Your ultimate guide to Wimbledon 2025

Strawberries and cream, suspenseful tie-breaks and a tall glass of Pimm’s. Wimbledon has arrived 🍓

Wondering how to get within grunting distance of world-class tennis? The Championships, Wimbledon is a truly spectacular British experience. Whether you’re a newbie to the world of tennis or a Wimbledon pro, check out our ultimate guide to Wimbledon for all the need-to-know info!

What is Wimbledon?

Dating back to 1877, The Championships, also simply known as Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. Oozing British charm, Wimbledon is held in a league of its own compared with the other major tennis tournaments – the Australian Open, French Open and US Open. Renowned for its traditions and prestige, players even follow a strict all-white dress code.

Drawing over half a million live spectators in recent years, Wimbledon is one of the most popular sporting events in the UK, with an unrivalled atmosphere and energy!

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When does Wimbledon start?

Wimbledon takes place annually over 14 days throughout June and July. This year, the tournament will run from June 30th to July 13th, with the draw taking place on June 27th. All upcoming dates and live scores can be found on the Wimbledon website.

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Where to stay nearby

Struggling for somewhere to stay near the action that doesn’t break the bank? The good news is that there are plenty of nearby Travelodge hotels nearby, with convenient transport links to keep you connected.

If you’d prefer a hotel in central London to make the most of the city’s Wimbledon celebrations, then look no further than Travelodge London Covent Garden, Travelodge Central Euston or Travelodge London Farringdon.

If you want to wake up in the heart of the Wimbledon action, our Wimbledon hotels are perfectly located for a splendid day out on the courts. Beat the crowds and snag an early spot in the Queue, then return to your comfy king-sized beds to rest after a long day of tennis action.

Stay in Wimbledon

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Attending Wimbledon

Every year, the Wimbledon ballot is held, allowing tennis fans to purchase tickets to the tournament. This ticketing system is unique to Wimbledon, where seats are randomly allocated to successful ballot entries. While the ballot is intended to be the fairest way of obtaining tickets, keep in mind that entries do not guarantee a ticket and you cannot request a specific day or court.

But if you want a secure spot, Wimbledon is one of the few major sporting events where you can buy premium tickets on the day. And you can do so the only way Brits know how – by queuing.

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The Queue

You can’t be considered a die-hard tennis fan until you’ve joined the Wimbledon queue, with many people going the extra mile and camping overnight to secure their place in line. Each day of the tournament offers the opportunity to purchase premium tickets by joining a lengthy queue in Wimbledon Park.

On arrival, Wimbledon stewards will direct you to the end of the queue and issue you with a numbered and dated Queue Card – keep hold of this until you get your ticket! You will also be advised to download the myWimbledon app, and once logged in, stewards will scan your myWimbledon ID to check you into the Queue so you can view your status and find facility information.

Once you arrive at the front of the Queue, two types of tickets are available to purchase:

🎫 Grounds Pass Tickets are available each day and allow access to Wimbledon grounds where you can watch matches on unreserved seats across Courts 3 to 18. Ground Pass Tickets also give you access to the iconic The Hill, also dubbed Henman Hill or Murray Mound, after former British No.1s Tim Henman in the 1990s and Andy Murray throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Pack a picnic and catch all the action from Centre Court and No.1 Court will be live on the big screens opposite The Hill.

🎟️ Show Courts Tickets are also on offer, with limited availability, throughout the tournament. A limited number of resale tickets will also be available for the Show Courts from the Ticket Resale Kiosks within the grounds. Please check the Wimbledon guide to queuing for more information.

The Queue will be long, so best to come prepared! Filling up on a Travelodge breakfast at one of our nearby hotels will help keep your energy levels up. Once in the Queue, you’ll find food and drink stalls throughout Wimbledon Park. And you can leave the Queue for up to half an hour. Don’t worry, you won’t lose your place!

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Getting to Wimbledon

The easiest way to get around in London is by public transport. There are many links across the capital to connect you to Wimbledon.

🚇 By Underground: The nearest station is Southfields Underground Station on the District line, just a 10-minute walk to the Queue entrance. Wimbledon Park Underground, also on the District Line, is a 15-minute walk to the Queue entrance. Earlsfield Station, South Western Railway, is a 25-minute walk to the Queue entrance. And Wimbledon Station, with links to South Western Railway, Thameslink and the District line, is a 40-minute walk to the Queue entrance.

🚌 By Bus: The 493 bus service connects the Wimbledon Tennis Club and Museum to Southfields Station and Wimbledon Station. The bus stop is called ‘Wimbledon Tennis Club and Museum’ and is announced before the stop.

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Eating at Wimbledon

The Wimbledon grounds have a vast array of food and drink options, from self-serve cafés to restaurants and on-site bars.

After tickets, transport and a couple of souvenirs, costs can soon add up at Wimbledon. So, a good way to save a few pennies is to bring a picnic! Although coolboxes and hampers are not allowed, you can bring in whatever food you wish, but bear in mind that only one bag is permitted per person. Alcohol is also allowed but limited to 1 bottle of wine (750ml) or two cans of beer or premixed aperitifs per person. However, bottles of spirits and fortified wines are forbidden from the Grounds.

A visit to Wimbledon is frankly wasted without the iconic British summer treat, strawberries and cream. You can also pick up some delicious Kent strawberries and cream from a range of eateries within the grounds.

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Courtside dos and don’ts

We know you’re here for the awesome tennis. Here are some quick tips to make sure everyone enjoys the experience:

🎾 Phones on Silent: Let’s keep things quiet for the players. Be sure to switch your devices to silent mode while on the courts. If you’re taking photos, don’t forget to turn off the flash!

🎾 Courtside Manners: Applause is always welcome, especially after a nail-biting rally! But remember to hold off on clapping for net cords (when the ball hits the net and goes over) or double faults (when the server misses two serves in a row).

🎾 Peace and Quiet: Shhh! Try to stay quiet during rallies (when the ball is being played back and forth).

🎾 Fresh Air Only: Please note that smoking and vaping is prohibited around the courts and most areas at Wimbledon.

🎾 Cheers for Good Plays: Awesome shots deserve applause! Give the players a cheer when they make a great play.

🎾 What to Bring: For safety reasons, only plastic or cardboard cups and bottles without corks are allowed on the courts.

🎾 Little Ones: Please note that babies in arms and children under 5 are not allowed in the main Show Courts.

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Haven’t managed to bag tickets to the final? Don’t worry, discover the coolest venues to catch the Wimbledon final here.

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Getting an autographs at Wimbledons

If you’re not lucky enough to get a courtside seat, but still want to get up close and personal with your favourite tennis champions, head over to the Fanzone, located outside the Aorangi Pavilion. Here, one or two players a day make an appearance where you can get that autograph from a Grand Slam holder for your collection or a selfie with a future tennis superstar.