Frozen over Wimbledon pond with seagulls on it — Wimbledon Common Pond. Photo credit: Simona Marinkova via Unsplashed

Winter! The darkness has descended, the heating has come on and the thick coats have come out. Whatever semblance of Autumn foliage has disappeared and the trees are now bare and brown.

There’s a lot to be depressed about this time of year, especially if you come from a tropical climate like me. When I first moved to the UK, I was known to cancel plans just because it was raining and I know I’m not alone here. But soon I realised that the only way not to be depressed for this half* of the year is to embrace the winter and appreciate what it has to offer: cosy nights in, hot chocolates, frosty mornings, and when we’re really lucky - the magic of a snow day. If you spend your winter counting down the days to summer, you miss out on all of this and waste the majority of your precious days in your one precious life on earth.

As the British have been honing for centuries, the only way through this is to vigorously complain without letting the rain, wind and snow stop you from getting out there and enjoying yourself.

Image with text: British seasons: Spring 2 months, Summer 8 minutes, Autumn 3 weeks, winter 7 years. — Got to love a meme!

Yes, you read that right - I, and many others, would argue the British seasons are but a state of mind and in my mind Winter lasts AT LEAST 6 months. See above extremely legitimate sources for reference .

To me, nothing screams quintessential British winter more than a day spent in Wimbledon. I’ve lived in Wimbledon for over 23 years and have been working as a jeweller in my home studio for 20 years as well. To avoid going crazy cooped up for hours in the studio after eternal hours sanding and setting (especially when the sun goes down at 3pm and you can barely see what you’re doing), I’ve often gone exploring in and around Wimbledon finding ways to brighten my day in these dark and dreary months.

So as someone who’s come a long way with their love-hate relationship of winter, I thought I’d put together this helpful list of things to do in Wimbledon for anyone else who’s early on in their winter appreciation journey.

Snowy path into forrest — Wimbledon Common path, watch out for the Wombles. Photo credit: Timo C. Dinger via Unsplashed.

1- Have a wander around Wimbledon Common

Windmill Rd, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 5NR

To the winter-hater, it may sound counterintuitive that the best place to be in the coldest months of the year is outside, but trust me on this one! You know how sometimes in old Victorian novels when someone is sick or depressed, this matronly type figure will at some point say ‘but my dear, you just need to go on a brisk walk in the fresh air’ and then the character does this and they come to some great realisation or are immediately cured, these women know what’s up.

Wimbledon Common is such a special place because it’s not a park, it’s a ‘common’, so you’ve got this green space that’s still technically London, but it still feels a bit wild, because there’s no fences or paved pathways, making you feel at times like you’re a million miles away from a city like London.

Furthermore, in winter, it can really come to life because you’ve got these stark contrasting colours of bright white/grey/blue skies and deep brown desolate trees, making it really quite striking.

Cup of hot chocolate with dripping on wood background. — A cup of hot chocolate soothes the soul. Photo credit: Giancarlo Duarte via Unsplashed

2.- Have a Hot Chocolate Break in Wimbledon!

Even if you hate winter you HAVE to admit that hot chocolate is amazing, and legally, hot chocolate HAS to be drunk in the winter, meaning winter equals amazing. Okay maybe someone has to check my maths on that one but hot chocolate is definitely one of my favourite things about winter and here are my favourite places to get it!

The best mid-walk hot chocolate on Wimbledon Common are at The Windmill Tea Rooms

Windmill Rd, London SW19 5NQ

If you followed step 1 in your 7 step journey to recover from winter depression, step 2.1 is definitely to grab a hot chocolate WITH marshmallows AND cream from the Windmill Tearooms. Guaranteed to immediately elevate your mood and warmth.

The most sophisticated adult hot chocolate in Wimbledon is at Hotel Chocolat in Wimbledon Quarter.

4 Queen's Rd, London SW19 8ND

Of course if you are a person of taste that scoffs at the idea of marshmallows and cream, then it makes the most sense for you to visit the Velvetiser Cafe run by Hotel Chocolat in Wimbledon Quarter. Hotel Chocolat is an institution in Britain and rightfully so, they take hot chocolate very seriously there, as it should be!

The best hot chocolate with a sweet treat is at The Chunky Pigeon:

84 Kingston Rd, London SW19 1LA

Who said you can’t have a hot chocolate AND a sweet treat? Losers, that’s who. This relatively new cookie cafe that just opened up in South Wimbledon has quickly become one of my favourites. It’s unusually named the Chunky Pigeon and offers an amazing selection of cookies, coffee and of course, delicious hot chocolate! They’re a local business that work with small UK-based suppliers AND allow dogs inside, what more can you want??

