Every year, a usually quiet borough in London kicks into life. Scents of freshly mown grass and strawberries hang lazily in the summer air. People from all over the world flock to the area, donning sunglasses, Prosecco, and a healthy dollop of sunscreen for good measure.
This year is no different, as The Championships Wimbledon 2026 returns to south-west London for another fortnight of world-class tennis.
Want to get in on the tennis action this summer? We’ve put together our hand-picked list of Wimble-dos-and-don’ts to help you get the best sporting experience in London.
What to expect at Wimbledon
You might be planning to soak up the atmosphere with a Grounds Pass. Maybe you’re even lucky enough to secure one of the coveted Show Court tickets. Either way, Wimbledon offers so much more than world-class tennis.
Visitors can enjoy access to the Grounds, including a wide range of Courts and facilities, along with food and drink outlets, refill water stations (vital for staying hydrated in London’s June heat), free Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, programmes, and large-screen coverage on The Hill.
If you hold a Grounds Pass, you can get access to almost all Courts except the main Show Courts, including No. 3 Court, Court 12, and Court 18. You’ll also gain access to The Hill, where you can watch the televised live action from Centre Court and No. 1 Court throughout the day.
Tennis top tip: plan ahead! Attendance is limited by capacity, so once the Grounds reach maximum occupancy, you might only be able to enter once spectators start leaving for the day. Dress for the weather, protect yourself from the elements, and check out the ticket queue status via the official Wimbledon website before you head out.
Wimbledon Tickets, Travel & Top Tips
How to get tickets to The Championships Wimbledon 2026
For many tennis fans, queuing is still one of the most authentic Wimbledon traditions. The Queue for The Championships 2026 opens at 2pm on Sunday 28 June 2026, the day before the tournament begins, and starts in Wimbledon Park.
Each day, you can queue for both Show Court and Grounds tickets at the venue. Official guidance confirms daily availability of:
- 500 tickets for Centre Court (except for the final four days)
- 500 tickets for No. 1 Court
- 500 tickets for No. 2 Court
- A limited number of Grounds Passes
Tickets are sold on a one-per-person basis and are non-transferable, so it is worth reading the official Queue guidance before you go.
Hospitality packages and debentures
For a more premium Wimbledon experience, debenture tickets and hospitality packages are available. Debentures offer guaranteed access on your chosen date, courtside seating on Centre Court or No. 1 Court, and the use of exclusive restaurants and bars. They are also the only Wimbledon tickets that can legally be transferred or sold on.
Hospitality packages are available through Wimbledon’s official hospitality partner and tend to sell out quickly, so early booking is the safest option if you want specific dates, courts or dining experiences.
Getting to Wimbledon
As one of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments, it helps to plan your journey in advance, especially on the busiest days. The Queue begins in Wimbledon Park, which is around a five-minute walk from Southfields Underground Station. Wimbledon’s official travel guidance also recommends using the dedicated Championships’ Journey Planner to choose the best route.
If you have accessibility needs, Wimbledon provides an accessibility waiting area at the north end of AELTC Wimbledon Park, accessed via Car Park 10.
Tennis top tip
Before setting off, check the official Queue information and travel updates. On busy days, access to the Grounds can be restricted once capacity is reached, so checking first can save you an unnecessary trip.
Visit the Lawn Tennis Museum
Dive into the history of one of the world’s most famous sporting events at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Visitors can explore exhibitions dedicated to the game, its players and the long evolution of The Championships.
Take a tour of the Wimbledon site
Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of tennis’ most recognisable venues. Wimbledon offers public and private tours of the Grounds, Courts and surrounding areas, giving fans a closer look at the history and traditions of The Championships.
Get your hands on the official Wimbledon Collection
You might not be picking up a racquet this year, but there are still plenty of ways to take home a piece of Wimbledon 2026. Browse the official Wimbledon Shop on-site or explore the Strawberry Collection online before you arrive.
Enjoy Wimbledon family-friendly activities
Tennis is a sport for all ages, and Wimbledon offers plenty for younger fans too. Keep an eye on the family pages for activities, children’s features and museum-based experiences designed to make a visit even more memorable.
Staying at the Central Park or Royal Eagle Hotel?
After a full day navigating queues, exploring the Grounds, and soaking up the atmosphere on The Hill, where you stay can make all the difference. We’re one of the best choices for London events accommodation, with easy access to iconic destinations like Hyde Park, Wimbledon, and central London hotspots.
Central Park Hotel
In peaceful Bayswater, Central Park Hotel offers a calm base close to Hyde Park and central London. It’s ideal for families planning museum days, park walks, shopping, sightseeing and easy Tube connections across the city.
Travelling to Wimbledon from Central Park Hotel:
- Take a short walk to Bayswater Underground Station, then join the District line southbound towards Wimbledon.
- For The Queue, the best option is to get off at Southfields Underground Station and walk around five minutes down Wimbledon Park Road.
- Alternatively, get off at Southfields Underground Station and continue further down Wimbledon Park Road for the Lawn Tennis Museum, Courts access, the Wimbledon Shop, Henman Hill and more amenities.
Royal Eagle Hotel
Just five minutes from Paddington Station, Royal Eagle Hotel is a practical base for exploring London. With fast links across the city, it’s well placed for families visiting the museums, West End, Hyde Park and classic London attractions.
Travelling to Wimbledon from Royal Eagle Hotel:
- Head down Craven Road to Paddington tube station, and join the District line at Platform 1 towards Wimbledon.
- Exit at Southfields tube station, and walk 5 minutes down Wimbledon Park Road to join the Queue.
- If you’re looking for the Courts, Lawn Tennis Museum, and Henman Hill, you can either continue walking down Wimbledon Park Road, or catch the 493 bus from Southfields station Stop U.
Be game, set, and match for Wimbledon 2026
Book direct at Central Park Hotel or Royal Eagle Hotel today to secure your room at the best rates before the main event at Wimbledon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does The Championships Wimbledon 2026 start?
The Championships 2026 begin on Monday 29 June 2026. The Queue opens at 2pm on Sunday 28 June 2026, the day before the tournament starts.
Can I buy Wimbledon tickets on the day?
Yes. Wimbledon is one of the few major sporting events where you can still buy tickets on the day of play through The Queue, subject to availability and Grounds capacity.
Are there things to do at Wimbledon beyond tennis?
Yes. You can visit the Lawn Tennis Museum, book an official tour, browse the Wimbledon Shop, and check the family activities programme if you are visiting with children.
Where should I stay for Wimbledon 2026?
A base with easy access to Paddington, Hyde Park and direct Tube links towards Wimbledon works especially well. Both Central Park Hotel and Royal Eagle Hotel are well placed for getting to Southfields, while also giving you a practical central London base before and after the tennis.
Is Wimbledon suitable for families?
Yes. Alongside the tennis itself, there are family-friendly activities, museum experiences and plenty of atmosphere around the Grounds, which makes it a good day out with children.
