Yes, strawberries and cream and an ice-cold glass of Pimm’s are a must (well, a dream in this weather). But before you get to the good stuff, there are a few essentials every Wimbledon attendee should be ticking off their list – especially if you’ll be queuing for tickets. With the Championships kicking off next week, on Monday 29 June and running until Sunday 12 July, it may feel just around the corner, but there’s still time to get prepared.
Beyond the obvious comforts, like supportive shoes and your favourite tennis bracelet, it’s often the more practical essentials that determine whether the day runs smoothly. And, with queues sometimes stretching to seven hours or more, you may find yourself outside for longer than expected before even stepping through the gates.
It might feel hard to imagine colder weather right now amid a heatwave, but this is Britain, after all. Being prepared for a sudden downpour is always wise, so a lightweight rain jacket is essential – polka dots, of course, nodding to the event’s unofficial style code. A compact umbrella is another smart pick, and if you opt for one with UV protection, you’ll be covered come rain or shine.
Read more: What food and drink can you bring into Wimbledon?
If you’re planning to queue for tickets from the early hours, you’ll need to set up camp – quite literally. This year’s queue officially opens at 2pm on Sunday, with the first 1,500 people in the running for coveted court tickets, while early morning is the best time to join for grounds passes.
A good night’s sleep beforehand is key, so don’t forget an eye mask to help you rest properly. Earplugs are another essential, helping to block out the inevitable hum of excited fellow queuers, so you can arrive at the gates feeling as refreshed as possible. You won’t regret a small pillow (which also doubles as a comfy back support in those plastic seats) either, and if you grab these travel pillows, you’ll have a spare for your friend. Champers on them.
What can’t I take inside Wimbledon?
While remaining comfortable is important, there are some restrictions on what you’ll be allowed to take inside. The last thing you want is to queue for hours, only to encounter issues as you approach the gates – so be sure to follow the official guidelines.
Prepare for any bags to be searched on arrival at the entry gates, and note that bags should be no bigger than aircraft cabin size: 40cm x 30cm x 30cm. Prohibited items include flasks, travel mugs, opaque bottles, camping seats, hard-sided containers or bags, tents and selfie sticks.
If you do have any of those items, though, or don’t want to take your queuing essentials inside, there are facilities for depositing luggage, available outside the grounds, at £1 a bag. Proceeds are donated towards improving facilities in Wimbledon Park. This service operates in three locations – Somerset Road, inside AELTC Wimbledon Park opposite Gate 3, and Car Park 10 on Wimbledon Park Road.
Wimbledon allows spectators to bring their own food into the grounds, provided it fits in their bag. When it comes to alcohol, visitors are allowed one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml), or two cans of beer or cider per person.
Read more: Expert guide to budget tickets and beating the queues
How to avoid the Wimbledon queues
Investigations and Campaigns Editor – and self-proclaimed tennis nut – David Cohen, says “it’s a little-known fact that if you head to Wimbledon for around 4pm, or jump on a quick Tube to Southfields after work, you will likely face a queue of less than an hour – and if you enter from 5pm, a reduced grounds pass price typically of about £20.”
David explains that this works even if capacity has been reached earlier in the day because, as spectators leave, they allow more in on a strictly one-out, one-in basis.
Mountain Warehouse festival fun 2 man tent
Available in pink, green, orange and blue, this Mountain Warehouse two man tent is currently down by 38 per cent, and is lightweight enough to carry across the city. Simple and easy to pitch, the tent is water-resistant and ideal for Wimbledon queuers.
Buy now £25.00, Mountainwarehouse.com
TBco recycled wool picnic blanket
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A lightweight, waterproof blanket that doubles as a picnic rug is your best bet, especially if it comes with a handle for easy carrying, and has a quintessentially British design like tartan (an underrated bonus that ticks all the boxes).
Buy now £89.00, Tbco.com
Mountain Warehouse apex sleeping bag
Designed for warm nights and the summer months, this rainbow sleeping bag is made with temperature control to keep you cool during hotter spells, while still offering warmth if you’re attending Wimbledon on a particularly chilly day. It also comes with a small carry bag, allowing you to pack it down neatly and stash it away as you edge closer to the front of the queue.
Buy now £20.00, Mountainwarehouse.com
Anker nano power bank
If you only buy one of our recommended essentials to take with you to Wimbledon, make it this power bank. This slim Anker pick is magnetic and sleek enough to slip into your pocket while it charges your device on the go. Plus, with 28 per cent off for Amazon Prime Day, it’s well worth buying.
Buy now £36.10, Amazon.co.uk
Yeti 750ml water bottle
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With restrictions on what kind of bottles you can take inside, your best bet is a clear bottle with a screw-top lid. Yeti’s yonder bottle holds 750ml of liquid – perfect for staying hydrated, and has been designed to be 50 per cent lighter than the brand’s rambler bottles, so you can carry it from court to court without being bogged down.
Buy now £25.00, Yeti.com
Pro Action folding camping chair
For just £10, this Pro Action folding camping chair is a real bargain (and looks pretty cute, too). While you'll need to store your chair away at left luggage, the handy carry bag makes it easy to pack up. And if you’re getting in the mood early, the built-in cup holder is the perfect size for a Pimm’s. Just saying.
Buy now £10.00, Argos.co.uk
Roka London bantry backpack
Any bags you plan to take inside will need to measure no more than 40 x 30 x 30cm, but it’s worth being cautious when choosing, as once you’ve packed in all your essentials, they tend to expand more than you’d expect. Luckily, this bestselling style from Roka London has enough room to grow, with dimensions of 32cm x 23cm x 10cm in the small size and 40cm x 30cm x 12cm in the medium. Available in a huge range of 35 colours, it’s made from weather-resistant recycled fabrics and finished with adjustable straps. Practical yet stylish, it’s the kind of bag that will quickly become your go-to, both for Wimbledon and beyond.
Buy now £54.00, Rokalondon.com
Best Wimbledon outfit ideas to ace the dress code
