All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (London, England)

Venue Highlights: The Notable Courts and Facilities

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club features iconic courts and facilities that define the unique Wimbledon experience:

• Centre Court: Opened in 1922, this is the largest and most famous court, seating just under 15,000. A retractable roof, installed in 2009, ensures uninterrupted play.
• No. 1 Court: The club’s secondary show court, opened in 1997, also features a retractable roof (2019).
• No. 2 Court: Opened in 2009 with a capacity of 4,000, it’s famously known as the “Graveyard of Champions.”
• No. 3 Court: Opened in 2011 with a capacity of 2,000.
• No. 12 Court: A mini stadium with a capacity of 1,736.
• No. 18 Court: Site of the longest tennis match in history (2010, John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut, 11 hours and 5 minutes).
• Aorangi Terrace (Henman Hill / Murray Mound): This popular grassy bank offers a communal viewing experience on a giant screen.
• Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum: Located on-site, it provides a fascinating journey through tennis history with exhibits and a 3D cinema.
• Practice Courts: Fans can observe top players warming up at the Aorangi Park practice courts.
• General Facilities & Atmosphere: The grounds offer diverse food and beverage (including strawberries and cream), official retail shops, and a meticulously maintained, polite ambiance, with accessibility services for all visitors.
• Wimbledon’s Unique Traditions: Key traditions include the all-white dress code for players, the presence of the Royal Box on Centre Court, and strict policies against on-court advertising, maintaining the tournament’s distinctive character.

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Tickets at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

Ticketing Information for The Championships, Wimbledon

Securing tickets for Wimbledon is famously challenging due to extremely high demand. The AELTC employs a unique system that combines a public ballot, a renowned queue, and limited on-the-day sales.

How to Purchase Tickets for The Championships:

• The Public Ballot: This is the primary method for obtaining tickets. It is oversubscribed each year and operates as a lottery. Applicants must register online well in advance (typically from September to December of the year prior to the tournament). Successful applicants are randomly selected and offered tickets for specific courts and dates. Entry into the ballot does not guarantee tickets.
• The Queue (On-the-Day Tickets): Wimbledon is unique for its tradition of ‘The Queue.’
  • Thousands of unreserved tickets for Centre Court, No.1 Court, and No.2 Court (limited numbers) are sold daily on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • These tickets are typically for those who queue overnight or from early morning.
  • Thousands of Ground Passes are also sold daily, providing access to all outside courts (excluding Centre, No.1, and No.2 Courts) and the famous ‘Henman Hill’ (or ‘Murray Mound’).
• Official Hospitality Packages: A limited number of premium hospitality packages, which include tickets to Centre Court or No.1 Court, are available through official providers. These are the most expensive but guaranteed way to attend.
• Ticketmaster Resale (on the day): A small number of returned tickets for Centre Court and No.1 Court are resold daily in the afternoon. These tickets are usually sold from a dedicated booth within the grounds, with proceeds going to charity. A queue typically forms for these as well. Check the official Wimbledon website for details on the location of the resale booth within the grounds and specific timings.
• Debenture Tickets: Debenture holders have guaranteed seats on Centre Court and No.1 Court for every day of The Championships for a five-year period. These tickets can be legally bought and sold on the secondary market at market rates, offering the most flexible and guaranteed way to secure prime seats.

Important Ticketing Considerations for The Championships:

Beware of Unauthorised Resellers: Only purchase tickets from official and authorized sources. Tickets bought from unofficial third-party websites or touts may be invalid, overpriced, or lead to refusal of entry.

Plan Well in Advance: For the Public Ballot, registration closes many months before the tournament. For The Queue, be prepared for long waits, especially in the first week.

Flexibility: The Queue can involve very long waits, often overnight camping, especially for Centre Court and No.1 Court tickets in the first week. Being flexible with your dates and prepared for this commitment significantly increases your chances.

Check Official Sources: Always refer to the official Wimbledon website for the most current and accurate ticketing information, ballot dates, and queue guidance.

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Tour

The All England Lawn Tennis Club and the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum offer tours and museum entry outside of The Championships period. This is a fantastic way to experience the grounds and history without the tournament crowds.

• Museum & Tour Tickets:
  • What’s Included: A typical ticket includes entry to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and a 90-minute guided tour of the grounds. The tour provides behind-the-scenes access to areas like Centre Court, the press interview room, and the Millennium Building (usually reserved for players). The museum features interactive exhibits, championship trophies, and tennis memorabilia.
  • Pricing (approximate):
    • Adult: £27 – £35
    • Senior/Student: £23 – £26
    • Child (5-15 years): £17 – £20
    • Museum Entry Only options are also available at a lower price.
  • Booking: It is highly recommended to book your Museum & Tour tickets online in advance through the official Wimbledon Museum & Tour booking page. While some walk-up tickets may be available, pre-booking guarantees your spot, especially during peak times.
  • Availability: Tours and museum access are generally available daily throughout the year, but they are closed to the public during The Championships period (unless you are a tournament ticket holder). Check the official booking website for specific opening hours and tour times.

