Whether you’re a lifelong tennis player or simply enjoy the buzz of live sport, a ticket to Wimbledon is the ultimate summer highlight. There’s nothing like being there in person, watching the world's best serve up exceptional tennis.
Be it on Centre Court at match point or soaking up the sun on The Hill with strawberries and cream in hand, every moment is electric. The incredible tennis, the rising excitement, and the roar of the crowd make it an unforgettable day out.
Everything you need to know about Wimbledon 2026
- 📍 Where: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, London.
- 🚇 Nearest Tube: Southfields (District).
- 📅 When: Monday 29 June to Sunday 12 July 2026.
- 🎟️ Tickets: Available through the official Wimbledon website. Options include the Wimbledon Public Ballot, hospitality packages, on-the-day tickets and resale tickets available at the grounds.
- ⏱️ Start times: The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) grounds open daily at 10am and close 45 minutes after the final match, with Centre Court and No 1 Court matches starting from 1pm.
- 🏆 Tournament type: Grand Slam on grass.
- 🎾 Players: Top seeds and rising stars, British hopefuls, past champions and returning legends.
- 🤝 Matches: Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Juniors, Wheelchair events, Invitation Doubles, Mixed Invitation Doubles, Champions Doubles.
- ⛅ Weather: Be weather-ready at Wimbledon. While all courts are outdoors, Centre Court and No 1 Court have retractable roofs to keep play going rain or shine.
- 🔎 The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum: Entry is free for all ticket holders. It’s open daily from 10am to 5.30pm (last entry at 4.30pm) during the summer season.
- 🎥 Broadcast and streaming: Wimbledon 2026 is broadcast globally, with coverage available on major networks and live streaming accessible via official digital platforms.
- 👥 Who is this for: Tennis fans, sports enthusiasts and anyone who loves the heritage and traditions of the world’s most iconic Grand Slam.
- 🍓 What to expect: World-class tennis, epic Centre Court moments, live match action, and the unmistakable atmosphere of the Wimbledon Championships.
History of the Wimbledon Championships
Wimbledon, officially known as The Championships, is the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. First held in 1877 by the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club in London, it began as a Gentlemen’s Singles event, expanding to Ladies’ Singles and Men’s Doubles in 1884, followed by Mixed Doubles and Ladies’ Doubles in 1913.
As the only Grand Slam still played on grass (and the third Grand Slam of the year), Wimbledon blends tradition with elite competition, from royal patronage and the all-white dress code to the iconic strawberries and cream. It has hosted some of tennis’s most unforgettable moments such as Rafael Nadal’s epic 2008 victory over Roger Federer and the record-breaking Isner-Mahut match in 2010.
Wimbledon’s legacy is defined by legendary champions such as Martina Navratilova, who holds a record nine Ladies’ Singles titles, and Roger Federer with eight Gentlemen’s Singles titles. There's no doubt that grass court season is a highlight in the tennis calendar, with all eyes on Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, all tipped to be standout contenders at Wimbledon 2026. Novak Djokovic also remains a major focus as he continues his pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title.
Top tips for the best Wimbledon 2026 experience
- 🎾Arrive early: If you’re planning to join the famous Wimbledon Queue, be sure to arrive early to secure a Ground Pass or Show Court tickets. At weekends, the Queue from Wimbledon Park can take up to five hours.
- 🎾Check the order of play: Plan your day by checking the order of play via the official Wimbledon website or app. Large display boards around the Wimbledon grounds show the daily Order of Play, including court assignments and match times. These are typically located near entrances and popular areas. Digital screens throughout the venue also provide live updates, scores and schedule changes in real time.
- 🎾Buy a Wimbledon programme: It gives you official match details, exclusive features and player insights, all in one beautifully designed keepsake. It’s both a practical guide for the day and a collectable memento of your visit – perfect for fans who want to take a piece of Wimbledon home. It’s also useful if you spot tennis players and celebrities for an autograph.
- 🎾Visit the Aorangi Practice Courts: Get a glimpse of the top players fine-tuning their game and preparing for their matches. It’s a popular spot for tennis fans hoping to see their favourite players up close.
