Recently updated on July 18th, 2023 at 05:53 pm
Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Unsurprisingly, getting a ticket can be a feat almost as challenging as playing on its hallowed Centre Court. But don’t worry if you weren’t lucky enough this year – there are plenty of ways to experience the excitement of Wimbledon fever without a ticket. From sipping Pimm’s in pub gardens to watching big screen tennis from your comfy deckchair, here’s your guide to embracing the Wimbledon spirit like the locals.
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Unlock the Wimbledon spirit on a tour of England
1. Explore Wimbledon Village
Though you may not have a ticket for the Championships, it’s worth your while to visit Wimbledon Village. This elegant, affluent neighborhood really does feel like a country village, despite being in London. With charming cafes, cute boutiques, and country-style pubs, you’ll find it perfectly mirrors the British charm found in the Championships. That’s not even mentioning the incredible energy that sets the village alight during the two weeks of the tournament. Every shopfront is adorned with tennis-themed decorations, the high street buzzes with excitement, and you may even see a few tennis superstars wandering amongst the crowds.
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2. Attend a public screening
Many public spaces and venues across the UK organize screenings of Wimbledon matches on large outdoor screens. Find a local event or pop-up screening in the area you’re staying and relish the excitement of watching the action unfold among a crowd of passionate tennis enthusiasts. Make sure you lounge on a deckchair: a classic Wimbledon symbol and an iconic sign of the start of British summer.
3. Enjoy Pimm’s with Strawberries & Cream
There are few things more quintessential to Wimbledon and British summertime than strawberries and cream. Get into the Wimbledon spirit with luscious British strawberries dipped in cream, washing it all down with a refreshing glass of Pimm’s (which you’ll find readily available in pub gardens all over the UK). For something more hands-on, why not try picking the strawberries yourself in one of London’s many urban farms?
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4. Visit Wimbledon Common
Just by chic Wimbledon Village is the gorgeous Common, one of our favorite green spaces in London. Take a leisurely stroll or a refreshing bike ride through gorgeous fields and wooded thickets. If you go far enough, the Common attaches onto Richmond Park, where you’ll find an even greater expanse of forests, meadows, gardens, and roaming deer. Enjoy the scenic views, relish the tranquil atmosphere, and embrace the sense of serenity that contrasts with the tournament’s exhilaration.
5. Pick up a racquet yourself
Channel your inner Serena Williams and enjoy a game of tennis in one of the UK’s many available courts. On this online search engine, you can find a map of all the tennis courts around the UK, be they public parks available to pick-up and play, or private clubs that’ll let you book a timeslot.
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6. Try and get a Grounds pass
Experience the anticipation and camaraderie of The Queue, where dedicated fans line up to purchase on-the-day tickets. And by dedicated, we mean camp overnight dedicated. Wimbledon is very unique in that it is one of the few major international sporting competitions where you can buy tickets on the day. Arriving early, you can make new friends, engage in lively conversations, and soak up the electrifying atmosphere while waiting for your chance to enter the grounds. If you’re early enough, you’ll get to buy a ticket to enter the exciting grounds where you can access most of the courts save for the most illustrious. That said, you’ll still be able to watch the biggest matches on the famous viewpoint of Henman Hill. Or is it now called Murray Mound?