Wimbledon 2024
Whether you’re braving the queue, scoffing strawberries in the Royal Box or soaking up the atmosphere in the local pub, here’s a comprehensive guide to the leafy south west London suburb from a local!
By Natasha
So, you’ve scored tickets to Wimbledon (jealous!) – the roar of the crowd, the immaculate grass, the legendary white whites…it’s no wonder it’s a bucket list destination for tennis fans. But for first-timers, figuring out the logistics (tickets, queuing, restaurants and where to find the perfect pint) can feel like wading through an endless stream of information.
Fear not! Having grown up in Wimbledon with my parents still there, I’d say I’m pretty well-versed in most things Wimbledon. I’ve been fortunate to attend the tournament most years and spent a few working there in my teens. My knowledge extends beyond the court – I’ve spent a lot of time (sometimes far too much time!) eating and drinking my way around SW19. So whether you’re taking your seat on Centre Court, braving the infamous queue, or heading to the Village to soak up the atmosphere, you can ditch the Google searches. This guide equips you with everything you need to know for a memorable Championship fortnight!
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Nestled in the southwest London suburb of Wimbledon, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) has been the stage for legendary Wimbledon Championships since 1877. Stepping onto the grounds is like stepping back in time, with manicured lawns, Victorian architecture, and a strict dress code for players adding to the tournament’s unique atmosphere. Centre Court, the crown jewel of the AELTC, boasts a retractable roof, ensuring play continues rain or shine.
Tickets
Wimbledon attracts a massive crowd, with over 500,000 spectators expected to attend this year’s tournament. It’s always a sell-out event, attracting tennis fans from across the globe. Tickets go on sale in a complex online ballot system that opens in December. For those unsuccessful in the ballot, a limited number of tickets are made available for purchase on the day via a queuing system. ‘The Queue’ (so famed it has an official guide here ) often moves quickly, but be prepared – you may be there for several hours! Make sure you have enough snacks, a charged phone, water, and sunscreen. You can check wimbledon.com for the status of The Queue.
Experience
Getting to the Tennis…
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is situated near Southfields station, up the hill from Wimbledon station, and down a different hill from Wimbledon Village. It’s essentially in the middle of all three. Unless you’re being chauffeured, you’ll likely do some walking.
Here’s a breakdown of travel options:
Wimbledon Station (Train, District line and Tram): A 27-minute walk to The Championships. Wimbledon Station also offers a dedicated shuttle service to the grounds for a fee.
Southfields Station (District line): A 19-minute walk to The Championships. This is the best option if you’re joining the queue, as you’ll find the end of it near the station in Wimbledon Park.
Raynes Park Station (Train): A great shout for those wanting to skip the crowds, especially if you’re driving. Finding parking near the Championships is extremely difficult unless you’ve booked ahead. Consider setting your sat nav to Raynes Park, parking there, and heading to the Village via bus (200) or Wimbledon town (57, 131). Alternatively, it’s a 17-minute walk (uphill) to the Hand in Hand pub or the common. Also of note, it’s an easier place to pick up Ubers from as there are considerably less people competing for them!
The Green Space
A short distance from the manicured lawns of Wimbledon Tennis lies Wimbledon Common, a sprawling 1,140-acre expanse of green space. This oasis offers a welcome escape from the tournament crowds, with areas for picnicking, exploring woodlands, and even enjoying a round of golf on the Wimbledon Common Golf course. Standing sentinel over the Common is the iconic Wimbledon Windmill, a restored 19th-century landmark. Climb to the top for stunning views, or delve into the fascinating world of windmills at the on-site museum.
For a more formal garden experience, head to Cannizaro Park, tucked away on the southwestern edge of Wimbledon Common. Boasting ornamental gardens, picturesque ponds, and elegant sculptures, Cannizaro Park offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a quieter alternative to the vibrant Wimbledon atmosphere. Here, you can unwind amidst the beautiful landscaping, perfect for a glass of wine or relaxing with a book. We recommend grabbing some picnic essentials at Tesco or Bailey and Sage (their deli selection is worth the price tag!). Find a spot on the sprawling lawns of Wimbledon Common and watch the sunset – it’s a truly dreamy experience.
The Pubs
Forget the stuffy Centre Court seats – the real Wimbledon experience involves raising a Pimm’s in a sun-drenched pub garden, cheers erupting from the telly as the game unfolds. Luckily for you, there are a number of brilliant and famed pubs within walking distance of each other. Be warned, these pubs can get packed, especially after 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. Getting there early is your best bet to snag a seat or table.
Here are some of our favourite pubs, all within walking distance:
The Dog & Fox: A hotel, pub, and restaurant with a large roadside beer garden in the heart of Wimbledon Village. Arguably the best place for people (or horse!) watching on a sunny afternoon. They also have regular outdoor BBQs and a great food menu.
The Rose & Crown: A legendary Wimbledon Village pub built for and around the local community. With an all-day dining and drinks menu, it has a large outdoor area (they add a marquee over their car park for the Championships), but be warned, it gets extremely busy.
