The ultimate guide to this summer's event

<p>The Wimbledon Championships are as integral to British summertime as <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/grapes-berries-cherries/berries-cherries/_/112465" target="_blank">strawberries</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/fresh-cream-custard/single-double-whipping/_/111645" target="_blank">cream</a> or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/liqueurs/pimms-spirit-drink-no.-1/910000246823" target="_blank">Pimm's</a> &ndash; both of which can be found in vast quantities at the famous grounds.</p><p>In fact, Wimbledon might just be <em>the </em>most British of sporting events. The world's oldest tennis tournament, it has been held at the All England Club since 1877 and is one of only four international Grand Slam events to be played on grass. This year's tennis tournament kicked off on Monday, and is set to be <em>quite</em> the competition.</p><p>If you want to get in on this year's tennis action, there are a few things you should know. From how to score tickets to what to bring, here are 10 essential tips for this year's tournament. Have a read and make the most out of this wonderful summertime sporting event.</p><h2>You can nab a ticket on the day</h2><p>Did you know that you can turn up on the day and buy tickets? Yes, really. A limited number of tickets are available daily for Centre Court, Court 1 and Court 2 (except for the last four days on Centre Court, when all tickets are sold in advance).</p><p>For the best chances of getting these tickets, however, you'll probably need to camp out overnight &ndash; don't forget to bring a tent! If you're not bothered about getting courtside seats, you can typically get ground passes for the day by queuing up just a few hours beforehand. Ground passes give you the use of unreserved seating and standing room in courts 3 to 19.</p><h2>But there are other ways to get tickets, too</h2><p><a href="http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/The-Championships-Wimbledon-tickets/artist/29663" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a> releases hundreds of Centre Court and Court 3 tickets at 9am the day before play. Or you could try your luck with the ballot for next year's tournament &ndash; applications take place in December. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="tennis-ball-on-grass-court__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/tennis-ball-on-grass-court__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>When to go</h2><p>The best time to go to the Championships is actually during the first week, as this is when the most matches are on and presents the best chance to catch one of the seeds (the best players in the tournament) in action.</p><h2>Where to soak up the atmosphere</h2><p>Join the crowds at Henman Hill (also known as Murray Mound) - an area of raised ground by Court 1 that has a giant screen on the outside wall, allowing you to get great views of the action while enjoying the sporty atmosphere. You'll still need to buy a ground admission ticket to get there but it's great fun. </p><h2>How to get there</h2><p>Located in the south-west of the capital, you can reach the Grounds by bus, tube or train from central London. It's a common misconception that Wimbledon is the nearest tube station to the Grounds, but Southfields station, on the District line, is actually closer and just a 15-minute walk away. At the other end, you can hop on a shuttle bus to the Grounds (but by the time you've queued up for the bus, you might as well have walked). </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="wimbledon_station__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/wimbledon_station__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>The OTHER Wimbledon </h2><p>The Wimbledon Championships are held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Don't be confused by its lesser-known neighbour, The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club. Just follow the crowds and you can't go wrong!</p><h2>The strawberries aren't cheap</h2><p><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/grapes-berries-cherries/berries-cherries/_/112465" target="_blank">Strawberries</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/fresh-cream-custard/single-double-whipping/_/111645" target="_blank">cream</a> may be a must-have tradition when at Wimbledon, but it'll cost you! Instead, save money by bringing your own picnic complete with fresh strawberries and cream.</p><p>When packing your picnic remember that only one bag per person is permitted into the Grounds and it must measure no more than 40 x 30 x 30 cm. Also, no hard-sided picnic hampers, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/picnicware-outdoor-dining/george-home-24l-coolbox/910001662340" target="_blank">coolboxes</a>, briefcases or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/bottles-flasks-travel-mugs/thermos-jupiter-premier-flask/1756161" target="_blank">flasks</a> are allowed, so bring your goodies in <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/picnicware-outdoor-dining/george-home-blue-bird-cooler-tote-bag/1000090749002" target="_blank">a totebag</a> or <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/clothing/10,default,sc.html?q=backpack&ccgid=10#https://direct.asda.com/george/clothing/10,default,sc.html?q=backpack&ccgid=10" target="_blank">single-pocketed backpack.</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="a-strawberry-and-cream-on-a-spoon__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/a-strawberry-and-cream-on-a-spoon__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Bring your own bottle</h2><p>Alcohol is allowed into the Grounds but is strictly limited to one bottle of wine or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/aisle/wine-prosecco-champagne/champagne/_/4247738752" target="_blank">Champagne</a> (750ml), two <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/dept/drinks/beer-cider-ales/_/102509" target="_blank">cans of beer</a> (500ml) or two <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/pre-mixed-drinks-cocktails/pre-mixed-drinks/_/102585" target="_blank">cans of premixed aperitifs</a> per person. Bottles of <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/aisle/spirits-pre-mixed-drinks/spirits/_/102572" target="_blank">spirits</a> or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/aisle/spirits-pre-mixed-drinks/fortified-wines-vermouth/_/102588" target="_blank">fortified wines</a> will not be allowed into the Grounds. All alcohol must be consumed in dedicated areas, and glass is not allowed into the courts.</p><h2>Bring weather-suitable clothing</h2><p>The players may have a strict dress code (all white), but spectators can dress in comfortable and casual wear. Don't forget to pack <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/womens-clothing/D1,default,sc.html?q=sunhat" target="_blank">a sunhat</a> to keep your head cool in the heat. Also, those plastic chairs can get pretty toasty, so something that covers the back of your legs when you sit down is probably a good idea!</p><h2>Don't worry about the pigeons</h2><p>Here's a random fact: Rufus the hawk flies over the Grounds throughout the year in order to scare local pigeons away, meaning that the event is pretty much pigeon-free. </p><p><em>Get into the spirit of the game with fresh <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/berries-cherries/asda-growers-selection-strawberries/1000132866262" target="_blank">strawberries</a> and <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/liqueurs/pimms-spirit-drink-no.-1/910000246823" target="_blank">Pimm's</a> at Asda.</em></p>

10 things no one tells you about going to Wimbledon

By Asda Good Living,5th July 2018

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