Wimbledon: one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.
It’s the sole Grand Slam tournament still played on a grass court and has called the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club home since 1877.
And you’ll be far from the only American flying to London to see it live.
Unlike sporting events like the States like the Super Bowl or The Masters Tournament, you can get your hands on day-of tickets with a little luck and not a lot of dough.
Whether it’s your first time in London or your first time visiting during this legendary tournament, you’re in for two weeks of excitement when you arrive for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Kolbz
Wimbledon 2024: need to know
When is Wimbledon 2024?
The 2024 Wimbledon Championships take place from Monday, July 1st, through Sunday, July 14th. Gentlemens’ and Ladies’ Singles First Round will begin on the 1st and the finals will take place on the 13th and 14th.
Where is Wimbledon 2024?
The Wimbledon Championship takes place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Church Road in Wimbledon. Wimbledon is located southwest of London city center. Parking near the All England Club Grounds is extremely limited, but public transport like rail lines will get you there with ease.
How to get tickets for Wimbledon 2024
First, the bad news…
Wimbledon tickets are secured via applications through the Wimbledon Public Ballot. The application phase is now closed.
Then the good news…
The Queue at The Championships is a last-minute do-or-die way to snag a ticket. Every day, you can wait in line to purchase a best-available Show Court or Grounds ticket. These are sold one-per-person until tickets are gone and are non-transferable. The Queue is no joke, either: you’d better bring your best Black Friday gameface and consider lining up super early or even the night before.
And the even better news…
Unless watching the Wimbledon Championships live and in person is on your bucket list, you can still embrace the excitement and view the game live with hundreds of diehard fans.
Image Credit: Getty Images, AmandaLewis. Image Location: Wimbledon, London
What to do in London during Wimbledon week
No ticket? No problem.
You don’t need to be courtside; there are plenty of places where you can watch the Wimbledon Championships in London. Many areas around London host free summer screenings which include Wimbledon while other venues make a weekend of the final rounds with their own watch parties.
- Wimbledon Screening in The Piazza, the main plaza of Wimbledon gets you as close to the court without a ticket.
- Wimbledon in the Gardens, Mayfair invites you to show up and watch the game for free at the Brown Hart Gardens.
- Dog & Fox Pub, a pub in Wimbledon that screens the game on a huge projector and has lavish hotel rooms only a few Pimm’s-soaked steps from the Coach House Terrace.
Visiting Wimbledon when the Centre Court is empty? Visit during Pub in the Park: an annual music and food festival that combines Michelin-starred food with awesome bands for one unforgettable weekend in May.
Check out these Wimbledon sites while you’re at it:
- Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
- Wimbledon Windmill Museum
- New Wimbledon Theatre
- Royal Wimbledon Golf Club
How to get to Wimbledon
Arriving in the U.K. via Heathrow Airport? Getting to London city center from the airport is a breeze, thanks to the Heathrow Express.
Daily nonstop service gets you from Heathrow Airport Terminals 2, 3 & 5 to London Paddington Station in less than 20 minutes. Take the Tube from London Paddington to London Waterloo then ride the South Western Railway from Waterloo to Wimbledon.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Gannet77