Thinking of queueing to see the best tennis that London has to offer? Read my no-frills guide on how to survive the legendary Wimbledon queue.
Queue Card
When you first enter the Wimbledon queue, you will be issued with a queue card that is dated and numbered to show your position in the queue. This card is required to gain entry into the grounds so don't lose it. I would also strongly advise people to memorize the number on their queue card. Doing this will make it easier for you to find your way back to your friend if you step out of the queue to get some food or use the toilets.
Come prepared
Even if you are only queueing for a ground pass, you will mostly likely be in the queue for several hours at least. With that in mind, come prepared. Bring a mat or a blanket to sit on. Dress appropriately according to the weather. Food and drinks are available on site but you may want to bring your own snacks. Something to help pass the time like a packet of cards might also be useful.
Show courts
The Wimbledon queue gets really busy really quickly with numbers constantly increasing from one year to the next. With that in mind, if you are hoping to bag a ticket for one of the show courts to see Murray, Federer, Djokovic, or even Nadal, I would strongly suggest pitching a tent and queueing overnight. Centre Court, Court 1, Court 2, and Court 3 are referred to as the 'show courts' and frequently host the top players. Typically, 500 tickets per court are allocated to patrons in the queue so being in the first 2,000 people gives you a distinct advantage.
Ground passes
For those queueing for a ground pass, it is advisable to start queueing four or five hours before the grounds open at 11am to maximise your chances of gaining entry. Ground pass ticket holders have access to all of the outside courts including unreserved seating on Court 3. Court 3 and Court 18 frequently host well known players ranked just outside, or sometimes even inside the Top Ten. Seats on these courts are allocated on a first come, first serve basis and fill up rapidly. I would suggest checking the order of play in advance if there is a particular match on these courts that you want to see.
Check the weather forecast
There's nothing worse than queueing for several hours to gain entry into the Wimbledon grounds only to get there and have play suspended due to rain. For this reason, I would strongly advise people to check the weather forecast before making the decision to queue.
Security Check
Before you enter the Wimbledon grounds all patrons in the queue are subjected to an airport-style security check. Do not bring anything with you that could jeopardise your entry into the grounds, such as sharp objects.
Ticket Turnstiles
Prices for the ground passes and show courts vary throughout the Championships and are displayed on the queue cards. Tickets can be purchased from the turnstiles located at the entrance of the grounds. Bear in mind that the turnstiles accept CASH ONLY.
Practice Courts
Didn't manage to bag a Centre Court ticket but still longing to catch a glimpse of Murray? Fear not. Located north of Court 1 at the far end of the Wimbledon grounds, the practice courts are a great way to kill time before play commences while also providing a fantastic opportunity to witness the game's best players hitting a few balls.
Autograph Island
Also located at the far end of the Wimbledon grounds, Autograph Island is a great place to hang out while trying to nab your favourite player for an autograph as they're going to and from practice.
Make sure you have your camera at the ready as you never know who you might see!
Enjoy yourself
Most importantly, remember to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy yourself. While the Wimbledon queue may have tired you out a little bit, being at the centre of the action makes it all worthwhile in the end. If you're feeling peckish and fancy a break from the tennis, I'd highly recommend Wimbledon's delicious afternoon tea!
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