The Best Ways to Experience Wimbledon
Few, if any, sporting events compare to Wimbledon in terms of venue, legend, and prestige. Ivy-adorned stadiums, freshly picked strawberries from Kent (paired! with! cream!), picturesque grass courts, and incredible matches, of course, await spectators at the world's oldest tennis major.
Having visited the All England Club for Days 1 and 2 of Wimbledon this year as a guest of American Express, I can attest to the magic that is walking into the verdant venue for the first time. It's an experience that could propel even the most beginner-level tennis surveyor straight into the world of YouTube highlight reels and Wikipedia pages about all the major players' personal lives and spouses. And as the most dedicated fans who queue overnight well already know, the excitement of Wimbledon validates a poor night's sleep and year-long wait.
While Wimbledon 2020 is still 11 months away, the best time to plan out your trip is, in fact, now when luxury pre-sale packages are still available. Here, a guide of the best ways to experience the iconic Championships.
Don't Miss the Games on the Ground
While Centre Court may be the most prestigious venue (it's home to the royal box, after all), the matches on the ground courts, especially at the beginning of Wimbledon, are equally thrilling. Here, you'll be able to see up-and-coming stars play some of the best tennis in the world just footsteps before your eyes. And you might just catch some surprising celebrities on these courts, too. (I saw none other than Kate Middleton casually sitting on the bleachers at Court 14 on Day 2, watching England's Harriet Dart play America's Christina Mchale Court.)
Sip a Pimm's Cup and Savor Some Strawberries & Cream
Since first popping up at the 1971 Wimbledon tournament, over 300,000 of Wimbledon's famous cocktail are served to spectators at the Championships each year. The gin-based drink's history traces back to the 1840's when James Pimm, the landlord of a London oyster bar, invented the gin-based liquor Pimm's No. 1 Cup and marketed it as a health tonic. Fast forward to present day, the cocktail served at Wimbledon is only 50 proof, which makes it a refreshing option for sipping in the sun.
Along with Pimm's, sampling strawberries and cream at Wimbledon is a must. Freshly picked at 4AM in Kent, and transported to Wimbledon just before noon, strawberries have long been considered the Championships' most famous food. The history here traces back to the late 1870's when well-off spectators at the All England Club's original Worple Road grounds ate strawberries during the matches. Suffice to say the tradition has stuck, Good Housekeeping UK reports that 140,000 portions of English strawberries are annually consumed during the Championships's 2-week duration.
Peruse the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
Bask in the history of Wimbledon (and take an air-conditioned break) at the largest tennis museum in the world. Located near Gate 4, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum showcases the evolution of tennis from its medieval origins to the professional sport of the present day. Highlights include a recreation of the 1980s Gentlemen's Dressing Room as well as an immersive 200° screen that presents the science of tennis through examining Maria Sharapova's 2005 Centre Court match against Spain's Nuria Llagostera.
During the Championships, museum access is available for ticket holders only from 9:30AM until 8PM, except for the middle Sunday of the championships when they're available from 10AM to 4PM—providing there is no play.
Shop For Some Wimbledon Swag
Something I had no idea about before attending Wimbledon was the fandom surrounding the swag. From freshly cut grass-scented candles to cotton tablecloths, there's a surprising amount of chic souvenirs to peruse, in addition to standard mementos like T-shirts and mugs. Note that Southern Village, the newest area of Wimbledon located by No.2 Court, houses a gift shop where you can have Wimbledon apparel custom embroidered.
Pamper Up for the Experience
Having paparazzi-ready hair at Wimbledon is unnecessary for us muggles; however, should you fancy sleek locks that'll last a whole day in the sun (AKA to channel the Kate Middleton within), book an early morning blowout at any of Hersheons' London locations. Locations can be found inside Harvey Nichols, Selfridge's, Topshop Oxford Circus, or at the brand's new flagship on Berner's Street. (Note the prices at the flagship location are slightly higher.)
Book a Pre-Sale Package
A sponsor of the US Open for 29 seasons and counting, 2019 saw the unveiling of Amex's new partnership with Wimbledon. Beyond creating impressive on-site activations for all to enjoy (think a simulated VR match against Andy Murray and a highly Instagrammable sunglasses-cleaning station), Amex's new partnership offers cardholders a chance to experience the championships with unrivaled ease.
Amex has created three first class spaces at Wimbledon: The Lawn (previously and fittingly known as the Gatsby Club), the Rosewater Pavilion, and the Sky View suites, each of which is defined by keen attention to detail and experiences. From four-course meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs to afternoon tea (and an open bar that'll gladly prepare you a Pimm's Cups-to-go in between matches), you can expect to be well fed and taken care of at each venue. Itineraries at the Sky View Suites and Rosewater Pavilion also include meet-and-greet access and q-and-a sessions with past grand slam winners—with a professional photographer to capture the moment.
Pre-sale packages, beginning at £780 per person, are on sale now and can be booked through August 19th here. Another perk worth noting: loyal Platinum Card and Centurion Members will have a chance to get pulled into front row seats at Centre Court directly facing the Royal Box when booking through Amex's By Invitation Only program.
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