All about Wimbledon, the place where the most famous tennis tournament in the world is played
Although it is a district of London, Wimbledon is best known for the tennis tournament that has been held annually since 1877 in the summer. Officially called The Championships , it is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments along with the Australian Open, the Roland Garros and the US Open and is the only Slam played on grass courts.
The tournament is held at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club , which has 18 grass courts reserved for competition and 20 for practice. While the tournament takes place over two weeks in early July, few people know that the Club is open all year round.
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to experience the history and traditions of one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments. Opened to celebrate the long and fascinating history of tennis, the museum allows visitors to get up close to Wimbledon’s legendary trophies, touch the fabrics of Victorian tennis dresses and even test their reflexes on the interactive Batak wall.
The museum’s interactive galleries feature a unique collection of original artifacts, many of which come directly from the tournament, as well as apparel and equipment donated by the world’s greatest tennis stars.
Among the most suggestive objects, Arthur Ashe's personal diary stands out, an original bench used by Roger Federer in the men's locker room, and a section dedicated to Martina Navratilova 's career.
The exhibition, enriched by multimedia technologies and interactive content, traces the evolution of the tournament from 1877 to today, offering visitors the chance to discover something about their favorite tennis player, be it a legend of the past or a champion of the present.
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, Wimbledon Shop and Wingfield Café are open daily. From April to September, visiting hours are 10am to 5.30pm, and from October to March, 10am to 5pm.
Another unmissable experience for those visiting Wimbledon is the guided behind-the-scenes tour of the famous Grounds . This exclusive tour offers the chance to explore one of the most iconic venues in world sport up close, accompanied by an expert guide with a Blue Badge , the highest recognition for tour guides in the United Kingdom.
During the tour, visitors can see the facilities used by the world's greatest tennis players and major television networks, discovering fascinating behind-the-scenes details of the tournament. It also reveals the meticulous work that goes into maintaining the unmistakable Wimbledon grass, the true symbol of the tournament.
Through anecdotes, curiosities and detailed explanations, the tour also shows how the facility has evolved over the years, constantly improving to welcome athletes, media and spectators from all over the world.
Every autumn a public lottery is held, called The Wimbledon Public Ballot . It is free to enter: just register on the official website between October and November. If you are drawn, you are entitled to purchase a ticket for a pre-determined date and court (you cannot choose). It is the cheapest method of entry, but also the most uncertain.
Every morning, hundreds of people line up (many even overnight) to get one of the approximately 500 tickets currently available for Centre Court, Court 1, Court 2 and Grounds Pass. It's a ritual, rather than a simple wait. Grounds Pass tickets, i.e. for the secondary courts, can be purchased directly on site.
Daily online saleA limited number of tickets go on sale online daily via Ticketmaster UK, usually the night before. You have to be very quick as they sell out in minutes.
Hospitality PackagesFor those looking for a premium experience, official packages with VIP access, food, drinks and central seating are available through authorised agencies and start at several hundred pounds.
Prices vary greatly depending on the day and court. A ticket for Centre Court on the first day can cost around £80, while for the final it can exceed £275. Grounds Passes, which give access to the secondary courts, start at around £30-£40.
Henman HillIf you don't have a ticket for the big pitches, you can always experience the authentic atmosphere sitting on the grass in front of the big screen. Here thousands of people gather, drink Pimm's, cheer and share the experience.
One of Wimbledon's most iconic traditions is enjoying strawberries with fresh cream. Tens of thousands are sold during the tournament. The tradition dates back to the first Wimbledon tournament in 1877.
At the time, strawberries and cream were considered an elegant and seasonal dessert, very popular among the Victorian aristocracy. Since the tournament was held (and still is) in June and July, strawberries were in season and easily available around London.
In an England still very much tied to seasonality, serving strawberries and fresh cream was a gesture of class and refinement, perfect for the crowds that crowded the first editions of the tournament, wealthy people, with straw hats and white gloves. Over time, this little ritual has become an essential tradition, handed down for over 140 years.
During the tournament, according to the official Wimbledon website, between 140,000 and 200,000 servings of strawberries and cream are served each year. This equates to approximately 38 tons of fresh strawberries, all picked within 24 hours of serving.
Strawberries almost always come from Kent, known as the “Garden of England”, and are selected with great care. To ensure maximum freshness, the strawberries are picked at 4 am, collected from the factory at 9 am and delivered to the club for inspection and cleaning. The cream is strictly clotted cream or fresh liquid cream, served cold.
But Wimbledon is not just two weeks of tennis. It is also a surprisingly charming neighborhood, which is worth exploring slowly, letting yourself be guided through the streets and independent shops. Wimbledon Village is a village in the heart of London, with artisan boutiques, bookshops and small antique shops.
Wimbledon Common is a beautiful green space that extends over 1,000 acres. Among the trees is the Windmill Museum, a perfectly preserved windmill.
Cannizar ParkCannizaro Park is an elegant and quiet botanical garden. At the edge of the park is a villa converted into a hotel: Cannizaro House , now part of the Hotel du Vin.
Wat Buddhapadipa is the first Buddhist temple built in the UK and the only Thai temple in London.
The preferred method is to combine the tube with a short walk. The recommended stop is Southfields, on the District Line: from there it is a 15-20 minute walk (or shuttle) to the main entrance. Alternatively, you can take a train from Waterloo to Wimbledon station, and then continue by bus with bus line 93 or by walking for about 25 minutes
(Text by Melania Guarda Ceccoli – June 2025)
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