What You Should Know About Attending Wimbledon

Wimbledon is a peculiar event — one part garden party, one part tailgate. Whether you’re a tennis junkie or a casual fan, follow these tips to make the most of your day.

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (NOT the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club) is located away from the city, so you’ll either need an Uber or have to endure an hour-long ride on the Tube.

British residents and overseas citizens get first dibs, but camping out for tickets is one of the quintessential Wimbledon experiences, fitting for a country known for its queues. It’s not so bad since you’re allowed to leave the line until 10 p.m. Pitch your tent a day or two ahead of time and get a card: 1–500 will get you into Centre Court, 501–1000 is Court 1 and so on. You’re also allowed to choose a lower court if you see a better draw.

While planning your day, keep in mind you’re allowed one bag per person, though no hard-sided items like coolers or suitcases. You can bring food and drinks, even one bottle of wine/Champagne or two cans of beer/mixed drinks per person. There are plenty of great caterers serving food, as well as a lot of mediocre fast food. If you like tradition, line up for some strawberries and cream and be prepared to complain about the price while standing in the queue.

Don’t think you need to be at the main courts to enjoy yourself. The crowds sitting at the show courts tend to be reserved, but if you’ll hear plenty of cheering at the lower courts, usually for British players, underdogs and former champions. Watching the action on Court 1’s giant screen is nice for a picnic, though you still need a £20 grounds pass to sit there.