As the world’s most prestigious tennis and sporting tournament in the world, a visit to Wimbledon is a must do for anyone visiting London. If you’re not lucky enough to get a golden ticket for a match, fear not, as the atmosphere in and around the grounds is just as amazing. Whether you’re enjoying strawberries and cream near No.1 Court, taking a tour around the fascinating museum or watching a tense match point at Centre Court, you’re in for a treat all year round.
The oldest ever tennis tournament, Wimbledon was founded in 1868 originally as a tennis and croquet club. Come 1877 the first ever tennis championship was played and won by Spencer Gore. Renowned to rain over the two week tournament, in 2009 a retractable roof was added to centre court to help not stop play. With 19 tournament grass courts, eight American clay courts, two acrylic and five indoor courts, many a superstar has aced many a tournament across all these terrains. The iconic silver plate has been lifted by legends such as such as Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Martina Navratilova and Andy Murray to name but a few.
Wimbledon
Wimbledon
Wimbledon
Essential Information
Want your idols scribble on a bit of paper? Or want to try and grab a quick selfie with the stars? Head to the Aorangi Pavilion area to grab an autograph or two.
Things to see
Made up of There’s more to Wimbledon than just watching a nail-biting tennis match. Why not take a trip around the museum and learn all about Wimbledon tennis history or take one of the many tours around the grounds? You can even visit centre court on a tour. If you haven’t bought a ticket in advance, bring some snacks and prepare to buy an ‘on the day’ ticket at Gate 3 turnstiles or try and pick up a Grounds Pass to explore the Wimbledon grounds itself.
With reserved spots and viewing areas for wheelchair users across courts 1, 2, 3 and Centre Court, these are for ticket holders only. However, there are more unreserved spaces for wheelchair users across all other courts too but will be on a first come first served basis. Toilets are peppered all over the grounds as well as disability toilets that will require the use of a radar key that can be collected at any information kiosk. With cash points, drinking water fountains, a pharmacy, museum shop and gift shop, you’ll have everything at your fingertips without missing a point.
Eating and Drinking
There’s a wide variety of places to eat and drink at Wimbledon no matter what court you’re near to.
Over at Centre Court, enjoy strawberries and cream at the Tea Lawn or live the high life with a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar. For something a little heartier, at No.1 Court take your pick from pizzas, burritos and stir frys at the Food Village, grab an American style sandwich at the Aorangi Cafe or enjoy some British classics at the Conservatory Kitchen. For Pimms, wines and afternoon tea at Cafe Pergola is a hotspot down at the South Gardens.
After a long day of dramatic rallies and tense match points, you might want to head out of the courts and grab a bite to eat somewhere out of the action. Head to The Lighthouse for a menu of Italian- British fusion dishes open every day of Wimbledon. Or, for a hearty menu that uses all seasonal produce, The Fire Stables tick all boxes. For some more Pimms or flutes of Champagne, The Dog and Fox is at the heart of Wimbledon Village that not only has five bars open but has five screens showing all the action.
Getting to Wimbledon
Make sure you don’t miss important match points by timing your public transport links just right whether you’re coming by bus, train or tram. After a long day of walking around the grounds and Pimms drinking, why not book a place to stay nearby at our Wimbledon South Premier Inn hotel?
By car
While there is no parking on site during the Championships, there is limited parking at the nearby car parking space. Use SW19 5AF to locate it via your Sat Nav.
By bus
During Championships, the London General shuttle bus picks up from Wimbledon station and drops you to the venue. There are also services from St. Pancras, Euston, Baker Street and Victoria every 30 minutes.
By tube
The closest stations Wimbledon are Southfields and Wimbledon. Both of which are a 10-15 minute walk away from the courts. If you don’t fancy the walk, jump on the 493 bus which will take you to the action.
By tram
From East Croydon station, trams will run every five minutes to Wimbledon station. On Sundays, they run every eight minutes and the journey takes around 25 minutes.