- 🎾Visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum: This is a must-visit for tennis fans as it’s the world’s largest tennis museum, offering a fascinating journey through the history of the sport and The Championships. Visitors can view iconic trophies, historic memorabilia and enjoy interactive exhibits. It’s free to enter for ticket holders and is well worth a visit if you have time.
- 🎾Walk around the iconic Wimbledon grounds: A walk around the All England Lawn Tennis Club is an experience in itself. The grounds are a stunning blend of tradition, elegance and summer charm. From the iconic ivy-covered Centre Court to the lively atmosphere of Henman Hill and fan hub in the Southern Village - every corner offers something special. Walking the grounds lets you soak up the atmosphere, get a glimpse of matches being played on the outer courts, spot players on the practice courts and enjoy classic treats such as strawberries and cream. It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of Wimbledon between matches.
- 🎾Game, set and snack: Wimbledon offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from quick bites at grab-and-go stalls to refined meals in elegant restaurants, all featuring classic British fare. You can enjoy the iconic strawberries and cream at dedicated stalls across the grounds or as part of a traditional afternoon tea in select dining areas. Food outlets can get very busy, so it’s worth planning your dining in advance. One of my favourite spots is the chic Café by Ralph Lauren in the Southern Village.
- 🎾Serve hilltop vibes: Soak up the Wimbledon spirit even if you don’t have a Show Court ticket. Head to Henman Hill (also known as Murray Mound) to watch Centre Court matches on the big screen. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and bring a picnic, umbrella, waterproof blanket, sunscreen and a jumper to stay comfortable throughout the day.
- 🎾Beat the crowds: After a day of world-class tennis and hilltop picnics, plan your journey home. Public transport can get busy, so check live travel updates and consider leaving a little early or enjoying a stroll through Wimbledon Village, a charming spot full of cafes, pubs and boutique shops, which is perfect for a post-match bite or a breather before heading back.
The best places to watch Wimbledon
Spectating at the Wimbledon is about more than just watching the tennis, it’s about soaking up the incredible atmosphere of the event. Here’s a guide to what you can see with your ticket.
- Ground Pass: Best for exploring the grounds and catching match action on the outer courts.
- Centre Court: Best for watching top-seeded players and finals matches.
- No 1 Court: Best for high-quality matches and offers more ticket availability and affordability than Centre Court.
- No 2 and No 3 Courts: Best for seeing rising stars and competitive early-round matches.
- Henman Hill (Murray Mound): Best for watching top-level matches without Show Court tickets.
- The Southern Village: Best for enjoying a lively fan zone and interactive sponsor experiences.
Accessible viewing points at Wimbledon
- Centre Court, No 1 Court, No 2 Court, and No 3 Court all have designated wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
- Unreserved wheelchair spaces are also available on some outside courts, which are accessible on a first-come, first-served basis with a Ground Pass.
- Henman Hill (Murray Mound) has a designated accessible viewing area for watching the big screen.
Fun Wimbledon facts
- Around 38 tons of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream are consumed during the tournament each year.
- More than 54,000 Slazenger tennis balls are used each year, with used ones sold to fans in support of charity. Slazenger has been the official ball supplier since 1902.
- The grass is cut to exactly 8mm during the tournament and meticulously maintained year-round.
- Unlike other Grand Slams, Wimbledon keeps its courts ad-free, preserving a clean, classic look.
- The Royal Box on Centre Court has a strict dress code, and players must bow or curtsy if royalty is present.
- At 27 years old, Spencer Gore became the first Wimbledon champion in 1877. He won in three straight sets defeating William Marshall. The profit from the tournament totalled £10.
- Roger Federer has the most Wimbledon men’s singles titles with eight wins.
- Martina Navratilova has the most Wimbledon women’s singles titles with nine wins, including a record six consecutive wins from 1982 to 1987.
- At just 15 years old, Lottie Dod was the youngest woman to win the title in 1887. Boris Becker was the youngest man to win in 1985, aged 17.
- History was made in 2001, when Goran Ivanišević became the only wild card to win Wimbledon, ranked 125th in the world at the time.
- The longest match ever was between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut in 2010, it lasted 11 hours and five minutes over three days.
- The shortest match at Wimbledon took place in 1969, it took Sue Tutt 20 minutes to defeat Marion Boundy.
