Snag a seat at this bucket list event
This week marks the official second week of Wimbledon, the oldest and considered one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.
If you have never been, it is worth a visit and can be done without pre-booking. I have not participated in the ballot, purchased tickets in advance or camped overnight, but instead have always done the Queue. Over the years we have seen some of the top players, including Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Serena and Venus Williams play on the show courts (Centre Court, Court 1 and Court 2).
Key pages from the 2023 Queue Guide, include:
Page 9
TICKET RESALE
Subject to availability, you can purchase returned Show Court tickets (after 3pm), for £15 for Centre Court and £10 for No.1 Court and No.2 Court tickets, from the Ticket Resale Kiosk north of Court 18 near the top of St Mary’s Walk. The proceeds (net of VAT) from Ticket Resale are donated to the Wimbledon Foundation.
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TICKET PRICES
There are 500 tickets sold each day for the Show Courts, which people camp overnight for. Instead of doing this, we have purchased grounds passes and then purchased returned Show Court tickets – we have been able to do this up through quarter finals play. Basically if people have camped overnight or have been at Wimbledon for the better half of a day, they are ready to go home. My daughter and I sat at what could be considered '50 yard line seats' less than 10 rows from the net on Centre Court and even got a wave from Serena Williams.
For hints and tips on how to pick which days to go and queue and what time, click here. Not only is it a well-organized and civilized process, they have activities once you get to the main grounds of the queue, such as mini tennis matches for prizes, photo ops, champagne and coffee bars, which makes it eaiser and more pleasant to pass the time.
If you have time, Wimbledon Museum is very well-done and just re-opened after refurbishment last year honor of its 100th anniversary and is limited to Championship ticket holders during the tournament.
Lastly, Wimbledon Village is charming and a lot of the stores will do creative displays during Wimbledon. You can also book a place to eat before or after Wimbledon. Our favorites include Fox and Grapes (pub), The Ivy Wimbledon (reasonably priced-afternoon tea / cream tea and themed cocktails), Megan's Restaurant (breakfast / brunch or drinks) and Sticks & Sushi.
The 136th Wimbledon Championships runs until July 16th. If you don’t make it this year – there is always next year!
www.wimbledon.com
Chiltern Firehouse (London) — Chiltern Firehouse operates on a walk-in only basis and features an outdoor fireplace. To beat the crowd, head in for a reasonably-priced breakfast early (7 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends).
Coq d’Argent (London) — This popular French restaurant features panoramic views of London complete with heaters. Ala carte menu available Monday to Friday noon to 4 pm for lunch and 5 – 9 pm for dinner and Saturday 5 – 9 pm.
The Ivy Cobham Brasserie (Cobham) — The upmarket brasserie has a beautiful covered garden terrace with heaters. Their all-day seasonal menu (ala carte, vegetarian and vegan) includes light snacks and starters.
The Mitre (Hampton Court) — Located on the banks of the River Thames, the riverside terrace is covered by a stretched tent, including blankets, fire pits and heated lamps.
Dandelyan — Located within the Sea Containers house along the River Thames, Dandelyan at Mondrian London features a colorful and tasteful art deco interior. The award-winning bar was named the World's Best Bar and and not surprisingly home to the World's Best Cocktail Menu. With stunning views of the river, it is a perfect place to stop in for a drink or book ahead for Dandelyan's 70s inspired four course Wyld Tea complete with four botanical cocktails.
Be sure to take a walk to the loos*. The route passes through the hanger filled with plans, including a historic G-ABWP Spartan Arrow, the last one in existence from 1932. The Pilot's Hub is worth the drive for a leisurely bite!
