16 Wondrous Things To Do In Wandsworth

Staying in Wandsworth is a great experience if you are travelling to London with your family or with a group of friends. The London borough has the perfect combination of outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions too. 

It’s especially delightful in the summer, however, Wandsworth has its fair share of indoor activities too. Take a look at our recommended list of things to do in Wandsworth to ensure you make the most of your time there, when on your next trip to London. 

Explore Battersea Power Station

Originally constructed between 1929 and 1935, it served as a coal-fired power station that was crucial in supplying electricity to London, providing about a fifth of the city's power at its peak. The station is renowned for its distinctive Art Deco architecture, characterised by its four towering chimneys that dominate the skyline. 

Battersea Power Station has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years, transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. The site now features over 140 shops, bars, restaurants, and leisure venues, making it a major destination for both locals and tourists. 

Take a shopping trip down Wandsworth High Street 

Shopping in Wandsworth High Street is a delightful experience due to its vibrant mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options, all set within a lively community atmosphere. But, the area offers more than just a few quaint shops. It offers an array of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. 

Have a dip in the Tooting Bec Lido

As the UK's largest freshwater swimming pool, Tooting Bec Lido offers ample space for families to enjoy swimming together. The pool measures 91.4 metres, providing plenty of room for both relaxation and play. The facility has undergone extensive refurbishment, ensuring that it is well-maintained and equipped for visitors of all ages. 

The entry fees are reasonably priced, making it accessible for families. A family pass for two adults and two children costs £24.30, while individual child tickets are £5.20. This affordability allows families to enjoy a day out without breaking the bank. 

Check out the Sewing Machine Museum

If you want to experience something a little different, then you have to pay a visit to the Wandsworth Sewing Machine Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 600 sewing machines and how these devices have changed from 1850 to 1950. 

Among the exhibits are notable pieces, such as the first Singer sewing machine and a unique model owned by Queen Victoria's eldest daughter. This variety offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history and development of sewing technology.

Bounce around at Flip Out! 

Flip Out! It is the perfect place for the active adventurer.  It is recognised as London’s largest trampoline park, featuring an extensive area of 40,000 square feet with 76 trampolines. Visitors can also enjoy features like foam pits, wall runners, a slam ball area for practising basketball skills, and a parkour zone. 

Wander around Wandsworth Park

Wandsworth Park is a great place for families to visit. It’s ideal as the park is fully equipped with various recreational facilities, including tennis courts and a bowling green, catering to sports enthusiasts. Families can enjoy the Putt in the Park mini-golf course, which features 12 holes designed for fun and competition. These activities make it an ideal place for families to spend quality time together.

Cruise down the Thames from the Wandsworth Pier

Wandsworth Pier is located beside Wandsworth Park on the south bank of the River Thames and provides fast commuter services into central London. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers operates RB2 and RB6 services that call at Wandsworth Pier, providing fast services into the City of London, Canary Wharf and even further if you wish. 

Alternatively, Thames River Boats offers cruises from Westminster Pier, Kew Pier, Richmond Landing Stage and Hampton Court Landing Stage, passing through Wandsworth and Putney before travelling through the upper reaches of the River Thames. 

Have a Picnic on the Wandsworth Common

Wandsworth Common features extensive green spaces, making it ideal for setting up a picnic blanket. The park's 170 acres of countryside provide plenty of room for families and friends to spread out and enjoy the outdoors. The common is a popular gathering spot for locals, which fosters a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. You can often see families, joggers, and dog walkers, making it a lively place to enjoy a picnic.

Visit the peculiar Wandsworth Prison Museum

The Wandsworth Prison Museum is quite the peculiar outing because it is housed in a tiny garage space, despite containing an extensive collection of artefacts and documents related to the over 150-year history of Wandsworth Prison.

Despite its unusual location, the museum is worth a visit if you are interested in historical crimes and how criminals have been dealt with through the ages. It contains a mixture of exhibits about former inmates and prison life, offering a fascinating glimpse into the prison's long history. 

Experience London’s culture at the Battersea Arts Centre 

Battersea Arts Centre has established itself as a home for radical artistic ideas and innovative performances that represent the modern world. It supports a diverse range of artists and creative projects, making it a vibrant hub for contemporary art and theatre and popular for those who are interested in the global and local art scene. 

The centre is known for its boundary-pushing theatre productions and hosts a variety of events, including performances, exhibitions, and workshops, that cater to different artistic tastes and interests.

Play putt-putt in the park

If you have some time and you’re enjoying Wandsworth Park, then you and your friends or family should stop off for a game of putt-putt. The park features a modern putting green operated by Putt in the Park, which opened in August 2013. This facility provides a fun and family-friendly environment for visitors of all ages to enjoy a round of mini-golf.

Catch a show at Theatre503

Theatre503 is dedicated to promoting new writing, staging over 120 debut and emerging writers each year in more than 70 productions. This includes full-length runs as well as a one-night series of short plays. The theatre has an extensive writers' development program called the 503Five, which provides residencies for early-career playwrights to develop their craft.

Past 503Five writers include acclaimed playwrights like Charlene James, Jon Brittain, and Yasmin Joseph. If you want to get ahead of the theatre scene before performers and writers hit their stride, then catching a show at Theatre 503 is certainly worth it. 

Explore the 5th largest shopping centre in London

If you’re in Wandsworth to enjoy a spot of shopping, then you have to stop at the Southside Shopping Centre. As the  5th largest shopping centre in London, Southside has over 110 stores and has undergone significant renovations, enhancing the shopping experience with modern amenities. It features a food court with various dining options, including Five Guys, Nando's, and Ekachai, allowing shoppers to take a break and enjoy a meal. Additionally, facilities like a 14-screen Cineworld Cinema and fitness centres add to the overall appeal, making it a multifaceted destination.

Explore the Wimbledon Tennis Museum

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is definitely worth a visit for tennis fans looking for things to do in Wandsworth. The museum is the largest dedicated tennis museum in the world, featuring an extensive collection of over 20,000 artefacts, including trophies, memorabilia, and historical tennis equipment. This collection chronicles how the game of tennis has changed over time from its origins to the present day, making it a fascinating destination for fans of the sport.

Get your vintage on at Soul Brothers Records

Soul Brother Records in Wandsworth is an ideal destination for music lovers, especially those who enjoy soul, funk, and jazz music. The store has an impressive collection of over 30,000 vinyl records and 3,000 CDs, focusing mainly on soul, funk, jazz, and related genres. The shop's owner, Laurence Prangell, has been sourcing records directly from the US since the store's inception in 1991, ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection.

Take a loop around Clapham Common

Taking a loop around Clapham Common when visiting Wandsworth is definitely worth it, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic walks. Clapham Common is a large, picturesque park featuring lush green spaces, beautiful trees, and open areas that are perfect for leisurely strolls or jogging. The park's natural beauty makes it a refreshing escape from the urban, bustling environment of London.

Summary

If you find yourself staying in the wonderful borough of Wandsworth, then trying out at least a few of these activities is certainly worth your while. With so many things to do in Wandsworth, you’ll love spending time in this charming part of London. 

If you want to start planning your itinerary and looking to add to your list of activities, then take a look at LoveToVisit. It’s the perfect site for you to explore and plan your trip to the London borough.