Yes, you can experience Wimbledon without a show court ticket thanks to the Ground Pass, available each morning via The Queue. The ticket costs £33 for the first 8 days (£26 on days 9–11, £21 on days 12–14) and gives you access to the entire grounds, outside courts 3 to 18, the Lawn Tennis Museum and above all Henman Hill — the grassy bank with its 40 m² giant screen. In 2026 (29 June–12 July), this is the last edition before the hill is renovated: coming this summer means witnessing a piece of tennis history.
Some places in sport transcend the competition itself. Henman Hill at Wimbledon is one of them. This grassy bank alongside Court No. 1 — officially named Aorangi Terrace — has been the stage for unique collective emotions since 1997: the dashed hopes of Tim Henman in the 2000s, the roar of triumph when Andy Murray won in 2013, and the eruptions of joy greeting Jannik Sinner’s victory in 2025. In 2026, something particularly special is at stake here: this is the last edition in which the hill appears in its historic form, before major renovation works begin in September. Coming this year means seizing a singular moment — a hill still raw, still imperfect, still authentic — with its giant screen, its strawberries and cream at £2.70 and its 300,000 glasses of Pimm’s served every tournament. The Championships, Wimbledon 2026 runs from 29 June to 12 July, and Henman Hill is waiting for you from the moment the gates open.
1. Henman Hill / Murray Mound — the story of a legendary bank
A bank born from the spoil of Court No. 1 (1997)
The story of Henman Hill begins in 1997, when construction of the new Court No. 1 generated large amounts of spoil that the AELTC chose to sculpt into a grassy bank. A 40 m² giant screen was installed on the court’s facade, and a new tradition was born spontaneously: supporters crowded onto the slope to watch matches live, picnic, and share a quite unique communion. According to the official Wimbledon website, the space is officially called Aorangi Terrace, named after the New Zealand rugby club that occupied the adjacent ground before 1981 — « Aorangi » being the Maori name for Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
The popular nicknames reflect Britain’s successive tennis heroes: « Henman Hill » in the 2000s (Tim Henman, the first popular British contender for decades), « Murray Mound » from 2013 (the year Andy Murray’s historic triumph made him the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936). In 2026, with Murray now coaching Jack Draper for the grass-court season, some have already floated « Draper Dune » — though popular usage is still unsettled, notes Wikipedia.
Highlights
- 40 m² giant screen showing Centre Court live — a premium view without a premium ticket
- Included with any entry ticket (Ground Pass, show court, debenture) — no extra charge
- Unrivalled communal atmosphere: collective cheers, synchronised applause, strangers united by sport
- Wheelchair-accessible ramp and reserved viewing area available at all levels of the bank
2. The Queue — how to get your Ground Pass
The Queue: an institution as legendary as the tournament itself
The Wimbledon Ground Pass — the key to entering the grounds without an assigned seat — cannot be booked online. It is only available through The Queue, the legendary physical queue that starts in Wimbledon Park, roughly an 8-minute walk from Southfields station. According to the official Queue guide, stewards hand out numbered queue cards from the moment you arrive in the park, accessible 24 hours a day via the Woodspring Road / Wimbledon Park Road junction.
The 2025 prices (indicative for 2026, to be confirmed on wimbledon.com): £33 for days 1 to 8 (up to 6 July), £26 for days 9 to 11, and £21 for the final 3 days. The first 1,500 people in the queue receive a wristband giving access to show courts (500 for Centre Court, 500 for Court 1, 500 for Court 2). From around position 2,000, you receive the standard Ground Pass — more than enough for a memorable day on Henman Hill and the outside courts.
After 3pm, a resale kiosk allows you to buy Centre Court tickets at £15 or other show court tickets at £10, with all proceeds going to charity, according to the official site wimbledon.com. The myWimbledon app also gives access to a virtual resale queue — activate it as soon as you arrive on site.
Highlights
- No online booking required: the Ground Pass is purchased on the day at the gate
- Queue Village: heated marquee, snacks and entertainment to pass the time — the atmosphere is festive from the early hours
- Camping option: arrive the evening before from 4pm to be among the first in line the following morning
- Lawn Tennis Museum included free with every Ground Pass (worth £15 outside the tournament)
3. Your day on Henman Hill — what you can expect
Eight hours of emotion between outside courts and the giant screen
With your Ground Pass in hand, the AELTC grounds open up in their full glory. Matches on the outside courts (3 to 18) begin at 11:00am, and Centre Court opens at 1:30pm. During the first week, these outside courts host players ranked in the world’s top 30–40 — a closeness to champions impossible to match anywhere else at this price. Court 18, legendary for its epic battles, and Court 3 are particularly prized according to WimbledonTix.
On Henman Hill, the 40 m² giant screen broadcasts Centre Court live. In 2026, there is no shortage of storylines to captivate the crowd: Jannik Sinner, the defending champion and strong favourite following Alcaraz’s withdrawal (wrist injury confirmed on 20 May by Sky Sports), Novak Djokovic chasing a 25th Grand Slam title and an 8th Wimbledon crown, and Jack Draper coached by Murray himself — the British crowd will live every Draper point with extraordinary intensity. In the women’s draw, the showdown between Iga Swiatek (defending champion) and Aryna Sabalenka (world No. 1) promises unmissable moments on the giant screen.
A 2026 innovation to watch on the screens: video review makes its Wimbledon debut for the very first time, as GB News reports. Players will be able to challenge double bounces, racket touches or hindrance — with unlimited challenges on Centre Court and five other courts.
