“Should I join the Wimbledon Queue this year?”

Hopping into a big ‘ol queue to nab same-day tickets to a Grand Slam tournament is certainly unconventional, isn’t it? You won’t find this option to nab same-day tickets at the Australian Open, nor Roland Garros, nor the US Open. Yet, turns out The Queue is a highly effective way to get tickets to tennis’ most prestigious event.

Since prestigious and attainable rarely go together, I recommend that you don’t sleep on this opportunity. Prepare to get in The Queue. Including any fellow ballot rejects out there…

About The Queue at Wimbledon

If that is a “Yes” to joining the Wimbledon Queue, then fabulous! Get ready to head to the club gate and to be led into something that’s so much more than a sporting spectacle. It’s Grand Slam tennis delivered the British way.

It’s why I look forward to this tournament so much. Being at Wimbledon is a unforgettable visitor experience. It has sport, entertainment, food, shopping and lots of small traditional touches, all packaged up to produce an incredible day out in London. Plus, there’s an unmistakable camaraderie to queuing which makes it all the more special.

My first time joining the Wimbledon queue was several years ago while visiting the UK. I still recall my initial shock at the scene in Wimbledon Park: thousands of people lined up on a huge field and complete order. Nowhere in the world will you see a more organised line. I dare you to find one!

From that first step of walking over and joining The Queue to seeing the players decked out in all-white on immaculate grass court – it’s really something special to take in.

I also remember having a ton of questions before my first time queuing here so let me try to help with the main things you need to know about joining the Wimbledon queue as a first-timer.

First piece of advice: walk with sunscreen and a good dose of patience and you will be rewarded with one of the hottest tickets in town this summer.

Is it worth it to join the Wimbledon Queue?

Yes, joining the Wimbledon Queue is absolutely worth it.

You will watch a spectacular show of high quality tennis between the top-ranked players in the world. All in exchange for waking up early and patiently waiting in The Queue for a few hours. It’s a no-brainer!

How does the Wimbledon Queue work?

The Queue enables you to buy a ticket for the same day of play at Wimbledon. You can only buy one ticket for yourself.

Tickets are available for the Show Courts and Grounds admission.

Show Court tickets give access to either Centre Court, No.1 Court or No.2 Court. 500 tickets for each Show Court is sold daily.

Grounds tickets give you access to Courts 3-18.

I have never gone for Show Court tickets. You usually need to join the line from the day before in order to be one of the first in The Queue and I haven’t been inclined to camp there overnight.

That said, I’ve seen several top-ranked players with grounds pass access. It’s pretty sweet to be able to see these premier athletes up close. The pace of play is sick.

Getting to Wimbledon Queue by train or tube

The closest arrival point is Southfields Station on the district tube line. It will be a 15 minute walk to the Wimbledon Park Road gate for access to The Queue.

Alternatively you can arrive at Wimbledon Station on the district line or southwest rail. Walk to Wimbledon Park Road gate (20 mins) or take a dedicated bus service from Wimbledon Station for £3.80 (single) or £5.90 (return). To pick up the return shuttle to Wimbledon Station walk outside to Gate 11a on Somerset Road.

I absolutely love the walk through Wimbledon Village on the way to The Championships. Shop windows sport exquisite tennis-themed decorations. It really builds up the excitement for the tournament. My eagerness to get there is usually though the roof by the time I get to Wimbledon Park. Corny but true.

What time should I join the Wimbledon Queue?

Everyone will tell you to “Go as early as possible!” But what does that mean exactly?

If you are joining The Queue for Grounds admission, arriving anywhere between 5am and 9am is fine in my experience. The earlier you arrive the better your chances of entering in time to see the first matches of the day on Courts 3-18.

Thousands of grounds passes are available. They do have a capacity limit though so you may want to err on the cautious side time-wise.

The first time I queued for Wimbledon, I arrived just after 6 am (basically as early as trains were running). In the years since I’ve been going for 7:30 am and grounds tickets have always been available.

