1: Experience the famous “THE QUEUE.” Tickets to Wimbledon are notoriously hard to come by, but aside from entering the public ballot the previous autumn, purchasing a debenture, or securing an expensive hospitality package, queuing up at Wimbledon Park is another option. For outer court tickets, arrive early in the morning and you’ll be in by noon. If you’re after Centre Court or No. 1 Court tickets, prepare for an overnight camping trip in line.
2: Picnic on Murray Mound. The small hill outside No. 1 Court, formerly known as “Hillman Hill,” was renamed “Murray Mound” after Tim Henman’s retirement. Fans love to sit here, enjoy a picnic, and watch the big screen while cheering on their favorite players. At the top of “Murray Mound” stands a large Wimbledon logo with the year’s tournament, perfect for a photo opportunity.
3: Sip on a PIMM’S cocktail. The PIMM’S bar on “Murray Mound” always has a long queue. This refreshing drink is a British summer staple, low in alcohol, and flavored with various spices and fruits.
4: Indulge in strawberries and cream. Strawberries and cream are an iconic Wimbledon food, priced at £2.50 per serving. Officially, over 7,000 liters of cream and 28 tons of strawberries are consumed annually during the tournament.
5: Snap a photo with the Fred Perry statue outside Centre Court. Fred Perry was a legendary British athlete, a former table tennis world champion who also excelled in tennis, winning all four Grand Slams in the 1930s and amassing a total of eight singles titles. It wasn’t until Andy Murray won Wimbledon in 2013 that a British player broke Perry’s 77-year drought in the men’s singles.
6: Find the plaque commemorating the “Longest Tennis Match” on the exterior wall of Court 18. In 2010, American John Isner played for 11 hours and 5 minutes across three days, defeating France’s Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68, setting a record for the longest match in tennis history. With the current tiebreak rules in Grand Slam finals, such a scenario is now impossible. A commemorative plaque was installed on the brickwork of Court 18 in honor of this historic match.
7: Embrace London’s unpredictable weather. With daylight lasting until 8 or 9 pm in June and July, visitors should still be prepared for rain, even in summer. A light jacket and umbrella are essential, as rain can come unexpectedly. This year, the outer courts have already experienced intermittent showers. However, with two retractable-roofed stadiums, the schedules of major matches remain unaffected.
8: Try your luck at the Ticket Resale! Often overlooked, the ticket resale booth located above Court 18 offers a chance to purchase tickets that have been returned or vacated by spectators at discounted prices, with proceeds going to charity. If you miss out on Centre Court or other main courts, give it a shot here.
9: Visit the Wimbledon Museum. Situated near the 4th Gate souvenir shop, the museum is open to ticket holders during the tournament. Take a stroll through time and explore the rich history of tennis over the centuries – a fascinating experience!
10: Take home a Wimbledon souvenir. Souvenir shops are scattered around the grounds, offering a wide range of products, from tennis-related items to everyday goods. The most sought-after souvenirs include player towels, Wimbledon teddy bears, umbrellas, and keychains or figurines featuring the trophy. If you’re there, are you sure you don’t want to take something home?
(Text and Images: Felix)