Car Hire Mitcham

Mitcham lies between Croydon and Wimbledon and offers a peaceful setting just off the A236 and A217 roads. Driving around Mitcham is straightforward, with plentiful parking and quiet local roads which connect its 63,000 residents to the rest of the UK . The best time to enjoy its open commons, riverside paths and lavender-growing heritage is from late spring to early autumn. Bring a light jacket and prepare for a relaxing day among greenery and low-key cultural sights. We planned a recent day trip from Morden and were surprised by how easily everything connects by car.

Attractions In Mitcham

Travelling by car makes Mitcham especially easy to explore, with a choice of open-access parks, on-street parking and simple road connections. The green spaces are spread across the town and driving lets you get between them comfortably, whether you’re planning a short morning wander or a full afternoon picnic.

Mitcham Common

Covering nearly 500 acres, Mitcham Common is the town’s largest open space and well suited to drivers. With multiple access points and parking along Croydon Road and nearby lanes, it’s a great place to drop in without a strict plan. We usually park up and head through the woodland paths before finding a quiet spot in the meadows. Seven Islands Pond is our usual pick for a peaceful lunch out of the way. Popular with those in Thornton Heath, it’s known for offering a calm retreat close to home.

Morden Hall Park

Just a short drive from Mitcham, this National Trust park in Morden is one we often revisit. It’s not just the bridges and winding paths—there’s a real sense of space here. You’ll find gardens, riverside walkways and a mix of formal and wild areas. We tend to grab a bite from the café before a loop around the park. Free short-stay parking is a bonus for anyone arriving by car.

Wandle Industrial Museum

This small, community-led museum in the Vestry Hall Annexe brings Mitcham’s industrial history to life. It highlights the area’s links to textile printing, snuff making and early railway work. The block printing demonstrations were a highlight for us. It’s only open on Wednesdays and Sundays, so do check ahead before driving over. Parking is usually straightforward in the nearby streets.

Figges Marsh

Situated on Streatham Road, Figges Marsh is a large open green that’s especially good for stretching your legs. Football, dog walking and picnics are common here and there’s also outdoor gym equipment and plenty of benches. It’s a handy stop while passing through the area and there’s usually kerbside parking not far from the main path. Many visitors from Sutton find this to be a good first stop on their way into town.

Ravensbury Park

This quieter, tree-lined park lies beside the River Wandle and offers a slower pace than the larger commons. A children’s play area makes it great for families but we’ve also enjoyed calm, shady lunches by the stream. Birds, fish and the odd heron can be spotted if you take your time. Local parking is available on surrounding roads, making it an easy visit by car. It’s a common side trip for those already exploring Carshalton.

Wandle Trail

More than a path, the Wandle Trail links Mitcham’s parks into one flowing route. Following the river, it runs through woodland and green spaces, with unexpected corners like bridges, wildflowers and even urban wildlife. We’ve used the car to jump between different trail sections—it makes exploring more of the route manageable without retracing your steps. On our way over from Norbury, we decided to follow the trail south and discovered some new pockets we’d never walked before.

Watermeads Nature Reserve

Just off smaller residential roads, Watermeads is a surprisingly quiet nature spot close to the town centre. There’s no designated car park but parking in nearby streets is generally simple. Once inside, it’s a tranquil space with little noise—ideal for a mid-journey pause or a quick reset if you’re spending the day outdoors. Easily reachable from Cheam, it’s a good way to round out your afternoon with some calm.

Mitcham War Memorial

Set at Lower Green West, this local war memorial adds a reflective stop to any drive through the centre. We usually take a few moments here en route to nearby cafés or bakeries. It’s not crowded and sits quietly near the green, making it easy to visit without needing a detour.

Lavender Park

Located on Lavender Avenue, this small park serves as a practical break point rather than a main attraction. It’s especially useful if you’re travelling with children—there’s a playground and open space to let off steam. Street parking nearby makes it a good choice for brief rest stops during longer local drives.

Mitcham Common – Gunsite

The Gunsite area offers a more rugged version of Mitcham Common. There are no defined routes here—just open grassland and natural cover, with rabbits often seen darting through. It’s a nice contrast to the more polished parks. If you like a bit of off-the-path walking, it’s worth a stop and nearby roads usually offer stress-free parking. Tucked within easy reach of Wallington, this attraction sees plenty of day-trippers throughout the year.

Pause, Shop And Stay

Mitcham is well suited to drivers, with easy parking and calm streets across the town. The centre offers a modest mix of cafés, takeaways and small shops, while Croydon is just a short drive away for more choice. Guesthouses provide local overnight options, while those staying further afield often opt for Morden or Wimbledon, which offer broader accommodation and larger hotel car parks.

Bringing your own vehicle makes all the difference in Mitcham—it gives you the freedom to explore on your terms, move between parks with ease and discover this understated part of South London at your own pace.