The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Wimbledon 2025 (Tickets, Queues, Tips & Traditions)
Wimbledon week is officially back—running from Monday, June 30 to Sunday, July 13, 2025 . Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, here’s everything you need to know to make tennis history part of your summer.
1. Getting Tickets: Your Best Routes In
Public Ballot
Register for the Wimbledon ballot via MyWimbledon between September–November of the previous year. Successful entrants get up to two tickets per household, randomly assigned to courts or days. The ballot runs again each January
Ground Pass via The Queue
The easiest way to experience Wimbledon live is by joining the famed Queue. Tickets for Centre, No.1, No.2 Courts (around 500 each), and thousands of Ground Passes—daily priced between £30–£20, cheaper later in the tournament—are released on the day. Ground Passes give access to courts 3–19 and big-screen viewing on Henman Hill
Debentures & Hospitality
For a premium experience, consider Debenture seats—guaranteed courtside access for five years with hospitality perks—or hospitality packages via Keith Prowse
Last-Minute & Resale
Look out for American Express ticket drops, official resale kiosks on-site, or resale via Ticketmaster—though these are limited and tend to go quickly
2. Queue Culture: Embrace the Sting
The Queue isn’t just a line—it’s a rite of passage.
The Queue guide recommends arriving early (even camping overnight), then joining at Wimbledon Park, and winding toward Gate 3, a 5-minute walk from Southfields station
On check-in, you’ll get a Queue Card with your number and time stamp. Download the Wimbledon App, link your myWimbledon account, and you can track your place and receive alerts
There's a Queue Code of Conduct—be respectful, no cutting, no jump-ins, and no solo queue stacking. Stewards enforce it
Use the Queue Village to freshen up. There are toilets, water stations, shade, and even food stalls .
3. What to Bring & What to Expect
Dress smart-casual: tennis whites are for players only. Go for light linens or summer dresses. Hats over logos, and no selfie sticks .
Pack wisely: sunscreen, refillable water bottle (no glass), snacks, picnic blanket, cash/card, poncho or umbrella .
Rainproof tennis: Centre Court and Court 1 now have retractable roofs. Play defaults to 1pm on show courts and 11am on outer courts
Food & drink: strawberries and cream are a tradition—over 38 tonnes consumed each year. Alcohol limits: 1 bottle of wine or 2 cans per person—no thermoses or glass bottles
4. Wimbledon Etiquette & Traditions
Dress code: All-white for players; spectators should avoid loud slogans or casual sportswear
Quiet, please: be silent during points. Chat and applause only between points—don’t open champagne near play .
Ballboys/girls: catchballs if they fly near—don’t return them.
Royal protocol: bow only if the King or Prince is present
Historical treats: strawberries and cream, Pimm’s, and the prestigious Champions’ Dinner—a star-studded post-tournament event
5. Insider Tips: Make Your Day Count
Arrive early to beat crowds and get a good seat at Gate 3.
Track Queue status via the app to avoid oversleeping.
Stay for long; matches run late, especially if you're near Centre Court.
Sit on Henman Hill for big-screen drama and the full Wimbledon atmosphere.
Visit the Lawn Tennis Museum—free for ticket holders, open 10am–5:30pm with final entry at 4:30pm
Explore Wimbledon Village—just steps from the grounds, known for quaint pubs and cafés
Plan your transport: District Line to Southfields is easiest; avoid driving
Sample Day at Wimbledon
8:00am – Join the queue with coffee (downloaded!)
9:30am – Grab tickets, enter grounds, and explore
11:00am – Outer court match while soaking up atmosphere
1:00pm – Centre Court action, strawberries & cream break
4:00pm – Swing by Museum or wander the grounds
7:00pm – Catch final match, fresh drink, stroll back to Southfields
Final Serve: Your Wimbledon Adventure Awaits
Wimbledon is a summer ritual like no other—steeped in tradition, full of surprises, and accessible even for first-timers. Whether you're queuing overnight for centre court or enjoying the buzz from Henman Hill, the experience is unforgettable.