The Hand in Hand and The Crooked Billet: These two pubs are side-by-side on an idyllic corner of Wimbledon Common. Both serve fresh, seasonal British food alongside a variety of drinks. Grab a Pimm’s and a deckchair (both pubs provide these for free) and relax on the green.
The Fox and Grapes: A hidden gem tucked away by the side of Wimbledon Common. This hotel, restaurant, and pub offers fantastic food, so be sure to book ahead for lunch or dinner.
The Alexandra: A pub in Wimbledon town with two traditional bars, big-screen live sport, and a covered roof terrace with DJs on weekends. A great selection of cocktails.
The Old Fields: A vibrant pub in Southfields known for its friendly service and huge drinks selection. There’s no beer garden, but a few tables out front make it a great place to cool down and watch the tennis on the telly.
The Restaurants
While all the pubs in Wimbledon offer delicious food, sometimes you fancy a more formal dining experience. Wimbledon has all the usual suspects, from Nandos and Pizza Express to Cote and Carluccios, but here are a few of our favourite independent restaurants: Be aware that these places get booked up fast, so we’ve chosen some that accept walk-ins. However, expect them to be busier after matches, so consider lunch or an early dinner to avoid the crowds.
Thai Tho, Wimbledon Village: Thai Tho is a family friendly, local owned restaurant providing freshly cooked traditional Thai food. The BEST pad kee mao in London. A classic.
Rajdoot Tandoori, Wimbledon Village is an institution. This is an amazing, family owned Indian restaurant that offers Traditional dishes done well and unpretentiously. It’s also a great place to player-watch. It was always rumoured to be Federer’s tradition to eat here the night before a game.
Cent Anni, Wimbledon Village: This local Italian serves up sunny Mediterranean food in a contemporary setting of oak floors, bare tables and comfy leather seating. Who doesn’t love pasta?!
Chango, Wimbledon Village: Chango combines authentic Argentine empanadas and stews with high quality Spanish tapas and the best selection of Argentine wines. Be warned, it’s TINY, but they do do empanadas to go- so grab a couple and head to the common or save them for the tube-ride home!
The Ivy Cafe, Wimbledon Village: I know we said no big chains, but The Ivy Cafe deserves a mention. The all-day menu is textbook Ivy (a global mash-up covering everything from shepherd’s pie to crispy duck salad) and whilst the cooking’s nothing special (don’t get me wrong, it’s certainly not bad!) – the post-match people-watching is spectacular. Plus they have a lovely little garden (if you can get a table!)
Diba, Wimbledon town: Diba is a must-visit for authentic Persian cooking. Think joyous feasts of spices and herbs, cooked using fresh British produce and served with warm Persian hospitality. Fabulous!
Al Forno, Wimbledon town: A brick oven baked pizza and a jug of Sangria is exactly what you need post-tennis. We love Al Forno, a legendary Wimbledon spot with rustic decor, dotted with Chianti fiascos and colourful art.
authentic
What To Bring:
This year’s Wimbledon promises to be a scorcher, with temperatures expected to reach highs in the upper 20s Celsius (around 80°F) and possibly even exceeding 30°C (86°F) on some days. So be prepared for potentially stifling temperatures- it’s worth noting that London can feel particularly hot during heatwaves compared to other parts of the world, due to the urban heat island effect. To ensure you stay comfortable and enjoy the best of Wimbledon, here are some essentials we recommend bringing:
Sunscreen: Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply throughout the day, especially after sweating or being in the sun for extended periods.
Hat: A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face and neck from the sun and help you stay cool.
Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, especially in hot weather. A reusable water bottle allows you to avoid single-use plastics and stay refreshed throughout the day. Plastic bottles (and glass bottles) are not permitted within the grounds.
Portable Power Bank: A battery charger is your BFF at Wimbledon. Whether you’re catching epic rallies, trying to track down your mates in the queue, or documenting your tennis adventure on social media, a power bank ensures you stay connected all day long.
Dress Code:
Wimbledon’s a prestigious event, so why not use it as an opportunity to get dressed up?! Embrace the tradition and don your best smart casual attire. Comfort’s key, so opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothes in natural fibers like cotton or linen to keep cool. There’s no formal dress code (unless you’re in members’ areas), but there are expectations.
Lewis Hamilton once fell foul of the rules and missed the Wimbledon final in 2015 between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer after being refused entry. He was unable to take his seat due to his outfit not meeting the required standards! So be sure to skip the ripped jeans, sportswear, leggings, and anything too revealing. They might not let you in! Also of note, Wimbledon is subject to the ever unpredictable Great British weather. Pack an extra layer for rain showers – most of the tennis (except Centre Court) is outdoors. A pocket umbrella might be a good call too.
We hope this guide has equipped you with all the information you need for a memorable Wimbledon experience. Enjoy the Championships! Share your top tips with us via social!
Team Glorious xxx
For more info, be sure to head to www.wimbledon.com
Title image via AELTC
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