Car Hire Colliers Wood

Some parts of London seem almost built for exploring by car—Colliers Wood is one of those places. Set just south of the Thames, near where the River Wandle winds through a patchwork of parks and historic sites, it offers easy driving routes without the headache of endless congestion. The A24 slices through nearby, while the A3 and smaller backroads give you flexible ways to weave in and out.

It’s a spot that reveals itself slowly, best visited outside the weekday rush and with its 10,000 residents you surely won’t find any there. Spring and autumn suit it well: the parks are greener, the traffic a little lighter and the chance to drive with the windows down is too good to miss. Being close to places like Tooting and Wimbledon means you can make a day of it without clocking up big miles.

Attractions In Colliers Wood

Colliers Wood’s attractions feel built for those who enjoy hopping in and out of the car—a morning park walk, a quick museum stop or a relaxed lunch a short drive away.

Ravensbury Park

There’s a gentle hush as you cross into Ravensbury Park along Morden Road. Hidden between quiet streets, it feels almost like a countryside pocket tucked inside the city. We wandered the pathways between ancient trees, passing duck ponds and wild meadows. Open 24 hours, it’s a rewarding stop for anyone already exploring from Streatham.

National Trust – Watermeads Nature Reserve

If you blink, you might miss it—a small signpost leads into Watermeads, where the Wandle slows into glassy stillness.

Owned by the National Trust and always open, this nature reserve offers meadows, old water channels and a rare sense of calm. We walked quietly here, the only sounds being the soft footfall on gravel and birds flitting overhead. It’s an easy leg-stretch before carrying on towards Clapham.

Cannon Hill Common

Grassy fields roll out before you at Cannon Hill Common, fringed by copses and dotted with a fishing pond where locals set up camp for the day.

We found ourselves taking a slower stroll than usual, drawn in by the open feel and shady spots beneath old trees. Families were out in force, along with plenty of dog-walkers. Open 24 hours, it’s a calm break from the surrounding traffic.

South Park Gardens

Tucked behind Wimbledon’s streets, South Park Gardens is as neat and welcoming as a walled garden. We found ourselves drawn to the old trees that punctuate the lawns, perfect for a quick coffee stop or an hour of doing nothing at all. It’s open 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, later on weekends—and worth weaving into a visit if you’re passing from Putney.

Colliers Wood Recreation Ground

Every town needs a solid, well-used green space and for Colliers Wood, this is it. Located along South Gardens, the Recreation Ground offers a playground, sports courts and plenty of open space for impromptu games. We passed a lively football match on one side and families picnicking under the trees on the other. Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM and usually easy to find nearby street parking.

Figges Marsh

Rolling in from Tulse Hill gave us a reason to pull over at Figges Marsh—and we’re glad we did. This wide, flat expanse isn’t landscaped or fancy but its simplicity has its own appeal. Kids raced bikes across the grass while older locals settled into afternoon chats on park benches. Open 24 hours, it’s an easy spontaneous stop.

National Trust – Morden Hall Park

How often do you find a working watermill inside London?

At Morden Hall Park, history, gardens and riverside walks come together beautifully. We parked near the rose gardens and wandered past preserved snuff mills and over bridges lined with flowers. There’s also a welcoming café and garden centre. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and a favourite detour for drivers coming from Carshalton Beeches.

Wimbledon Museum

Heritage here runs deeper than tennis. Set inside a charming old house along Ridgway, Wimbledon Museum offers an intimate look at the area’s layered history.

We parked along the side streets and found exhibitions that took us from village life to Victorian expansion. Open Fridays to Sundays from 2:30 PM to 5 PM—making it an ideal stop if you’re heading over from Battersea.

New Wimbledon Theatre

Some theatres impress with grand designs—others, like New Wimbledon Theatre, win you over by feeling loved. We arrived for a midweek matinee and found the atmosphere lively but relaxed, with just enough hustle to feel part of something special. If you time it right, parking nearby is surprisingly straightforward, especially during the early afternoon.

Driving Slow In Colliers Wood

Colliers Wood invites a slower kind of driving day—the kind where you don’t mind pulling over for an unplanned park stroll or a quick coffee. If you’re after a relaxed meal, The Charles Holden pub right opposite Colliers Wood Underground Station serves up British classics in a spacious setting, with a good-sized garden and handy parking nearby. For somewhere to stay, the Holiday Inn Express London – Wimbledon South offers modern rooms, breakfast options and easy parking—ideal for drivers looking for a simple, well-located base. Guesthouses and short-term rentals around Christchurch Road also offer more homely stays if you prefer a quieter setup. All in all, Colliers Wood makes it easy to take things at your own driving pace.