Quick search
Go

Become a Smith member...

Buy the book

Few people know that Wimbledon began as a garden party back in 1877, when it was witnessed by only a few hundred spectators. Now it’s a fortnight long, world-famous tournament of epic proportions, with die-hard fans queueing for as long as three days to get tickets. If any event is synonymous with the British establishment, it’s Wimbledon, and it’s this reputation, along with the world-class pro tennis, of course, that attracts thousands from far and wide to visit the hallowed grounds. Tradition looms large here: no other competition has such a strict dress code, and Wimbledon is the only grandstand tournament still played on grass courts. It is one of the oldest, most prestigious and – some argue – most important tennis events of the season, with players from more than 60 nations competing, and millions of spectators tuning in around the world.

Highlights

In The Know

Head Count

Almost half a million attend Wimbledon every year.

Meeting Point

Meet your party outside the Clubhouse main entrance at the front of Centre Court, or underneath the big screen by Number 1 court.

Best View

The Royal Box… Failing that, the middle of Aorangi Terrace, known as ‘the Hill’, is great for watching the big screen.

Packing Tips

Bring sunscreen and wear white if you want to blend in with the players. As usual with outdoor summer festivities of the English kind, it’s best to be prepared for rain.

Escape

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is a great place to nip away from the crowds and sunshine. Reopened in March 2006, the museum documents how modern-day tennis has evolved from the original mediaeval sport. Open all year round, it also houses the trophies, since players aren’t allowed to take them home.

Dos and don'ts

• Indulge in strawberries and cream. Approximately 28,000 kilos of strawberries and 7,000 litres of cream are sold each year at Wimbledon. And when you’ve had your fill, how about a tall glass of terribly English Pimm’s?
• Bring a picnic – some of the food on site is very expensive, and not necessarily worth it. But remember that actual hampers are not allowed, for security reasons.
• Don’t dwell on the fact that the British haven’t produced a single home-grown champion since Fred Perry (in 1936) and Virginia Wade (in 1977).
• Don’t leave your phone on. Mobiles are strictly forbidden on the courts.

Need To Know

Children

Young tennis fans are welcome.

Parking

On-street parking is not permitted in any of the nearby roads during the tournament, and on-site parking is extremely limited: ring 020 8946 2244 to check availability. There is a park-and-ride scheme, which costs £12, and entrepreneurial locals do sometimes rent out parking spots – arrive early (before 09h) and keep your eyes peeled for signs.

Disability Access

The ground is fully accessible. There is a separate postal ballot for those in wheelchairs (see www.wimbledon.org for more information). Organisers request that those with sight impairment are accompanied by a fully sighted companion in case of emergency.

Food & Drink

For quality picnic provisions, try Bayley & Sage on the High Street in Wimbledon Village (020 8946 9904), or pick up supplies at the Wimbledon Farmer’s Market (Saturdays, 09h–13h; see www.lfm.org.uk for more details). For post-tournament drinking, the nearby Eclipse bar is great place to spot the players after-hours (020 8944 7722; www.eclipse-ventures.com).

Sleep

Blakes, in South Kensington, is all oriental opulence, and does terrific breakfast in bed. The Bingham offers cool urbanity in leafy Richmond; the Rockwell in Earls Court is an elegant townhouse. In Chiswick, High Road House has quirky, comfortable rooms. Visit www.mrandmrssmith.com for more details of these and other London bolt-holes, and to make bookings, or ring 0845 034 0701.

VIP

There are two official tour operators providing hospitality packages: Keith Prowse (0845 602 8900; www.keithprowse.co.uk) and Sportsworld Group (01235 555844; www.sportsworld.co.uk/wimbledon).

More Details

www.wimbledon.org