Wimbledon

🏟️ Brief Description

Wimbledon, officially staged at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), is the most prestigious tennis venue in the world and the home of The Championships, Wimbledon. Located in South West London, the venue has a capacity of around 42,000 across its show courts and outer courts, with Centre Court and No.1 Court ranking among the most iconic arenas in global sport.

Wimbledon is synonymous with grass-court tennis, tradition, and sporting excellence. Each summer, it becomes the focal point of the international tennis calendar, attracting the world’s top players, global media, and hundreds of thousands of spectators. Beyond The Championships, the grounds also host qualifying-related activity, member events, and serve as a year-round symbol of British sporting heritage.

For London fans and visitors, Wimbledon is not just a venue β€” it is a pilgrimage site for tennis lovers worldwide.


πŸ“ History of Wimbledon

The All England Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1868, originally as a croquet club, before lawn tennis was introduced soon after. In 1877, the club staged the first-ever Wimbledon Championships, making it the oldest tennis tournament in the world.

Originally located on Worple Road, the club moved to its current Church Road site in 1922, where Centre Court became the focal point of the tournament. Over the decades, Wimbledon evolved alongside the sport, while fiercely protecting its traditions β€” including an all-white dress code, royal patronage, and the continued use of natural grass courts.

Modernisation arrived carefully. No.1 Court was rebuilt and reopened in 1997, while Centre Court gained a retractable roof in 2009, followed by No.1 Court in 2019, ensuring play can continue regardless of weather. Despite these upgrades, Wimbledon has remained distinct from other Grand Slams by balancing innovation with tradition.

The venue has witnessed some of the greatest moments in sporting history, from BjΓΆrn Borg vs John McEnroe, to Serena Williams’ dominance, and record-breaking finals in the modern era. Today, Wimbledon remains the benchmark against which all tennis venues are judged.


πŸš‡ How to Get to Wimbledon

Address: Church Rd, London SW19 5AE

Tube:

Train:

Bus:
Routes 493, 156, 164 operate near the venue during The Championships

Car:
Limited parking available during Wimbledon via pre-booked permits only

πŸš‡ Travel Tip: Southfields is the preferred route during The Championships. Wimbledon Station is busier but offers shuttle buses on peak days.


πŸ“Œ Insider Tips / FAQs

Bag Policy:
Small to medium bags only. All bags are searched. Large backpacks and suitcases are prohibited.

Best Courts to Watch:

Food & Drink:
Strawberries and cream are a must. Champagne, Pimm’s, and a wide range of international food options are available across the grounds.

Atmosphere:
Respectful, knowledgeable, and electric during key matches. Silence during points is strictly observed.

Accessibility:
Excellent accessibility with step-free routes, accessible seating, and assistance services available throughout the venue.


πŸ“Š Venue Records & Facts

πŸ“ Location Map