Wimbledon: The Complete Guide

It’s that time of year again – the world’s most famous tennis tournament is here, and we’re getting ready to don our best Wimbledon whites for 14 action-packed days of Pimm’s, strawberries, and cream, and plenty of fierce competition from the world’s greatest players.

Taking place from 1 – 14 July at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon is a firm favourite on London’s social calendar, and anyone who is anyone is bound to be in attendance (keep an eye out for Kate Middleton and the rest of the Royals, who are regulars in the Royal Box at Centre Court).

A Brief History of Wimbledon

Founded back in 1877 at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, now known as the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon is one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis championships in the world. Originally intended as a fundraiser to repair the club's pony roller, which was used to maintain the lawns, the inaugural tournament featured only one event, the Gentlemen's Singles.

Since then, Wimbledon has garnered some of the most impressive moments in sporting history, with highlights including the longest ever recorded match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut in 2010 (it lasted for 11 hours and 5 minutes and was contested over three days), the 2008 final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, which is often regarded as the greatest tennis match ever played (Nadal was victorious), and Serena Williams' dominance with her multiple championships.

Things To See and Do at Wimbledon Tennis

The primary attraction at Wimbledon is, of course, the tennis, with play on the outside courts starting at 11 am each day, and on the Show Courts between 1 – 1.30pm. This year, despite being seeded behind Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic will bid to win a men's record-extending 24th Grand Slam crown, while, in the women's draw, Elena Rybakina will be aiming to defend her title from last year. Currently struggling with a viral illness, she will face tough competition from Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Cameron Norrie is the highest-ranked British player in either singles draw, and made the semi-finals at the All England Club last year.

Elsewhere, be sure to take some time to explore the perfectly-manicured grounds. There’s also an immersive museum located on the grounds where you can explore interactive exhibits, displays of tennis memorabilia, and learn all about the tournament's rich heritage.

Eating and Drinking at Wimbledon

As to be expected, you can indulge in the very best of British cuisine throughout the grounds, which serves up everything from bowls of sweet, juicy strawberries accompanied by dollops of thick whipped cream, jug after jug of fruity Pimm's, fresh fish and chips and endless gourmet options from the various food stalls and on-site restaurants.

What Shall I Wear to Wimbledon?

Dressing for Wimbledon is the antithesis of the high-octane glamour of the likes of Royal Ascot. Courtside outfits are expected to be chic, discreet and, most importantly, comfortable. This translates to easy tailoring or flowy summer midi dresses for women. Heels are allowed, but if you’re planning on queueing for tickets, we suggest a pair of flat sandals or trainers for extra comfort. Hats are discouraged, as they can block other spectators’ views.

Though not essential, many men choose to wear their best summer suits, plus an array of jacket and trouser combinations. The summer weather is the perfect opportunity to swap a more formal shirt for something in linen, a polo, or a smart crew neck tee.

How Do I Get Tickets for Wimbledon?

Unfortunately, it’s not going to be easy (or it’s going to cost you a pretty penny) to pre-purchase tickets to Wimbledon 2023 – public ballot sales ended in December 2022 and hospitality tickets are sold out, while the limited Debenture tickets up for sale are eye-wateringly expensive.

For on-the-day tickets, your best option is to join the extremely British institution that is The Queue, but bear in mind it could mean turning up the night before for Show Court seats or at 9am for a Grounds Pass in order to avoid an excruciatingly long wait.

How Do I Get To Wimbledon?

Held in the pristine and leafy suburb of SW19, if you’re arriving at Wimbledon by public transport, the nearest stations are Wimbledon (train, District underground line and tram) and Southfields (District underground line).