4 Top Wimbledon Tips

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Queuing for Show Court Tickets

‘Expect the unexpected’ should be the motto of the Opening Day of Wimbledon. First round unexpected upsets included:
- Naomi Osaka (2nd) defeated by Yulia Putintseva (39th)
- Venus Williams (44th) defeated by Cori Gauff (313th)
- Alexander Zverev (6th) defeated by Jiri Vesely (124th)
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (7th) defeated by Thomas Fabbiano (89th)

If Opening Day is any indication of the rest of the championships that runs until July 14th, it will be full of surprises. Four top tips on getting to see Wimbledon champions - old and new:
  • Rainy or Hot weather = Faster Queues and Better seats - With the option to camp overnight and queue early (beginning at 5 am), the weather plays a part in how fast the queue moves and how quickly Show Court tickets become available. Basically if it is wet or hot, morning visitors will likely leave early and you’ll have a good shot at prime seats.
  • Avoid going when British players play - Despite Andy Murray not playing singles, you can still expect long queues whatever day he does play. Other British players that may impact queues are Kyle Edmund (31st) and Johanna Konta (19th).
    Tip : Avoid Saturday altogether since Murray is slated to play a mixed doubles match with Serena Williams.
  • Go later - After 3 pm you can purchase returned Show Court Tickets (£15 for Centre Court and £10 for Court 1 and 2) from the Ticket Resale Kiosk (north of Court 18 near top of St. Mary’s Walk). We have been fortunate to see some of the top players in both quarter / semi-finals games.
    Bonus : The proceeds from resales are donated to Wimbledon Foundation.
  • Go big or Go home - If you queue for Show Court Tickets, go for Centre Court or Court 1. These courts both have retractable roofs (the latter a £70M addition this year), which means games will not be suspended due to darkness or weather. Not to mention, If matches conclude more quickly then expected an additional one may be added.
If all else fails, with a Grounds Pass (£8-£25 per person, less after 5 pm) you can watch the action on big screens from iconic Henman Hill. To complete your quintessential Wimbledon experience, add a glass of Pimm’s Cup and a serving of strawberries and cream.

Game...Set...Match!
www.wimbledon.com ✆ +44 2089 441066
Church Road, Wimbledon SW19 5AE

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London Festival of Architecture

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Biggest festival in Europe Ends June 30th

Founded in 2006, the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) is the biggest architecture festival in Europe. The event runs through June 30th and features 400+ activities such as exhibitions, installations, talks and tours that explore the importance of architecture in London.

LFA is a city-wide celebration organized around four Festival Hubs - London Bridge, Royal Docks, City of London and Heart of London. Special offers leading up to and through the final weekend include:

  • Mansion House Tour (June 27) - Free tour 2 - 3 pm of the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, including the edifice which is usually closed to the public
  • Tower Bridge Walking Tour (June 29) - 90 minute guided tours (additional £5) 10 am, 1 pm and 3 pm highlights Tower Bridge art, architecture, history and legends
  • Tower Bridge 125th Anniversary Weekend (June 29-30) - Entrance will be priced at £1.25 and include a souvenir giveaway (some visitors will also get a goody bag)
In case you miss the festivities, below are some ways to see and celebrate London's architecture year-round:

With good weather finally in the forecast - the final days will be particularly worth checking out!
www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org

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MLB London Bound

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Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees

London Stadium will host the first Major League Baseball (MLB) games in Europe June 29-30. The series will feature two top rival teams – the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Yankees. Prince Harry will take to the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch and represent his charity the Invictus Games Foundation, 2019 charity partner.

There is not doubt that the MLB hopes to replicate the success the National Football League (NFL) has had in London. The NFL started with two games in 2012 and this season there will be a total of five games (a significant number considering there are only 16 regular season football games).

If British baseball fans are anything like the ones who have been attending the London NFL games, you can expect to see jerseys representing all different teams from professional to collegiate. Locals have even been known to ask for photo opps with those wearing high school jerseys.

Another difference is the usually slow-paced game may go a bit faster. By placing a baseball field on top of a soccer field and running track, the dimensions and layout of the London Stadium field are said to be ‘hitter-friendly’.

While there has been some controversy over ticket prices, it is still cheaper than purchasing a plane ticket. Not to mention with the games taking place the weekend before the July 4th – what better way to celebrate than watching America’s favorite pastime? Play Ball!