- In 2008, Venus Williams delivered the fastest serve in the women’s event at 129 mph (207.7 km/h).
- On day one of Wimbledon 2025, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard hit the fastest serve ever, with a recorded speed of 153 mph (246 km/h).
What's on in London during Wimbledon 2026
If you're visiting London for Wimbledon, there’s plenty more to enjoy across the city in July. Here are some of the top events and experiences happening during Wimbledon 2026.
- Soak up views of London with a limited-edition afternoon tea at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar: Celebrate the tennis season with a playful menu which includes a delicous Pimm's jelly.
- Head to Ham Yard for their popular 'Centre-Court Yard': This Soho spot's leafy courtyard will be transformed into an open-air destination for watching The Championships.
- Tuck into a delightful Tennis-themed afternoon tea with a golden twist at The Hansom St. Pancras London - Each day, one lucky guest will uncover a golden-filled cake, winning their entire afternoon tea complimentary.
- Catch screenings of matches at Everyman on the Canal presented by Rolex - The popular summer venue will also offer fresh strawberries and cream while you watch.
- Head to Park Hyatt London River Thames for a series of experiences inspired by the Championships - Enjoy Wimbledon-themed dining and cocktails, afternoon tea and restorative spa treatments.
- Enjoy a limited-edition Wimbledon menu at Azzurra - The Sloane Street seafood spot is serving up tennis-themed spritzes and a WImbledon-inspired dessert.
- Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition – Immerse yourself in the world’s largest open‑submission art exhibition, showcasing standout works by emerging artists (16 June to 23 August).
- Wimbledon Afternoon Tea Bus Tour - Sip on Pimm’s or Prosecco as you indulge in a Wimbledon-themed afternoon tea, all while admiring London’s top sights. (22 June to 12 July).
- BST Hyde Park – Enjoy performances from global headline artists at this much-loved summer music festival (26 June to 12 July).
- Wimbledon tennis afternoon tea – Enjoy a limited-edition tennis-themed afternoon tea across a selection of Clermont Hotel Group hotels in London. Tuck into the quintessential British treat, elevated by a trio of tennis-inspired cakes: buttery strawberry and clotted cream tart, delicate lemon macaron and a sweet raspberry, Pimm's and lemon cheesecake. (29 June to 12 July).
- Pride in London Parade – Central London comes alive with vibrant celebrations in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Parade is a highlight, accompanied by performances, street parties and cultural events across the city (4 July).
- Buckingham Palace summer opening – Step inside the historic palace and explore its magnificent State Rooms, home to some of the finest treasures in the Royal Collection (9 July to 27 September).
- BBC Proms – If you are extending your stay, experience the world’s largest classical music festival featuring an inspiring programme of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and locations throughout London (18 July to 13 September).
Where to stay in London during Wimbledon 2026
Ensure a smooth and enjoyable Wimbledon experience by booking one of London’s many accommodation options.
- Central London - Hotels such as Hilton London Olympia, The Westin London City and London Marriott Hotel County Hall, combine excellent service with prime locations. With easy access to the District line, these hotels provide a convenient base for tennis fans travelling to Wimbledon.
- Wimbledon and nearby areas - A mix of well‑known hotel chains and local guesthouses can be found in and around Wimbledon town centre, as well as in nearby Putney, Wandsworth and Earl’s Court. All are well connected by public transport, and with accommodation in high demand during the Wimbledon Championships, booking early is essential.
When is the Wimbledon Ballot announced?
The Wimbledon Public Ballot is designed to provide the fairest opportunity to obtain tickets for Wimbledon. It opens in September, and you'll be notified from October onwards if your application was successful.
If you’re not successful in the ballot, there are still other ways to attend. Wimbledon is one of the few major sporting events where tickets can still be purchased on the day. The Queue remains a popular option for fans hoping to experience the event in person.
Each day, a queue forms for the chance to buy either a limited number of Show Court tickets or a Ground Pass. Tickets are sold on a one-per-person, first-come, first-served basis and are non-transferable. Entry to Wimbledon is subject to the Grounds’ capacity limit. Once full, admission will only be possible as others exit the grounds throughout the day.
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