A beginner’s guide to The Queue at Wimbledon

The Queue at Wimbledon: A Beginner's Guide

The one and only time I ever skipped school was to go to Wimbledon. I was 16, it was a sunny day, and it ended with me and my friends watching Tim Henman playing Roger Federer on Centre Court. Since then, I’ve been to Wimbledon another four times, and it remains my favourite British summertime event of all.

You may think that Wimbledon is only for tennis fanatics, but as someone who never watches the sport outside of this one annual event, I can assure you that Wimbledon is a great day out whether you know a let from a lob or you’re just in it for the Pimms. A finite number of people are allowed into the grounds each day which means that, although it is busy, it’s never unbearably crowded. Fans celebrate without being rowdy and the whole experience is, to be quite English about it, very proper.

If you didn’t score tickets in the ballot, the best way to get into Wimbledon is to join the famous Queue, but I know a few tips and tricks that will help make your day so much more pleasant. For the best possible experience at this famous English event, here’s my beginner’s guide to The Queue at Wimbledon:

Fast facts about The Queue

The Queue at Wimbledon: A Beginner's Guide

  • The Queue is located in Wimbledon Park, which is close to Southfields or Wimbledon Park tube stations.
  • Once in The Queue, you’ll be given a Queue Card with a number on it. This is your place in the line and you’ll need this card to buy your ticket later, so don’t lose it.
  • Food and drink can be purchased from vendors in the park, and toilets are available on site.
  • There are two entrance times: one in the morning at 9:30am another at 5pm.
  • Grounds Admission gives you access to limited seats in Court Three, any seat in Courts 4-19 and the infamous Murray Mound (which everyone still calls Henman Hill).
  • You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks into Wimbledon, but there are some limitations.
  • As well as Grounds Admission, The Queue has an allocation of Centre Court, Court One and Court Two tickets available, but to even stand a chance at these coveted tickets you’ll need to camp overnight in the park.

Tips and tricks for The Queue

The Queue at Wimbledon: A Beginner's Guide

Arrive early

When I arrived at 6am I was number 4,077 in the queue, so over 4,000 people arrived before me, some of whom had camped there overnight. Arrive much later than 7:30 and you may not even get in during the day. It’s best to plan an early morning so you get the most out of your visit.

Come prepared

At a minimum, you’ll want a picnic blanket, sunscreen, water, snacks, an umbrella, some warm clothing (yes, even in a heatwave) and cash. For the keen amongst us, you may also want to pack a proper picnic including wine (1 bottle each) or beer (2 each).

Pack light

You can’t go overboard with your picnic basket, as you can only bring one small bag each into the grounds, although there is a left luggage facility available for a fee if you need. Keep in mind also that there are some unexpected items you can’t take in with you: thermos flasks, selfie sticks, camping seats or camera lenses over 300mm.

The Queue at Wimbledon: A Beginner's Guide

Bring cash

To buy your ticket into the Grounds you’ll need cash…it’ll also come in handy to purchase refreshments (hello Pimms and Strawberries & Cream) and resale tickets.

Dress for the occasion

There’s no dress code for Wimbledon, although people tend to opt for a smart-casual look. If you’re planning on spending time watching the big screen on the Hill, you’ll want to be comfortable sitting on the grass (i.e. short skirts might not be the best choice). Your day will involve a lot of walking, so choose your shoes carefully.

Keep an eye out

One of the wonderful things about Wimbledon is that you can be lucky enough to see some of the sport’s biggest stars walking between courts or signing autographs near the Aorangi Pavilion. Keep your eyes peeled.

Queue again

If anyone leaves Wimbledon before the end of the day, they can choose to donate their ticket to be resold. From 3pm you can queue again to buy a resale ticket to Centre Court (for £10) or Court One or Two (for £5), with all proceeds going to charity. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see some incredible tennis for a fraction of the cost of a full-price ticket.

Have you been to Wimbledon before? What tips would you add?

13 Comments

  • Katty Kay says:

    This is great! You had me at the title to be honest.

    I have only been to the famous queue once before, even though I live in Wimbledon. Just like Glastonbury, it’s something everyone should do at least once!

  • Emily says:

    Great advice! I wish I had seen this before I went last year.

  • Daniel says:

    Hi Elle, thanks a lot for the info. I have a doubt. If I camp with a little tent, I can leave it somewhere during the day?

    How do they control how many people are in each tent!!

    Recommendation for arriving hour for first Monday and Tuesday?

    Thanks

    Daniel from Costa Rica!

  • Marco Piero says:

    Hi Elle,

    Very useful post!

    I am thinking of camping this year to attend the first Saturday but I cannot get into the queue earlier than 23:00h on Friday. Do you think I would still have a little chance to get tickets for the Centre Court, Court One and Court Two? I’ve heard about people camping on Friday to Monday…

  • Janelle Kay says:

    Hey Elle,

    Thanks for a great post! My hubby and I are planning on queuing at Wimbledon next summer (from Canada)! Even though it’s a year away, I am an excitingly planning ahead:)

    Janelle

  • You get there for 6am & you were number 4,077?! I’d love to go, for the experience, but just no – I’d HAVE to camp overnight, no way would TfL get me across London for that time!

    Becky :: accooohtrements.wordpress.com

    • Elle Croft says:

      Yep, you definitely have to get there as early as you can! Even if you couldn’t get there by tube though, you could always get an Uber – bit of an expense but it could be more comfortable than camping!

  • Dearbhaile says:

    I queued for Wimbledon six years ago (goodness that’s a long time!) with three friends that I dragged along. We stood for over four hours in a heatwave, eventually got in and collapsed into the first bench we found, which was by Court…18, I think. It was a junior boy’s match and actually one of the best matches I’ve ever watched. Even though we didn’t see any of the big names play, I’ll always remember the atmosphere – loved it!

    Dearbh x

    http://www.lifeofdearbh.com

    • Elle Croft says:

      Isn’t it strange that even after an uncomfortable queue it was still a fabulous experience? That’s the magic of Wimbledon!

  • Elle Croft says:

    Ah, you should certainly give it a go – it’s one of those classic London bucket list experiences. I’m sure you’ll love it!

  • This is great! I’ve always wondered how to get into Wimbledon – two summers here and I haven’t attempted yet… I feel like next year may just be the year! Looks and sounds like so much fun.

Comments are closed.