With the iconic tennis tournament on the horizon, now’s the time to brush up on the dos and don’ts with our handy guide to Wimbledon 2024. The Championships are watched the world over, with all eyes on London as the great and the good of the tennis world descend on the capital. But how can you enjoy it like a pro? Read on for our insider guide to Wimbledon 2024, covering everything from what to wear and how to score tickets to the best places to eat and drink.
The Glossary Edit
Guide to Wimbledon 2024
When does Wimbledon start?
The Championships, commonly known as ‘Wimbledon’ or ‘Wimby’ (in tennis fan speak), take place at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) in SW19 during the first fortnight of July every year. The 2024 tournament runs from Monday 1 July to Sunday 14 July – perfectly timed to coincide with the English strawberry season. Apropos of which, some 38.4 tons of strawberries are sold at Wimbledon every year, at just £2.50 a pop. The price hasn’t changed since 2010.
What is the history of Wimbledon?
Wimbledon is the oldest and, inarguably, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. The first event took place in 1877 when 200 spectators paid a shilling a head to watch the final. Of the four ‘majors’ or ‘Grand Slam’ events – the others being the Australian Open, the French Open, and the US Open – Wimbledon is the only one played on grass. The Championships are steeped in tradition, still stipulating an all-white dress code for players (chic!). This year’s tournament is the 137th edition. The Championships were cancelled during the pandemic in 2020, the first time Wimbledon has ever been cancelled in peacetime.
Can I still get tickets to Wimbledon 2024?Â
At this point, there are no low-effort, low-outlay routes open to you. However, if means allow, you can purchase debenture tickets (these are Centre Court or No.1 Court tickets that can legally be sold by debenture holders), but they will set you back four figures. Far preferable to join ‘the queue’, an event in itself. Wimbledon is one of just a few major sporting events to sell top tier tickets on the day, with 500 ‘show court’ tickets a day going to the first in line. A cheaper grounds pass ticket, also available via the queue, gets you onto the outside courts and ‘Henman Hill’ (or ‘Murray Mound’, if you prefer). 2024 being – possibly, probably – Sir Andy Murray’s last Wimbledon, the hill will be a vibe.
How to join the queue at Wimbledon?Â
No guide to Wimbledon is complete without a section dedicated to ‘the queue’. The hardcore fans arrive early – as early as the night before – bringing tents, sleeping bags, and a steely resolve. The queue isn’t a recent phenomenon; it goes back at least a century, although these days it’s a well-organised affair. New arrivals join the back of the queue, where they’re issued with a numbered, dated queue card, which they must retain until ticket sales (strictly one per person) open in the morning. Entry continues until the grounds reach capacity, after which time it’s one in, one out. This handy guide from the AELTC will hold your hand through the process.
Can I just turn up at Wimbledon?Â
Last minute availability depends on a number of unpredictable factors, such as demand and the great British weather. If you weren’t lucky enough to secure a ticket in this year’s ballot (see below for details of next year’s), your options are to join the queue (as early as you can bear it) or to come in the evening, when the crowds start trickling home. After 3pm, ticket holders with a grounds pass may purchase returned show court tickets from the resale kiosk. However, there are no guarantees, and certainly not if Nadal’s playing (2024 will almost certainly be the 2008 and 2010 champ’s last Wimbledon).
How early should I arrive at Wimbledon?
The grounds open at 10am. Play starts on the outside courts at 11am, on No.1 Court at 1pm and on Centre Court at 1.30pm. It’s worth getting there early to soak up the atmosphere, visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum (behold, Stan Smith’s actual Stan Smiths), peruse the gift shop (Wimbledon has its own line of tenniscore), and enjoy a Pimm’s or two with some strawberries and cream.Â
How can I get tickets for Wimbledon 2025?Â
The most popular way to get tickets for Wimbledon is via the AELTC public ballot, which you can register for in the autumn with a myWimbledon account. It is, quite literally, the luck of the draw. You’ll find out if you’ve been successful in early 2025, when unsold tickets will be allocated in a second wave. The LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) also has a ballot for its Advantage members, accredited coaches, volunteers, and officials. The surest way in, however, is to register your interest now for VIP hospitality packages from Keith Prowse, Wimbledon’s official partner, whose on-site restaurants this year include Michel Roux’s sold out Le Gavroche pop-up.
What should I wear to Wimbledon?Â
Check your weather app before you go and pack all of the following anyway: sunglasses, pac-a-mac, umbrella, a fleece, a light jacket for shoulder coverage, and a big bottle of SPF50 (fair-skinned Jannik Sinner swears by La Roche-Posay). There is no dress code per se, but with influencers such as American player Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend Morgan Riddle in attendance, any guide to Wimbledon will tell you to dress up, not down. A floaty summer dress, any length, is a good choice for women, while chaps should take a cue from celebrity attendees such as David Beckham and Tom Hiddleston and choose a crisply cut linen suit.
What’s the best day to go to Wimbledon?Â
Count yourself lucky if you’ve got tickets to the men’s or women’s single finals; they’re historic occasions, no matter how the match plays. However, for the thrills and spills of Grand Slam tennis at its finest, tickets for the cheaper first week can be a better bet. There are more shocks, more Brits, and there’s more play on the outside courts, the graveyards of champions.
What is there to eat and drink at Wimbledon?
Though VIP packages were sold out as early as March this year, there are still bookable restaurants at the All England Club, including The Wingfield, a terribly British place to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, and the Centenary Brasserie and Seafood Bar for hand-cut smoked salmon, peeled crevettes, and caviar with blinis. Ticket holders can pre-order a picnic for lunch or afternoon tea from June 10. Just the thing on Henman Hill.
