Wimbledon Tennis Tournament

Here are a few tips for making the most of Wimbledon tennis tournament. Follow this guide and you’ll avoid any faults…

Attending matches at Wimbledon
Calling all grass court tennis fans: it’s time for Wimbledon again. In June and July, the world’s biggest tennis stars will be squaring up on the courts of the All England Club for the Grand Slam of the summer. You can purchase tickets in advance by calling +44 (0) 20 8971 2473 (from £29 to £91) or at the tournament on the day, although beware you won’t be alone. Queuing at Wimbledon is a bit of a sport in itself. Be prepared for a long wait (hardcore fans often camp out to save their place), and don’t even think about trying to push in; the queuing here is all about fairness. The stewards will give you a “Queue Card” with a date and number showing your place in the queue so as to ensure that everyone gets their chance.

Wimbledon Tournament: The essentials
You can pretty much take it as read that Wimbledon will get more than its fair share of bad weather, so don’t forget to bring along that most crucial of British accessories: an umbrella. And, even if the sun isn’t likely to have his hat on, you’d do well to bring a bottle of water; watching all that exertion can make for thirsty work.

How to get to and from the Wimbledon Tournament
Wimbledon tennis tournament takes place in the area of the same name, situated in South London. Don’t bother coming by car as the parking is extremely limited. Instead take public transport which is a practical and reliable way to get about town. On the Underground take the District Line to Southfields, and from there a shuttle bus will take you to the courts. If you want to leave in the same way, invest in a 1-Day Travel Card which is cheaper than buying several individual tickets. Alternatively, if the weather permits, you can always get to the tournament on foot via Wimbledon Park Road (15 minute walk).

Eating and drinking at Wimbledon
If you’re feeling a little peckish between sets, have no fear. Just head to one of the All England Club’s many snack bars and cafes. From the oh-so-chic Café Pergola (gate 5) to Food Village which offers hot-dogs, pizzas and fish & chips to eat in or take away, you can be sure to find what you fancy. Also don’t forget to sample that old Wimbledon tradition, succulent strawberries slathered in fresh cream.

Culture and tennis at Wimbledon
Being both legendary and fascinating, Wimbledon certainly deserves its own museum, which was opened in 2006. Step inside and admire the former trophies, unseen photos and the ever-changing on-court styles throughout the years. Then, thanks to some state-of-the-art technology, let the phantom of John McEnroe take you on a tour through an exact replica of the locker rooms of the 80s. Open every day from 10:30 till 17:00, except the second Sunday of the Wimbledon Tournament. Adults £7.50-£8.50, children £4.75.