Small child tobogganing in snow dressed in hot pink — Photo credit: Polesie Toys via Pexels

3.- If it snows, go sledding on Teletubby Hill in Wimbledon Common

Windmill Rd, Wimbledon Common, London SW19 5NR

To round off the trilogy of your perfect outdoor winter experience in Wimbledon, here is a suggestion for once in a blue moon. For the one day of the year when it snows, you HAVE to make the most of the magic and take a toboggan or sled to a special hill in Wimbledon Common. If you park at the Windmill car park walk towards Putney Common and you will see it. It is about a 2 minute walk.

When my girls were younger, we used to call it the Tellytubby hill because when it’s covered in snow it does seem to come out of nowhere like the house the Tellytubbies lived in.

The chaos on this hill on a snow day is more than entertaining, and if you manage to have a go sledding down the hill yourself, you’re in for a once in a lifetime experience.

Woman having a relaxing spa day with flowers — Have a relaxing massage at Wimbledon Leisure Centre. Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

4.- Relax and have a spa day at the Wimbledon Leisure Centre

Latimer Rd, London SW19 1EW

Right, we’re going to switch it up now to more indoor focussed activities! When the winter chill gets too much, there’s no better way to cosy up than to have a relaxing spa day.

Wimbledon Leisure Centre offers a welcoming escape from the cold, with a soothing sauna, steam rooms, and a range of rejuvenating treatments designed to melt away tension. Whether you’re easing those sore muscles from your frosty walk on Wimbledon Common or simply craving some self-care, the Wimbledon Leisure Centre provides the perfect haven.

Indulge in a massage, take a dip in the warm pool, or enjoy the calming atmosphere that makes winter feel a little more luxurious. It’s the ideal spot to recharge and keep your wellbeing glowing all season long.

Male and female sitting and laughing after painting a canvas — Enjoy an afternoon painting at Paperdoll Art Studios.

5.- Paint like Jackson Pollock at Paperdoll Studios

WIMBLEDON ART STUDIOS, 10 RIVERSIDE YARD,  SW17 0BB

You may have seen a Jackson Pollock masterpiece and thought, “I could have done that!” — well, now’s your chance to prove it!

Paperdoll Art Studios offer fantastic Splatter Paint Classes where you can dive into the world of abstract expressionism, unleash your creativity, and take home your very own colourful masterpiece. It’s messy, lively, and completely liberating — perfect for anyone looking to let off a bit of steam this winter.

This experience is especially great for kids over five and teens too, who are sure to flourish in the joyful chaos of paint, colour, and imagination. A genuinely fun and expressive way to brighten up a rainy day in Wimbledon!

White ice skates hanging on wooden sleigh with Fairy lights in background. — Don’t hang up your ice skates just yet! Photo credit: Freestocks via Unsplashed

6.- Ice-skating in Wimbledon Quarter

4 Queen's Rd, London SW19 8ND

Another fantastic winter activity that’s perfect for all the family is ice-skating! This year, Wimbledon has its very own rink right in the heart of Wimbledon! It’s an exciting new addition that brings festive fun to our doorstep.

In the past, you might have had to venture all the way to Central London to enjoy a twirl on the ice, but now you can glide, spin, and laugh the day away much closer to home. Whether you’re a total beginner or a confident skater, it’s a brilliant way to embrace the season!

Theatre / stage with lighting and chairs — Enjoy the an evening at the Theatre. Photo credit: Stefano Stacchini via Unsplashed

7. Catch a play at Wimbledon’s wonderful theatres

Polka Theatre: 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB

Here in Wimbledon we’re blessed to have what I think is one of the most special theatres in all of London, the Polka Theatre. This is a theatre that is just for children, which if you ask me is such a beautiful and rather radical idea. I used to take my girls here a lot when they were younger and they loved seeing books they had read come to life, beautiful puppetry costumes and set designs and stories performed in front of their very eyes. If you have kids, you really can’t miss the Polka Theatre.

New Wimbledon Theatre: 93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG

For adults and children alike, there’s also the New Wimbledon Theatre just down the road, which often has a great lineup of shows, with a particularly funny pantomime at Christmas time.

Well I hope that even if I haven’t cured your winter blues, at least I’ve given you some inspiration for your next trip into Wimbledon! It’s easy to fall into the pit of sadness during these dark times but there’s actually so much that life has to offer, it would be a shame if you stayed inside just because it was cold and rainy!

Militza Ortiz

Jewellery Designer/Maker with over 20 years experience based in Wimbledon