Wimbledon is one of the best fortnights of the summer in London. Read on to find out how to get the most out of your visit
Is is Federer’s last year? Could he win again? See Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in action, or just enjoy the food, music and atmosphere at Wimbledon. And if you didn’t get tickets yet, don’t despair, you can still get in to see the best of the action.
1. Maximise your ticket chances
Remember to enter the annual ballot. Also, Ticketmaster offers a sale the night before play, or you can queue up for a ground pass. Many people hand their show-court tickets back in later in the day, so try the ticket booth from about 4pm to upgrade your ground pass
2. The Queue
The queue is where determined would-be tennis goers set up camp overnight, or early in the morning. Limited tickets are available on the day for centre court, number one court and number two court, apart from the last four days of the tournament. But get there early! In great British tradition, we all love a queue. The queuing area in Wimbledon Park has become a temporary campsite, with lighting and loos. Set up your tent overnight with friends and ‘party for a ticket’.
3. Don’t shun the outer courts
Wimbledon isn’t just about the well-publicised singles draw. Check out the fiercely competitive doubles matches, spot rising stars among the juniors, or admire the dynamos of the wheelchair tournament
4. Enjoy the music
If you want a break from the on-court action, enjoy Wimbledon’s resident brass band—the perfect musical accompaniment to the tournament’s famous strawberries and cream
5. Head for the hill
Murray Mound is the place to be—picnic, watch the best matches on the big screen, and enjoy the party atmosphere.
The best pubs and restaurants in Wimbledon
Wimbledon has a proliferation of chain restaurants and pubs, from Wagamama to Côte but there are a few local places to eat which come highly recommended.
You can get just what you feel like at any time of day and into the night at the latest outpost of the Ivy thanks to their flexible all-day menu.
Right in the heart of Wimbledon village this has lots of room for pre-or-post match drinkers, and the dining room serves excellent food if Pimms and strawberries and cream haven’t filled you up.
This cocktail bar also in Wimbledon village also serves snacks, tapas and pizzas.
Right by Wimbledon Park station this asian stalwart has been serving happy customers for 15 years.
** If you love tennis, don’t miss our Best of Britain issue out on July 6. It’s a brilliant issue crammed full of the best of British fashion (with a gorgeous tennis-themed fashion shoot), incredibe interiors, 24 hours at The Ritz, and much much more.
