Wimbledon 2024 is a few weeks away and with it comes the just as iconic Wimbledon queue – almost as much a part of the full Wimbledon experience as the game itself.
If you weren’t lucky enough to score a court-side ticket in the public ballot and don’t fancy watching Novak Djokovik or Iga Swiatek defend titles elsewhere, then the queue is really the main opportunity for tennis fans to get in on the summer action.
Winding as far back as 1927, when Wimbledon had to turn away 2,000 people who’d been queueing since 5am, these days, the queue meanders through fields near the All England Club – with campers turning up with tents and sleeping bags for a prime spot. And in true British fashion, the queue comes with its own 20-page code of conduct.
Want to try your luck? Here’s what to know before you go.
How early should I queue for Wimbledon?
In a word: early. The earlier you arrive the better chance you have of getting the sought-after tickets, especially if a famous player is scheduled to play that day. The queue often starts the evening before and increases very early in the morning. But if you're after Centre Court, aim to arrive at five or six in the morning latest. Some people camp overnight on site or you could stay at nearby hotels like Hotel du Vin in Cannizaro Park or the Dog & Fox in Wimbledon Village to make the break of dawn commute shorter. You'll be waiting a while till the queue starts moving as ticket sales will actually start at 9.45am with the grounds opening at 10am.
Another option is to turn up later in the afternoon once some of the morning visitors have left. If you're happy to miss the big matches that normally kick off around 11.30am and 1pm, and you're really there to soak in the atmosphere and catch some later games, it's possible to join the queue after 5pm for later entry. The good news is that tickets are cheaper and the queue should move much faster than the morning scram.
Where is the Wimbledon queue located?
The queue for on the day tickets starts at Wimbledon Park, about five minutes away from Southfields tube station. Anyone can join the queue but early and late evening arrivals must only use the Wimbledon Park Road gates. Stewards are on hand 24-hours a day nowadays to help and guide tennis fans to the right place.
Once you join the end of the queue you'll be given a numbered Queue Card that gives you an idea on your position in the queue. Keep it safe. According to Match Point Travel, the first 500 get the best picks, and the first 1,500 should be able to get tickets that day.
May we suggest: Who is in the Royal Box at Wimbledon today?
Wimbledon 2024 ticket prices
Wimbledon ticket prices vary based on the date and court and range, increasing a little from last year.
If there are returned tickets available after 3pm, visitors can buy Centre Court tickets for £15 and Court 1 and 2 tickets for £10. Get these from the Ticket Resale Kiosk north of Court 18 or the Ticket Office next to Gate 3.
The Queue code of conduct
As you'd expect, there is indeed a thorough Wimbledon guide to queuing correctly.
- You are in the queue if you join it at the end and have been issued with a valid numbered and dated Queue Card. You must retain your Queue Card until you reach the ticket sales structure where you can purchase a Championships ticket.
- Queue Cards are strictly non-transferable. You may not reserve a place in the queue for somebody else
- Keep your Queue Card with you at all times. Queue Cards may be checked at the entrance to Wimbledon Park from 10pm.
- Temporary absence from the queue for purchase of refreshments or toilet breaks etc should not exceed 30 minutes.
- Overnight queuers must only use tents which accommodate a maximum of two persons, and one person should be present at all times. Gazebos must not be brought to the queue.
- Unattended items will be removed and may be destroyed by the police.
- Barbecues, camping stoves or fires are not permitted in the queue or in Wimbledon Park.
- Smoking/vaping in the queue is strictly forbidden.
- Anti-social behaviour likely to cause annoyance or offence to other queuers will not be tolerated. Loud music must not be played at any time.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or drunken behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Do not play music or ball games etc. after 10pm.
- All litter should be put in the refuse bags/bins provided
