Wandsworth common is a public common in Wandsworth, south London

London

London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...

. It is close to Clapham Common

Clapham Common

Clapham Common is an 89 hectare triangular area of grassland situated in south London, England. It was historically common land for the parishes of Battersea and Clapham, but was converted to parkland under the terms of the Metropolitan Commons Act 1878.43 hectares of the common are within the...

 and Wandsworth Common railway station

Wandsworth Common railway station

Wandsworth Common railway station is in the London Borough of Wandsworth in south London. The station and all trains serving it are operated by Southern, and it is in Travelcard Zone 3.-History:...

. It is wholly in the London borough

London borough

The administrative area of Greater London contains thirty-two London boroughs. Inner London comprises twelve of these boroughs plus the City of London. Outer London comprises the twenty remaining boroughs of Greater London.-Functions:...

 of Wandsworth

Wandsworth

Wandsworth is a district of south London, England, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. It is situated southwest of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London.-Toponymy:...

. It is 73 hectares (175 acres) large and is maintained and regulated by Wandsworth Council.

There is a large area to the east of the train line, which is mainly used for competitive sports (mainly football, touch rugby and rounders). There are a number of ponds and a lake, which can be used for fishing (with a permit).

Facilities include an educational centre in an area dedicated to wildlife known locally as 'The Scope' (named after a telescope used by Rev John Craig, the Craig telescope

Craig telescope

The Craig telescope was the largest refracting telescope in the world from 1852 to 1857, erected near London, England. It was a great refractor, a large refracting telescope with an achromatic doublet with an aperture of 61 cm and that was completed in 1852 in Wandsworth Common and dismantled...

, but was demolished due to pollution obscuring its views). There are also tennis courts, a bowling green and a pub in the grounds, named 'Common Ground'. A fitness trail has been developed and the Common is popular with local runners, dog walkers and cyclists.

Houses on the Wandsworth

Wandsworth

Wandsworth is a district of south London, England, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. It is situated southwest of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London.-Toponymy:...

 (SW18) side are in what is known as the 'Toast Rack' and are large Victorian semis and detached homes, some with blue plaques denoting notable residents who previously lived there. But one prominent former resident commemorated in this fashion is the British prime minister David Lloyd George

David Lloyd George

David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor OM, PC was a British Liberal politician and statesman...

.

Many retail outlets along Bellevue Road are of a premium but independent 'boutique' format (these include children's clothing shops, a bookstore, an art dealer and a gentlemen's gift shop), surrounded by up-market Victorian/Edwardian housing. There are a number of estate agencies along with chain outlets, such as Dexters Grill, Threshers and a 'Rusts' convenience store. The Bellevue Pharmacy has operated for many years. Notable restaurants include the Michelin 'Starred' Chez Bruce. There is a large public house, 'The Hope' near to the Wandsworth Common train station, which attracts many customers from the common.

A by-law is in force that prohibits the use of barbecues on the common.

Wandsworth Common Tennis & Bowls Centre

Wandsworth Common Tennis & Bowls Centre is a Pay and Play Tennis & Bowls which includes Tennis Coaching opportunities for all. The tennis centre is run by All Star Coaching Ltd for Wandsworth Council. All the staff are dedicated to ensuring you enjoy any tennis lesson or course you partake in. The tennis club situated within Wandsworth Common and is LTA

Lawn Tennis Association

The Lawn Tennis Association is the national governing body of tennis in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.As the governing body, the LTA is responsible for the coaching and development of junior players, offering courses and qualifications on coaching, as well as the...

 Affiliated which means you can gain free British Tennis Membership if you sign up. If you decide to join it also entiles you to play at Batersea Park, King Georges Park, Tooting Common and Barn Elmes Sport Centre.