Wimbledon travel review & recommendations by bjkel

A visit to the Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon is an experience not to be missed if you are in London at the time. Tickets are available to purchase via a draw months before the event, but for those fans unlucky enough to miss out, do not worry... Wimbledon is perhaps the only major sporting event in the world that organisers reserve tickets for spectators willing to line up from the early hours of the morning on the morning.

If the weather isnt great, you can probably get away with lining up from about 4 or 5am. But if it is a clear night, people will not be discouraged, and you may need to stay the night. If you do intend to line up, bring plenty of warm clothes, activities (cards etc) and things to read. Just leave anything sharp at home because it will be confiscated by security. Food and warm drinks are available in the line, but I would recommend you bring your own, as the quality is not great. There is strict rules about queing etiquette which will be outlined to you in a booklet handed to you as you arrive. Basically, cutting the queue and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated. Be patient, because you wont actually get into the grounds until about 11am.

Getting centre court tickets will be difficult unless you arrive quite early and get near the front of the queue, but if you are there during the first round, there are plenty of stars to see on the less-expensive outer courts. Centre Court tickets MAY become re-sold later in the day as their owners decide they have had enough and leave, particularly if the weather isn't great.

Food and drinks are available inside the grounds, but are not cheap. I would recommend you bring in your own supplies. Security will also allow you to bring in a limited quantity of Alcohol... if you want to fit in, make sure it is Pimm's!

Wimbledon is extremely civilised. You will not find any chanting, slander or poor behaviour from the crowds. Make sure you politely applaud ANY good shots and DO NOT make a sound while the ball is in play.

Oh, and remember your umbrella & raincoat...