Royal Wimbledon
Royal Wimbledon is a slice of true heathland golf hiding inside the capital. Founded in 1865 and among the oldest clubs in England, its present course was laid out by Harry Colt and opened in 1924, a par 70 of roughly 6,400 yards through heather, gorse and silver birch on the edge of Wimbledon Common, where accurate driving counts for far more than length.
Photo: Royal Wimbledon Golf Club via Google, by James Brazier.
The verdict
That you can play genuine heathland golf this close to central London still surprises people. Royal Wimbledon, founded in 1865, is one of the oldest clubs in the country, and behind the gates near Wimbledon village lies a course of heather, gorse and birch that feels a world away from the city around it.
The present layout, on the ground known as Caesar's Camp, was designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1924, succeeding an earlier course by Willie Park Jr. At a par 70 of around 6,400 yards it is not long by modern standards, but Colt set it up to punish the wayward shot. Tight, heather lined corridors place a premium on driving accuracy and shot placement, and the small, firm greens demand a precise approach, so Royal Wimbledon plays as a thinking golfer's test rather than a slugfest, exactly as its architect intended.
Royal Wimbledon at a glance
- Founded
- 1865
- Design
- Harry Colt
- Type
- Heathland
- Par
- 70
- Yardage
- ~6,400 yds
- Green fee
- By arrangement
Founding year, design history and par verified June 2026 from Royal Wimbledon Golf Club and leading course databases. The club was founded in 1865 and the present Harry Colt course opened in 1924, a par 70 of roughly 6,400 yards. Visitor access is limited and by arrangement; green fees vary by season and day (indicative, 2026), so always confirm availability and the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Colt's routing is the star at Royal Wimbledon. The fairways thread through dense heather and stands of silver birch, so the line off the tee is everything and a drive that drifts into the heath is often unplayable. Length is far less important than control here, and the better player is the one who plots a route rather than the one who simply hits hard.
The greens carry the rest of the defense. They are on the small side, firm and subtly contoured, and they reward a controlled approach to the right portion while rejecting anything loose. The bunkering is classic Colt, placed to catch the slightly errant shot and to make the cautious line a longer one, so every hole asks a question of risk and reward.
It all adds up to a course that golfers return to and admire more each time. The heathland setting in the heart of London is rare and special, the history runs deep, and the test is honest and old fashioned in the best sense, a place that rewards strategy, patience and a straight ball.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Private members' club that accepts a limited number of visitors and societies, typically midweek and often introduced by a member or through a recognized handicap; contact the club in advance |
| Green fee | Visitor green fees are premium and arranged directly; indicative rates are confirmed on enquiry for the season and day (2026); always confirm directly before booking |
| Booking | Reserve ahead through the Royal Wimbledon office; visitor access is easiest outside member competitions |
| On the day | Smart golf dress on course and in the clubhouse; a handicap certificate may be requested; the heathland walk is gentle |
| Getting there | On the edge of Wimbledon Common in southwest London, close to Wimbledon village and an easy reach of central London |
| Best months | The heath plays firm through spring, summer and autumn, with the heather at its best in late summer |
Access and fee details verified June 2026; rates change by season and day, so always confirm directly with the club or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Royal Wimbledon's London location means most visitors stay in the city, either in Wimbledon village itself, which is full of good hotels and restaurants, or in central London with a short drive or train to the club.
The course pairs well with the other historic clubs around the capital and with the great Surrey heathland a little further out, so a few days based in or near London can take in some of the finest inland golf in the country.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Royal Wimbledon.
Build a London golf trip
We arrange access and tee times where we can at Royal Wimbledon and across the historic clubs of London and the Surrey heath, and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Royal Wimbledon questions
When was Royal Wimbledon Golf Club founded and who designed the course?
Royal Wimbledon was founded in 1865, one of the oldest golf clubs in England. The present course at Caesar's Camp was laid out by Harry Colt and opened in 1924, succeeding an earlier layout by Willie Park Jr.
What is the par and length of Royal Wimbledon?
Royal Wimbledon is a par 70 of roughly 6,400 yards, a heathland course of heather, gorse and silver birch that rewards accurate driving over raw length.
Can visitors play Royal Wimbledon Golf Club?
Royal Wimbledon is a private members' club that accepts visitors on a limited basis, typically midweek and often introduced by a member or through a recognized handicap. Contact the club in advance and confirm access and the current fee.
Where is Royal Wimbledon Golf Club?
Royal Wimbledon sits on the edge of Wimbledon Common in southwest London, a short distance from Wimbledon village and within easy reach of central London.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Founding year, design history and par verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.