Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, is held annually at the All England Club in London. Dating back to 1877, this iconic event combines world-class tennis, British tradition, and unparalleled strawberries and cream. It’s also a place to see royalty. No, not the British monarchy, but the likes of racing driver Jackie Stewwart, all-time favourite David Beckham, star Tom Cruise, former tennis player Maria Sharapova. And yes, usually Prince William too. Home favourite, Andy Murray is unfortunately out of contention, but Carlos Alcaraz is back to defend his title, while Novak Djokovic will be there to take it back. Then there’s #1 Jannik Sinner who is on the hunt for his first crown at SW19. For the women’s Wimbledon draw, all eyes will be on Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Coco Gauff and of course, world number 1 Iga Swiatek. Third-round battles are upon us, with established players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev aiming to maintain momentum. Upsets still loom as talented youngsters and hungry veterans vie for a chance to challenge for the prestigious titles. Will favorites hold firm, or will a new champion emerge from the manicured grass courts? The next few days promise captivating tennis as Wimbledon reaches its crucial halfway point. But if you’re already watching in London, here’s all you need to know about visiting, watching and enjoying one of the classiest sports tournaments.
Wimbledon 2024 Schedule
The Wimbledon Championships span two weeks, from the last Monday in June to the second Sunday in July. The first week will see the matches of rounds 1 - 4 being played out. The second week, starting Monday, July 8, will be the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
The final countdown
Saturday, July 13
- Ladies’ Singles Final
- Gentlemen's Doubles Final
- Ladies' Wheelchair Singles Final
- Gentlemen's & Quad Wheelchair Doubles Final
- Girls' Singles Final (18&U)
- Girls' Doubles Final (18&U)
- Boys' Doubles Final (18&U)
- Boys' and Girls’ 14&U Singles Semi-finals
- Invitation Doubles (Ladies’ Doubles, Gentlemen's Doubles, Mixed Doubles)
Sunday, July 14
- Gentlemen’s Singles Final
- Ladies' Doubles Final
- Gentlemen's & Quad Wheelchair Singles Finals
- Ladies' Wheelchair Doubles Final
- Boys' Singles Final (18&U)
- Boys’ & Girls’ 14&U Singles Finals
- Invitation Doubles (Ladies’ Doubles, Gentlemen's Doubles, Mixed Doubles)
Matches typically start at 11:00 AM on outside courts and 1:00 PM on Centre Court and No. 1 Court, but check out the order of play here!
Getting to Wimbledon
🚇 By Tube
- District Line: Southfields Station or Wimbledon Station
- Travel Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene walk from the station to the grounds.
🚆 By Train
From London Waterloo: Regular trains to Wimbledon Station. Take a right at the exit onto Wimbledon Hill Road, then at keep going until a slight right onto Wimbledon High Street. Turn right at Marryat Road (after the Rose & Crown pub hotel). Walk on until you reach Somerset Road, and turn left onto the main entrance of the Lawn Tennis Club. Alternatively, take a bus 93 up to Marryat Road and then walk the rest of the way.
🚊 By Tram
Trams:Run from East Croydon and other stations to Wimbledon. Then find bus 93, or walk.
🚘 By Car
Parking: Limited; pre-book parking or use park-and-ride services.
Wimbledon Grounds
The grounds of Wimbledon are expansive, featuring 18 championship grass courts, including the famous Centre Court and No. 1 Court. Key areas include:
- No. 1 Court: Another main court with significant matches will be played. Don’t shy away from this one either. It’s easier to get tickets here.
- Henman Hill: The perfect spot to watch matches on the big screen. It’s free and the atmosphere is phenomenal! Maybe you will bump into Tim Henman himself!
- The Wimbledon Museum: Explore the history of tennis and Wimbledon but remember, this is difficult to do when the championship is going on.
- Wimbledon Shops: Pick up official merchandise and souvenirs. The iconic towels and white are customisable, and the Wimbledon x Polo Ralph Lauren 2024 collection is stunning!
Tips for Attending Wimbledon
- Dress Code: Casual attire is fine, but many opt for smart casual. Remember, no torn jeans or dirty sneakers. Also, throw on a hat and sunglasses to match the stars.
- Rain Policy: Matches continue on covered courts. Bring a poncho or raincoat for other courts. Besides, it’s England, it can rain anytime.
- Food and Drink: Try the traditional strawberries and cream, or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Try the The Ivy Cafe Wimbledon Village on High Street for quintessential British food.
- Autographs: Players often sign autographs after practice sessions near the practice courts. Hang around and you might get lucky.
Famous Wimbledon Traditions
- Strawberries and cream: Over 27,000 kilos of strawberries and 7,000 liters of cream are consumed annually.
- All-white dress code: Players must adhere to the strict all-white dress code.
- Royal Box: Reserved for special guests and members of the Royal Family.
Ticket Information
🎫 The Public Ballot
The most common way to get tickets. Applications open in September the year before the tournament. More on that here.
🎫 The Queue
A unique Wimbledon experience where fans queue overnight for same-day tickets. It’s fun in the sun, and if you get there really, really, really early, like well before the sun rises, then you might just be in luck.
🎫 Debenture Tickets
Expensive but guaranteed tickets, offering some of the best seats in the house. So, if you want to go fancy, here’s your chance.