Bonus: If you miss out this year, save the date for another classic matchup when Chicago Cubs take on the St. Louis Cardinals June 13-14, 2020.

www.mlb.com/london-series
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 2ST

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Kids Week – Free theatre tickets

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Tickets on sale June 11th

Kids Week is one of my favorite annual promotions where kids 16 and under go free to shows in August with a full price paid adult ticket (they even offer half price tickets for two additional children).  And event better yet it is not limited to a week, but extends throughout the month of August.

Organized by the Society of London Theatre, some of the participating shows offer some unique activities and workshops alongside the productions, including backstage tours, dancing and Q&As. The ‘Kids Go Free’ offer even extends to area hotels and restaurants.

There are 35+ shows to pick from, including theatre favorites:


  • Aladdin
  • Lion King
  • Mamma Mia!
  • Matilda
  • Phantom of the Opera
  • The Play That Goes Wrong
  • Thriller Live
  • Wicked

    • With the added bonus of no booking, postage or transactions fees, tickets sellout fast. For the best selection, pre-pick your show dates and be online Tuesday, January 11th at 10 am when the tickets are released. Good luck!
    www.kidsweek.co.uk

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    Open Garden Squares Weekend

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    125+ gardens across 27 London boroughs

    With support from the London Parks & Gardens Trust, Open Squares Garden Weekend (June 8-9) features 125+ hidden gardens and squares – many of which that are usually closed to the public.
    The gardens range in shape, size and location from rooftops to allotments and from historic buildings to cafés. Beyond the green spaces themselves, there are special activities, including cycle, garden and walking tours, and more are on offer.

    Here are just a few of London’s most famous buildings and attractions that have a garden close by: 1) Barbican, 2) The Gherkin, 3) The Monument, 4) St. Paul's Cathedral, 5) Tate Modern, 6) Tower of London, 7) Victoria & Albert Museum, and 8) Wallace Collection

    A weekend ticket is £10 (12-18, under 12 free), £16 student (with student ID) and £20 for adults. For £4 more, £20 for students and £44 for two adults as part of a joint membership, you can subscribe for an annual membership to London Parks & Gardens Trust.


    Membership benefits include free entry to the Open Garden Squares weekend along with a monthly newsletter, London Landscapes and The London Gardener publications, access to Historic Green Spaces inventory, and discounted member rates for lectures and other events.

    What a wonderful way to support London’s gardens and green spaces! www.opensquares.org
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    Chelsea in Bloom

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    Chelsea Flower Show alternative

    Despite the rain in this week’s forecast, Chelsea will once again be in full bloom. The 14th annual Chelsea in Bloom (May 20-25), coincides with the famed Chelsea Flower Show (May 21-25). Sponsored by Cadogan and the Royal Horticulture Society, this year’s event features a record-breaking 85+ displays.
    Storefronts including retailers and restaurants are creatively covered in flowers and arrangements of all colors, shapes and sizes. Best of all this show is free and open to the public. Award-winning displays are selected by an expert panel of judges along with online voting for a people’s choice award.

    Last year’s Summer of Love theme coincided with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle royal wedding included a double decker bus, cozy bistro seating and a bicycle built for two. Displays utilizing peace signs, Volkswagen buses and 70s color schemes were also popular.

    Beginning on Tuesday, free walking tours leave at 11 am and 3 pm or you can book a rickshaw departing every 30 minutes from 10:30 am-5 pm from Sloan Square. It is also just as easy to do a self-guided one by downloading the online map. If last year is any indication, this year’s Chelsea in Bloom, Under the Sea is sure to impress!


    Bonus : Floral themed drinks, workshops along with complimentary massages and skin analysis will be on offer from floral show participants.
    www.chelseainbloom.co.uk
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    Eltham Palace

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    Medieval meets modern

    Eltham Palace is an art deco mansion on the site of Henry VIII's childhood home. On the one hand, the Palace boasts a Tudor great hall and 19 acres of gardens, including London’s oldest working bridge over a moat. On the other, it is one of the finest examples of art deco architecture and design surviving in Britain today.

    The stunning interiors and furnishings reflect a masterpiece of design, glamour and allure of 1930s fashionable society. The Palace is reflective of the eccentricities and tastes of its millionaire residents, Virginia and Stephen Courtauld, whose family established the Courtauld Institute of Art. It even comes complete with a room dedicated to the family’s pet lemur.


    Beyond its roots as a medieval royal palace, Eltham has entertained many royals, politicians and socialites over the years and boasts state-of-the-art-modern conveniences for its time.

    It is hard to think of another building in London that is such a study in contrast – a truly unique and unusual place to visit!

    www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and-gardens/
    Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London SE9 5QE

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