillside stables, Buddhist temples, and pubs that have poured pints since the 1600s. Welcome to Wimbledon, the way locals live it: slower, greener, and with better shoes.
If you're lucky enough to be in town during the Championships, or just daydreaming about it, these are the places where tradition lingers, the air smells of cut grass, and every corner feels quietly curated.
🗺️ What to Do in Wimbledon
🧢 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum & Tour
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the All England Club, complete with a Centre Court photo op and a surprisingly moving history of the sport.
Savvy Tip: Go early or post-tournament to avoid the crowds.
🌿 Wimbledon Common & Cannizaro Park
Picnic under towering oaks, spot wild parakeets, or just wander the paths like a local walking off their Sunday roast.
Savvy Tip: Cannizaro House’s garden is perfect for quiet reflection and unfiltered florals.
🌀 Wimbledon Windmill Museum
Yes, there’s a real windmill here, with a quirky museum inside and leafy trails all around.
Savvy Tip: It’s an ideal stop during a morning walk across the Common.
🍻 A Pint with a Story
The Hand in Hand, The Crooked Billet, The Dog & Fox — these pubs aren’t just watering holes, they’re local institutions.
Savvy Tip: Grab our PDF below with our 10 favorite pubs & restaurants — vetted, mapped, and ranked.
The Hand in Hand
🙏 Buddhapadipa Temple
A Thai Buddhist temple with lily ponds, ornate architecture, and total tranquility.
Savvy Tip: Dress respectfully and aim for late afternoon, the light is pure magic.
🐎 Horseback Riding from Wimbledon Village Stables
Scenic rides across the Common make you feel like you've left London entirely.
Savvy Tip: Book in advance, locals love this as much as visitors.
🌇 Arthur Road Viewpoints
From select corners, you’ll catch postcard-worthy views of the London skyline.
Savvy Tip: Go at golden hour with a takeaway Pimm’s, you’ll thank us later.
🎨 Local Events & Exhibits
Keep an eye out for outdoor concerts, summer arts shows, and village fêtes.
Savvy Tip: Ask at the smaller cafés, they always know what’s really happening.
🛍️ Retail Therapy, Wimbledon-Style
Skip the big brands and browse indie boutiques in the Village for high-quality, low-hype finds.
Savvy Tip: Many shopfronts go all out during the Championships, so spot the best displays and vote with your wallet.
🍽️ Savvy Dining in Wimbledon
Even the most seasoned traveler needs a proper meal between matches, and Wimbledon’s dining scene serves quiet elegance on every plate.
The Ivy Café Wimbledon Village (link) brings you British comfort dishes done right, with a polished setting and a reliably stylish crowd. If you're after something slower and more soulful, Diba Persian Restaurant (link) offers fragrant stews, saffron rice, and warm hospitality that feels like home. And for a Mediterranean escape without leaving the postcode, Megan’s in the Village (link) delivers wood-fired classics in a dreamy, fairy-lit setting.
Megan’s in the Village
Each spot adds a little depth to your day, the kind of meal that feels like part of the ritual, not just fuel for the next activity.
🍻 Bonus Download
The 10 Best Pubs & Bars Around Wimbledon
From historic haunts to cocktail gems, these are the places where locals toast, fans debrief, and travelers stumble upon the perfect pint.
→ [Download the PDF]
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The FREE Savvy Traveler Guide to SALZBURG
This isn’t your first time in Salzburg. And even if it is, it shouldn’t feel like it.
We’ve skipped the tour groups and dug into the real rhythm of the city, where to linger, where to sip, and where to look twice.
A slow-travel itinerary for people who’ve already done the “must-sees” and are now after the good stuff: quiet gardens, secret bars, thoughtful food, and locals-only corners.
💡 No fluff. No paid placements. No ads. Just places you’ll want to return to.
Download the Salzburg Guide for Free, and see if we’re your kind of travel companion.
If you love it, you’ll know where to find the next one.
New Yorkers love it when you spill your guts out there. Spill your guts at Wimbledon and they make you stop and clean it up.
— Jimmy Connors
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