Wimbledon Accommodation
Nearby Hotels
Luxurious and close to the grounds. It’s set in Cannizaro Park which is filled with flowers and lush lawns this season.
Cozy and convenient, and ideal if you have spent most of your budget on the tennis tickets!
Your typical pub hotel, this one will have you smack in the middle of Wimbledon High Street when the tennis fans (and players) wander around through the tournament.
Budget Options
Affordable and well-connected, you will be slightly further from the courts, but not too far.
Comfortable and budget-friendly, and closest to the Wimbledon Brewery, if you love beer.
Things to Do in Wimbledon
- Explore Wimbledon Common: Wimbledon Common is a vast expanse of greenery, perfect for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or a bike ride.
- Catch a Performance at the Polka Theatre or New Wimbledon Theatre: The Polka Theatre offers captivating children's shows, while the New Wimbledon Theatre stages musicals and other productions.
- Indulge in Retail Therapy at Wimbledon Village: Explore the charming boutiques and shops lining the streets of Wimbledon Village.
- Take a Step Back in Time at the Windmill Museum: Learn about the history of windmills and milling at this fascinating museum.
- Explore Spiritual Enlightenment at the Buddhapadipa Temple: Immerse in the serenity of the Buddhapadipa Temple, a beautiful Buddhist monastery. The incense can be strong, but you’ll feel a sense of peace after visiting.
- Browse the Wimbledon Saturday Farmer's Market: Stock up on fresh local produce, artisan foods, and unique crafts at the bustling Wimbledon Saturday Farmer's Market. It’s strawberry season, and you know that you have to stock up that, right? Right!
Things to do around Wimbledon
- Kew Gardens: Renowned for its vast botanical collections and greenhouses, Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for nature lovers. It's a little further than the other landmarks on this list, but worth the travel for its beauty.
- Kensington Palace: Home to members of the British Royal Family, Kensington Palace offers a glimpse into royal life. It's also close to Hyde Park, another great place to relax and soak up the London atmosphere.
- Tower of London:The Tower of London is a historic castle on the River Thames that was used for various purposes throughout its long history, including an armory, a prison, and a royal residence.
- Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: The seat of the British Parliament and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Big Ben is the nickname for the Elizabeth Tower, the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament.
- Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch in London. You might even be lucky enough to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony!
Dining in Wimbledon
On-site
Fine dining with a view of Centre Court. Try the Sutton Hoo Chicken Breast with charred baby gem lettuce, peas, bacon lardons, chicken crumb and potato terrine. Or in tradition, order Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream. They even have plant-based cream if you ask.
By name and by nature, head here for seafood. Brixham Crab, served in the shell Brown crab & potato salad, aioli and croutons, is a start. But a personal favorite is the Roast Lobster Bisque Saffron with grated Gruyère cheese and sourdough croutons. They also have a seafood platter ideal for two.
Nearby
This opulent brasserie offers modern dishes in a stylish setting. They also have a beautiful garden terrace and private rooms for a special occasion. Try the set menu for a taste of everything from Shepherd’s Pie and Caesar’s Salad. Burgers, steaks and monthly specials are worth your money and calories.
A modern all-day French brasserie chain serving regional specialties and traditional classics. They are known for their warm and inviting atmosphere. Order Chicken Liver Parfait, Crab Maison, Confit Pork Belly or Duck L’orange. End the meal with a strawberry and elderflower creme brulee - a burnt French custard with vanilla and elderflower with a macerated strawberry & basil salad.
A blend of Japanese and Danish cuisine. Salmon or tuna tartare are favorites, but their set menus are even better.
Part of a contemporary European chain, Bill's offers separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner menus. For an easy vibe, eggs benedict, flatbreads and burgers, this is your place.
Wimbledon History and Fun Facts
- First Championship: Held in 1877, with only a men's singles event.
- Longest Match: John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut in 2010, lasting 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days.
- Most Titles: Roger Federer holds the record for most men's singles titles with 8.
FAQs
The second week is ideal for high-stakes matches, but the first week offers a chance to see more players in action.
Enter the public ballot, join The Queue early, or consider debenture tickets for guaranteed access. The Queue is fun, and you’ll meet more fans like you. It’s an experience in itself!
Gates open at 10:30 AM, but arriving early ensures you get through security quickly and have time to explore the grounds before matches begin.
Yes, large bags, hard-sided picnic hampers, and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Yes, practice sessions are open to the public and offer a great chance to see your favorite players up close. Players often sign autographs after these practice sessions and players will practice with each other, giving you the opportunity to see more than just the official games. The best spots to get photos are near these practice courts and the players’ entrance.
While there's no strict dress code, smart casual attire is recommended, especially if you have tickets for Centre Court or No. 1 Court.
Matches on Centre Court and No. 1 Court will continue under retractable roofs. For other courts, matches will resume as soon as it's safe to play. Bringing a raincoat or poncho is advisable.
Yes, Wimbledon provides excellent facilities for disabled visitors, including reserved seating, accessible toilets, and assistance from staff.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the grounds, allowing you to stay connected and share your experience.
Yes, you can take a guided tour of the All England Club, which includes the grounds, the press room, and the players' areas. Tours are available year-round, not just during the Championships.
Yes, Wimbledon is family-friendly, but it's advisable to bring activities to keep younger children entertained during match breaks. Also, they have to remain relatively quiet. Good luck with that!
