How to Attend Wimbledon: A Quintessential British Experience
In July, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a 148-year-old sporting tradition: Wimbledon. Known globally as one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments, experiencing it in person was nothing short of unforgettable.
How to Attend Wimbledon
There are three main ways to obtain tickets for Wimbledon:
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The Ballot – A lottery system offering a chance to purchase tickets.
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Hospitality Packages – Premium experiences available for direct purchase.
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The Queue – A same-day ticketing system that’s both iconic and incredibly popular.
My family and I chose the third option: The Queue, an experience that’s as much a part of Wimbledon as the matches themselves. It’s a tradition that has grown in popularity and represents the kind of orderly enthusiasm the British are known for.
Planning the Experience
After extensive research, we decided to attend on Sunday, July 6, just before crowds really began to swell. This timing offered the best chance to secure tickets without camping overnight.
We departed from Tower Bridge Tube Station, boarding the District Line with other tennis enthusiasts. For those using public transportation, there are two station options:
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Wimbledon Station – best for ticket holders
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Southfields Station – best for those joining The Queue
Since we were queuing, we exited at Southfields. From there, we followed the crowds—impossible to miss—through a charming village adorned in Wimbledon décor. Coffee shops and stores were fully embracing the event’s festive spirit. After a 10-minute walk, we arrived at our destination: The Queue.
Welcome to The Queue
Passing under the “Welcome to The Queue” arch was an exciting moment. Although I wanted a family photo, we were focused on securing our place in line, so I snapped a quick shot as we moved toward the Queue Steward holding the End of Queue flag.
A steward handed us Queue Cards, which are numbered to maintain order and ensure fairness. Queue jumping is not tolerated, and stewards regularly check cards throughout the day.
Wimbledon releases several thousand same-day tickets daily:
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The first 500 queue cards typically go to those who camp overnight, granting access to Centre Court and Courts 1 & 2.
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Queue cards under #8000 usually guarantee Grounds Passes, which grant entry to Courts 3–18, the Practice Courts, and the ever-popular Henman Hill.
Knowing we wouldn’t arrive early enough for the top 500, we accepted the risk and allowed ourselves some extra rest. Thankfully, we were rewarded with queue cards #6639, 6640, and 6641—a pleasant surprise considering the previous day’s numbers exceeded 12,000 at the same time!
The Waiting Game
It was 8:00 AM. The grounds wouldn’t open until 10:00 AM. With over 6,000 people ahead of us, we settled in for the long wait.
Prepared with a blanket and card games, we watched my husband double back to one of the charming coffee shops we’d passed earlier. Though food trucks were available at the field, the aroma and charm of the café lured us back. The croissants were well worth it.
At 10:00 AM, the gates opened and the line began moving. By 10:03, we had been repositioned closer to the main queue area. We remained there for another two hours, enjoying games, conversation, and even a short nap. Around 12:30 PM, the line resumed steady movement, and by 12:54 PM, we had our Grounds Passes in hand.
Cost: £30 per person (approximately $40 USD)
Inside the Grounds
Entering the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club was nothing short of magical. The atmosphere was electric—until the skies opened and a quintessential London rainstorm began. Luckily, we were near a merchandise shop and took shelter until the rain passed. Once it cleared, we began exploring.
Traditions and Tastes
No trip to Wimbledon is complete without sampling the strawberries and cream. This classic treat is exactly what it sounds like: fresh strawberries topped with pourable cream—not whipped.
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My daughter wasn’t a fan.
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My husband found it enjoyable but forgettable.
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I loved it—the freshness and simplicity were perfect.
I paired mine with a mini bottle of rosé champagne, which made for a lovely mid-day treat.
Next, I tried a Pimm’s Cup, another Wimbledon staple. This refreshing cocktail—made with Pimm’s (a gin-based liqueur), sparkling lemonade, mint, and fresh lemon—is light and summery. As a gin enthusiast, I found it delightful.
The Tennis
Of course, the main attraction was the tennis itself. While some outer courts had limited or obstructed views, we eventually found great vantage points. One of the best parts of Wimbledon’s policy is that spectators must vacate their seats between matches—creating opportunities for others to rotate in.
After a brief second rain delay, we made it into Court 12, one of the larger side courts, and watched an exciting men’s singles match. One of the players had a heated exchange with the chair umpire, who, interestingly, had also officiated the 2025 French Open women’s final—a fun bit of trivia for tennis fans.
We spent the rest of the afternoon soaking in the atmosphere: watching more matches, visiting the museum, shopping, and enjoying the beautiful grounds. Our necks may have gotten a workout from tracking all the rallies, but it was well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Wimbledon is a celebration of tradition, sport, and British culture. From queuing with thousands of fans to sipping Pimm’s, every moment was memorable. Despite the rain, the waiting, and the crowds, it was a fabulous day—one we’ll never forget.
By Carrie Ludlam
Contact: Carrie@fabulousadventurestravel.com
Passion: Universal, Cruises, Europe
About Carrie: As a Universal Studios expert, I love sharing firsthand experiences, insider knowledge, and smart tips to help you make the most of your magical trip. Planning stress-free, unforgettable vacations is my passion — whether you’re craving the excitement of a theme park, the serenity of a cruise, the charm of a European escape, or anything in between.
My goal? To help you wonder less and wander more. With me handling the details, you can relax and enjoy every moment of your adventure, knowing your travel plans are in expert hands.
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