Earlsfield, Southfields and Wimbledon Location Guide

At a glance

These neighbouring areas in South West London are a popular choice for students who want strong transport links, plenty of green space and a more residential feel than central London. Wimbledon has the largest town centre and facilities; Earlsfield and Southfields tend to feel quieter and more local.

• Typical Travelcard zone: Zone 3 (depends on the exact address)
• Feel: residential, green and sporty; Wimbledon town centre is busier, especially around major tennis events
• Good for: students who want fast National Rail links into Waterloo and easy access to parks and outdoor space
• Main stations: Wimbledon, Earlsfield, Southfields (District line)

Transport and example journey times

Below are station-to-station, off‑peak examples to give a sense of the train time. Exact times vary by route, service pattern and time of day.

Example train times (off‑peak, train time only)

• Wimbledon → London Waterloo: about 15–20 minutes (National Rail, direct services available)
• Earlsfield → London Waterloo: about 12–15 minutes (National Rail, direct services available)
• Wimbledon → Clapham Junction: about 6–8 minutes (National Rail)
• Earlsfield → Clapham Junction: about 4–6 minutes (National Rail)

Wimbledon also has District line services (useful for west and central London) and Tramlink connections in South London. Southfields is a District line station and can be a convenient option for some routes.

Local character and safety

Earlsfield, Southfields and Wimbledon are established residential areas with a mix of families, young professionals and students. Like any part of a large city, it’s sensible to take normal precautions (for example keeping valuables secure and using well-lit main roads at night).

Wimbledon can be busier during major tennis events. Nearby residential streets are usually calmer, and your host will advise on local routines.

Day-to-day living

These areas are practical for everyday life. You’ll find supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms and high‑street services within easy reach, plus lots of green space nearby.

Wimbledon has the largest town centre, with a mix of chains and independents. Wimbledon Village has more independent shops and cafés and is generally pricier than the main high street. Earlsfield (around Garratt Lane) and Southfields offer a more local feel with cafés, takeaways and everyday shopping.

Food and social life

South West London has a good mix of cuisines. Around Wimbledon town centre you’ll typically find Italian, Indian and Thai options, alongside cafés and pubs. Earlsfield and Southfields have smaller clusters of local restaurants and takeaways, with a mix that often includes Indian, East Asian and Mediterranean options. For bigger nights out, central London is a straightforward journey by train or Tube.

Parks and leisure

This part of London is well known for outdoor space and sports facilities. Many students like the balance of city access and green space.

Local highlights

• Wimbledon Common – large open space for walks and runs
• Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum – museum and tours near the Championships grounds
• New Wimbledon Theatre – shows and touring productions
• Wimbledon Park – lakeside walks and outdoor sports (including tennis courts)
• Wandsworth Common – large park within easy reach from Earlsfield

Who this area suits

These areas can suit students who want:

• a more residential place to live, with good day-to-day amenities nearby
• fast rail access to Waterloo and connections via Clapham Junction
• easy access to parks, outdoor running routes and sports facilities

Property prices (guide only)

Property prices in this part of South West London are generally above the London average. As a broad guide, apartments (flats) in Earlsfield/Southfields/Wimbledon often sell in the £400,000–£550,000 range, while family homes (terraced or semi‑detached houses) are commonly around £950,000–£2,000,000+. This is roughly 80–150% higher than the England average for apartments, and several times the England average for houses. Prices vary widely by street, property size and condition.

Things to consider

• Zone 3 can mean higher travel costs than Zone 1-2, depending on how often you travel and your route.
• If you need to get to East London or places outside the rail/tube lines shown above, you may need one or more changes.
• Wimbledon’s centre can feel busier at peak times and during tennis events; if you prefer quieter streets, tell us in your application.

FAQs

How long is the commute to central London?

From Wimbledon and Earlsfield, National Rail services offer quick access to Waterloo. Train times vary by service and time of day, but the off‑peak examples above give a helpful baseline.

What’s the difference between Earlsfield, Southfields and Wimbledon?

Wimbledon is the largest centre with the widest range of shops and transport options (National Rail and the District line). Earlsfield is mainly National Rail and tends to feel more local day-to-day. Southfields is a District line station with a more residential feel.

Is Wimbledon only about the tennis?

The tennis brings extra visitors during major events, but Wimbledon is a year-round town centre with parks, local services and strong transport links.

Can you place me somewhere quieter in this area?

Often, yes. Let us know if you prefer a calmer setting and we’ll focus on more residential streets rather than busy main roads where possible.

Useful links

If you know your dates and your school or work location, you can apply for a homestay online. We usually respond within one to two working days.