How do you get a Queue Card at Wimbledon?

Once you enter Wimbledon Park, friendly volunteers will be there to meet and greet and direct you to the suitable row where the line ends. They will provide you with a queue card which you need to keep at all times until you purchase the ticket. Don’t be intimidated by the number printed on it.

The Queue Veteran recommends: Respect queuing etiquette

Don’t bother with trying to skip the line. It won’t work. The Queue is a well-organised, drama-free zone.

Besides, this unique experience of queuing at Wimbledon is the ultimate show of British etiquette. Embrace it.

Are there facilities at Wimbledon Park?

There are toilet facilities and water refill stations at Wimbledon Park. Coffee and tea and other small refreshments are also available for purchase. The organisers recommend not leaving your place in line for more than 30 minutes. Whatever you do, don’t leave the queue until you have received a queue card!

Can I bring food and drinks to Wimbledon?

Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks, including alcohol, to Wimbledon. I highly recommend checking their website for the guidelines. For instance, as handy and IG-gorgeous as it would be to have a cute picnic hamper while waiting on the grass outside, it will not be allowed inside. 

Last year, the alcohol limits per person were:

Wine or Champagne: 1 bottle (750ml)

Beer: 2 cans of beer (500ml).

Pre-mixed aperitifs: 2 cans

Leave the gin and whiskey at home however as spirits are not allowed into the Wimbledon Grounds.

How long do you have to wait in the Wimbledon Queue?

The Wimbledon Grounds open at 10am. In the hour leading up to that, the pace in The Queue picks up as the volunteers usher fans towards the entrance gate. It’s a slow and steady shuffle to the ticket counters which open at 9:45am.

What happens if it rains in the Wimbledon Queue?

As you are leaving home to head to Wimbledon to queue, prepare for the eventuality that it will rain – even if your weather app predicts a day of sunshine. Over the first 3 days of the 2023 Wimbledon tournament, rain won a few sets over the players and fans.

Unless play is cancelled for the day, The Queue remains! Have an umbrella or poncho handy. And while I don’t care to influence your fashion choices, consider the potential of wet grass and mud as you are getting dressed. From what I saw in the rainy Queue last year, the fans wearing pristine white clothes and shoes had a tough time.

Also, load up on your snacks for those rain delays. While there are vendors around, the wait for a mere cup of coffee can run anywhere between 30 – 45 minutes. That’s practically an entire episode of The Crown.

Getting updates on The Q via social media

There is a Twitter account dedicated to sharing live updates on The Q called viewfromtheQ. Besides the official Wimbledon account handle, be sure to tap into this as it’s a fan resource that’s driven by other fans.

It is an excellent source of information for people gauging when/if to join the Queue during Week 1 of Wimbledon. Or, for fans already queued up and sharing live updates with each other on the state of their progress in the Q that morning.

How is the turnout for The Queue so far? Are people reporting any problems in their Q experience?

This Wimbledon Queue veteran recommends: Interact with event sponsors

Several Wimbledon partner brands have booths set up alongside The Queue leading up to the entrance gate. Don’t be shy to go over and interact. I’ve enjoyed lots of fun activities and great free perks while walking to the ticket counter with sponsors such as Lavazza, who welcome attendees with a complimentary cup of coffee every year, as well as American Express and Sipsmith, to name a few. 

Buying a ticket for Wimbledon Grounds admission

Wimbledon Grounds passes cost £27. This is a cashless translation so be sure to bring a debit or credit card. 

It’s a simple and quick transaction. The days of fretting over how to get a last-minute ticket to Wimbledon are over!

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Once you have purchased your ticket your bags will be searched and then you’re inside! Best way to kick off your Day at Wimbledon? I’d say start off with the classic Wimbledon treat of course: Strawberries and Cream. Who said anything about being here strictly to enjoy the tennis?