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Getting to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

The AELTC is located in Wimbledon, a leafy suburb in South West London. Public transport is highly recommended during The Championships due to traffic restrictions and limited parking.

1. By Air:

• London Heathrow Airport (LHR): The closest major international airport.
  • Connect via Tube: Take the Piccadilly Line to South Kensington, then transfer to the District Line to Wimbledon/Southfields.
  • Alternatively, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington, then connect to the Tube.
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW):: Connect via train (Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Tube District Line; or Southern Rail to Clapham Junction, then train to Wimbledon).
• London City Airport (LCY): Connect via DLR to Bank, then Tube (District Line).

2. By Public Transport:

London’s extensive public transport network provides excellent access.

• London Underground (Tube):
  • The nearest Tube stations are Southfields (District Line, approximately a 15-minute walk) and Wimbledon (District Line, approximately a 20-minute walk).
  • From Wimbledon station, regular shuttle buses operate directly to the AELTC grounds during The Championships.
• National Rail (Train):
  • Trains from London Waterloo arrive at Wimbledon Station frequently (journey time around 15-20 minutes). From Wimbledon station, take the shuttle bus or walk.
• Bus:
  • Local bus services operate in the Wimbledon area. Check Transport for London (TfL) for specific routes (e.g., bus route 493 serves the area directly).

3. By Car & Parking:

Driving to the AELTC during Wimbledon is generally discouraged.

• Road Closures & Restrictions: Roads around the AELTC are subject to closures and parking restrictions during The Championships.
• Official Parking: Limited official car parking may be available for pre-booking.
• Park & Ride: Consider using Park & Ride facilities if driving from outside London, then connecting via public transport.
• Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services operate, but expect heavy traffic and potential surcharges during the tournament. There are designated drop-off/pick-up points.

Important Travel Notes:

• Allow Extra Time: Travel times can be significantly longer during The Championships due to increased passenger numbers.
• Oyster Card/Contactless Payment: Use an Oyster card or contactless payment card for seamless travel on London’s public transport.
• Check TfL: Always consult the Transport for London (TfL) website or app for real-time travel updates, planned engineering works, and route planning.

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Where to Stay Near All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

London offers a vast array of accommodation options. For visiting Wimbledon, you can choose to stay locally in Wimbledon or opt for more central London locations with good transport links.

1. Hotels in Wimbledon (Closest to AELTC):

Staying in Wimbledon provides the most convenient access to the AELTC and a charming local atmosphere.

• Pros: Short walk or quick shuttle/bus ride to the grounds, local restaurants and shops.
• Examples:
  • Hotel du Vin Wimbledon: A stylish boutique hotel.
  • The Dog & Fox: A traditional pub with rooms in Wimbledon Village.
  • Various smaller guesthouses and B&Bs.

2. Hotels in South West London (e.g., Putney, Earl’s Court, Fulham):

These areas offer good connections to Wimbledon via the District Line or National Rail.

• Pros: Good balance of accessibility and often slightly more affordable than central London, with local amenities.
• Examples: Numerous chain hotels (e.g., Premier Inn, Ibis, Holiday Inn Express) and independent hotels.

3. Hotels in Central London:

For those who want to combine Wimbledon with extensive sightseeing, staying in central London is a popular choice.

• Pros: Wide array of hotels (budget to luxury), excellent dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Direct Tube/train links to Wimbledon.
• Examples: Virtually all major hotel chains and independent hotels across areas like Victoria, South Kensington, Westminster, etc.

4. Vacation Rentals:

• Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a selection of houses, apartments, and condos for rent in Wimbledon, South West London, and central London. This can be a good option for groups or families, offering more space and amenities.

Booking Tips:

• Book Well in Advance: Accommodation in London, especially during major events like Wimbledon, books up quickly and prices can increase significantly.
• Consider Travel Time: Factor in commuting time from your accommodation to the AELTC, especially if staying outside the immediate Wimbledon area.
• Check Cancellation Policies: Given the long lead time for booking, ensure you understand the cancellation policies of any bookings you make.
• Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilize well-known and reputable booking websites like Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options. Always verify reviews and ratings before booking.

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Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

• Official Wimbledon Website (Essential for ticketing, schedule, and general information)
• Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum & Tour Booking (For booking museum entry and tours)
• Transport for London (TfL) (For planning Tube, train, and bus journeys in London)
• National Rail Enquiries (For train times and tickets across the UK)
• Booking.com (Accommodation London)
• Expedia (Accommodation London)
• TripAdvisor (Accommodation & Reviews London)

Last Updated on July 5, 2025 by Sports Tourist