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!
When does Wimbledon start?
Wimbledon takes place annually from the first Monday of July for two weeks, ending on Sunday. This year the tournament runs from July 1st to July 14th, with the qualifying beginning on June 24th and the draw taking place on June 28th. All upcoming dates and live scores can be found on their website.
Where to stay nearby
Struggling for somewhere to stay near the action that doesn’t break the bank? The good news is there are plenty of nearby Travelodge hotels, all close to good 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. If you want to wake up in Wimbledon to the roar of the crowd, our selection of Wimbledon hotels are perfectly located for a summery day out at the tennis. Conveniently close by so you can get a good spot in the Queue, with comfy beds to rest after a long day of tennis action.
Attending Wimbledon
Every year the ballot is held for anyone to enter the chance of attending the tournament. This ticketing system is unique to Wimbledon, where seats are randomly allocated to successful ballot entries. However, keep in mind entries cannot request a specific day or court.
But if you want a guaranteed 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.
The Queue
You can’t be considered a die-hard tennis fan until you’ve queued for Wimbledon – with many people going the extra mile of 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 information about facilities.
The easiest way to get around in London is by public transport. There are many links across the capital to connect you to Wimbledon.
Wimbledon grounds have a vast array of food and drink options, from self-serve cafes to restaurants and on-site bars.
🎾 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 too!
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.
