Wimbledon 2023: Our Top Tips For First Timers (2024)

You canget to the Championships by shuttle bus from either Wimbledon Park (which you can get to from Waterloo) or Southfields tube stations, whichare on the District line, though the former is marginally further from the grounds. Both stations are walking distance from the site (15-20 minutes) or alternatively, you could splash out on a taxi.

Only the competitors have a strict dress code (a predominantly-white kit), while spectators typically come in comfy casual wear.You will see are some posh frocks and blazers, particularly around the hospitality areas, but if you’re heading to the tournament more for the tennis and less for the champers, just be sure to wear layers – the day may begin with blazing sunshine but come the afternoon, it might be sleeting (most courts aren’t covered). Bear in mind the ‘British summer’ weather and take clothing suitable for all conditions.

Swearing, booing and heckling are not the done thing at Wimbledon (most players adhere to that too, but not all; looking at you Nick Kyrgios), although a little tutting may be heard when one of the players throws a tantrum. It is acceptable however to ‘ooh’and ‘ahh’ carefully, as if watching the New Year Eve’s fireworks, and then cheer when the Hawk-Eye replay appears on the screen. But basically, don’t call out during a rally or you’ll feel the crowd’s wrath on your head.

Spectators should throw the ball back to one of the excellent and well-trained ballboys or ballgirls, but never during play. If you’d like to get hold of a ball as a souvenir, you’ll have to cough up for a used one from the shop.

In 2009, a retractable roof was installed on Centre Court, enabling play to continue during rain, and a decade later one was built for No 1 court as well, but if you’re watching on any other court, rain will always disturb play. You can take shelter in the museum and in the few merchandise shops, as well as the restaurants and cafés around the site. Other than that, the grounds are quite exposed, so be sure to take an umbrella.

Buying food in the grounds isn’t cheap, so taking a picnic is a thrifty way to eat at the tournament, plus you’ll avoid any queues for the restaurants. Only one bag per person is permitted into the grounds and it must measure no more than 40 x 30 x 30cm. No hard-sided picnic hampers, coolboxes or briefcases are allowed, so take a disposable bag, which you can bin once you’ve eaten your lunch. However, you can get a punnet of strawberries and cream (picked in Kent at 4am every day of the tournament) for a pretty reasonable £2.50.

Booze is allowed into the grounds but is strictly limited to just one bottle of wine or two 500ml cans of beer or other alcoholic drink per person. No spirits allowed, sorry guys. All alcohol mustalso be consumed in dedicated areas, and glass is not allowed into the courts.