Your student‑friendly guide to everything around Wimbledon.
Getting around
Wimbledon is located in South-West London. Wimbledon College of Arts is just a 10-15 minute walk from Wimbledon Station and the main high street. The route has small cafés, local shops and parks along the way, making it a natural reset before and after a day at the College.
Transport nearby:
- Wimbledon Station - a 15‑minute walk. It provides National Rail services, the District Line with connections to Victoria, Westminster and Earl’s Court, and access to Tramlink. The station has fast services to London Waterloo and Clapham Junction.
- Wimbledon Chase Station - a 9‑minute walk. Thameslink trains to Tooting, Elephant and Castle, St Pancras International and West Hampstead.
- Dundonald Road Tram stop - an 8‑minute walk. Provides connections to Wimbledon Station or towards Croydon, New Addington and Beckenham.
Download the TfL app for live times and journey planning.
Local guide
Art and culture hotspots
Curzon Wimbledon
Cinema with events programme including Q&A’s and special previews.
Merton Abbey Mills
Converted eighteenth-century textile factory housing crafts and an artisan food market, with a cafe and pub.
New Wimbledon Theatre
A popular pick for shows and touring productions.
Only Make Believe
Independent fiction-led bookshop in the beautiful setting of Merton Abbey Mills. Check out the books, pop in for a chat, or join the book club.
Tooting Market
Venture over to Tooting for South London's multiple award-winning covered market, including an art gallery, fabric vendors and a gym.
Budget friendly travel
City mapper
Compare routes, travel times and prices.
Lime bikes
Directly outside the College, you’ll find a designated parking bay for e‑bikes and e‑scooters, making it easy to pick up a ride whenever you need one.
Student Oyster Photocard
Save 30% on Travelcards and Bus Passes.
TfL Hopper Fare
Unlimited bus journeys within 1 hour for £1.75.
Head to the Find Us page on the UAL website for more travel routes to and from campus.
Eating and drinking
Al Forno Wimbledon
Authentic Italian restaurant.
Bills
Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Look out for 20% with Student Beans.
Café Mori
Japanese tea house. Try the Knickerbocker glory.
Kineya Mugimaru
The original Udon restaurant.
Milk No Milk Cafe
Student‑loved spot, a short walk from campus for drinks and toasties.
21 Grams Coffee
With a small outdoor space, this is a laptop-free zone. Great for a short break away from your studies. They also host book clubs.
Wagamama
Offers 20% discount Sunday to Thursday.
Green spaces
Dean City Farm
Urban farm in the heart of the London Borough of Merton.
Dundonald Park
A quiet green space opposite the College. Perfect if you need a break from your studies.
London Wetland Centre, Putney
A peaceful nature reserve with wetlands and various wildlife habitats. Recommended by students as a great place to unwind.
Wimbledon Park
The park has lakes, ponds and water features with facilities such as tennis courts and a cafe. Ideal for picnics and walks.
Nights out
Cuppa Chaii
A games cafe with freshly brewed traditional chaii, coffee and delicious snacks. Open until midnight.
Old Frizzle
A “vibey local” with live music, traditional pub food and drink.
Putt Putt Karoke Bar
Head over to Streatham for karaoke, pool, darts, air hockey and more.
The Leather Bottle
Close to the College, the Thursday pub quiz is a student staple, and they offer 20% off food and drink via Student Beans.
Wibbas Down Inn
Popular student meet‑up spot in Wimbledon and budget-friendly.
Fancy a night in central London?
Students head off to Heaven, KOKO, XOYO, and the Camden Jazz Cafe.
Supermarkets and shopping
ALDI
Shopping on a budget? ALDI is a 10-minute walk away and opposite Wimbledon Station, handy for picking up groceries on your way home.
Co-op Food and Tesco Express
Heading towards Wimbledon Chase Station? You’ll be spoilt for choice, with both Co‑op and Tesco conveniently along the way for all your grocery needs. Budget tip: Co-op offers 10% discount via apps such as Student Beans
Oseyo Wimbledon
Largest Asian supermarket retailer in the UK
Wimbledon Quarter Shopping Centre
Looking for a pharmacy or a bank? You’ll find popular retailers such as Superdrug and the health‑food store Holland Barrett, as well as nearby branches of Halifax and Lloyds Bank.
Work and Play Scrapstore
A treasure trove, presenting waste and surplus goods as arts and crafts materials to inspire creativity.
Charity Shops
Wimbledon’s charity shops are highly rated by students for affordable everyday items and inspiration for creative projects. Unofficially named the ‘Charity Shop Trail’, look out for these favourites along the high street:
Halls of residence near the College
Signal House is just a 12-minute walk from Wimbledon College of Arts. This new UAL student accommodation is designed with comfort and community in mind.
Residents have access to a range of shared facilities, including a cinema room, TV lounge, gym and dedicated study areas, as well as a coffee corner for relaxing and socialising.