Highlights
- Outside courts, front-row access: sit metres from a world top-30 player — an experience impossible to replicate elsewhere at this price
- The hill and big-match action on the giant screen: the collective roar on break points creates a stadium atmosphere under the open sky
- Off-peak Aorangi: watch players practising on the practice courts, sometimes get an autograph
- Recommended days: days 3 and 4 (Wednesday–Thursday, 1–2 July) — outside courts still packed with top players, more manageable crowds than opening Monday
4. Strawberries & cream, Pimm’s and fish & chips — the flavours of Wimbledon
The culinary traditions that make Wimbledon, Wimbledon
No visit to Wimbledon is complete without strawberries and cream. According to Ripe London, this tradition dates back to the Victorian era when June strawberries represented a rare luxury. Today, 28,000 kg of strawberries (Driscoll’s Amble variety) arrive every morning from Kent farms, picked within the past 24 hours. The 2025 price: £2.70 for 10 strawberries with clotted cream — slightly up, but the pleasure remains undiminished. Kiosks are found throughout all catering areas, including near Aorangi Terrace.
Pimm’s is the other immovable pillar. Invented in 1840 by James Pimm, the gin-based cocktail — mixed with sparkling lemonade, ice, cucumber, strawberries and mint — has graced Wimbledon since 1971. In 2025, the price reached £12.25 per glass (according to GB News), and 300,000 glasses are served each tournament — more than 20,000 per day. The Southern Village near Courts 2 and 12 is the most lively area, with a giant screen and open-air terrace.
Fish & chips remains the most quintessentially British and filling option. Premium versions are available at the Food Village (expect £13–16 per portion in 2026 given inflation), while a pint of Stella Artois was £8.85 in 2025. Good news: more than 100 free water refill points are dotted around the grounds — no need to buy a £5 bottle of water.
Highlights
- Picnics welcome: bring your soft bag (max 40×30×30 cm) with 1 bottle of wine or 2 cans of beer per person — the M&S at Southfields is 5 minutes away for top-ups
- Southern Village: the most festive catering area, with a giant screen, pizza, Pimm’s and beer
- Afternoon tea: finger sandwiches, scones and cream, available at the Cavendish and the Walled Garden for a civilised treat
- Lanson Champagne (official sponsor): available by the magnum at £100.90 for a celebration
5. Logistics and full budget for your day at Wimbledon
District Line, picnic and what to bring
Best transport option: the District Line to Southfields station (Zone 3, covered by a Travelcard). From the station, allow 15 minutes on foot to the AELTC main entrance. A shuttle also runs from Southfields to Church Road during the tournament (separate fare, does not accept Oyster). Wimbledon station (District Line + Thameslink/South Western Railway trains) is another option — buses (93, 200, 493) serve the AELTC. According to Green & Purple, driving is strongly discouraged: guaranteed traffic jams and very limited parking.
Bag rules: 1 bag per person, maximum 40×30×30 cm (standard cabin bag size). Picnics permitted (soft bag only, no hard cool boxes). Alcohol: 1 x 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne OR 2 x 500 ml cans of beer or cider per person. Lenses over 300 mm and tripods are not permitted. Full details on the bag policy at RadicalStorage.
| Expense | Budget option | Comfort option |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Pass (days 1–8) | £33 | £33 |
| Return transport District Line (Zones 1–3) | £4–6 | £4–6 |
| Picnic from home (M&S Southfields) | £8–12 | — |
| Food on site (stands) | — | £20–35 |
| Strawberries & cream × 1 | £2.70 | £2.70 |
| Pimm’s × 1 | — | £12.25 |
| Souvenir from official shop | Optional | £10–20 |
| Estimated total | £48–54 | £82–109 |
Highlights
- What to bring: a light waterproof, sun cream, a portable charger (digital tickets are on the app), a lightweight folding seat or picnic blanket
- myWimbledon app: download before you go — live scores, virtual resale queue, personalised schedule and player alerts
- Accommodation: Wimbledon Village is 15 minutes on foot, Travelodge Wimbledon Central 7 minutes by car, Wandsworth/Putney (direct District Line) for cheaper options
- Qualifying (22–25 June, Roehampton): £15 entry to watch future champions on grass in an intimate setting
Practical information for your trip to London
Stay connected from the moment you land: follow live scores on the myWimbledon app, check The Queue in real time and share your photos from the hill. Airalo’s UK eSIM activates in minutes before you leave home.
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From $56 / 4 weeksPlanning your London stay around Wimbledon? Explore our guides on how to visit London in 3 days, our advice on the UK ETA in 2026 and our selection of free museums in London to round off your trip.
Frequently asked questions about Wimbledon 2026
When does Wimbledon 2026 take place?
The Championships, Wimbledon 2026 takes place from Monday 29 June to Sunday 12 July 2026 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE. This is the 139th edition of the world’s oldest Grand Slam. The gentlemen’s singles final is scheduled for Sunday 12 July, the ladies’ singles final for Saturday 11 July. Source: official wimbledon.com.
How much does the Wimbledon 2026 Ground Pass cost?
The Wimbledon Ground Pass (entry ticket with no assigned seat on the show courts) cost £33 for days 1 to 8, £26 for days 9 to 11 and £21 for days 12 to 14 in 2025. These prices are indicative for 2026 and should be confirmed on wimbledon.com. The Ground Pass gives access to the entire grounds, outside courts 3 to 18, Henman Hill with its giant screen, the Lawn Tennis Museum and all catering areas. Source: Green & Purple.
Is Henman Hill free or does it require a separate ticket?
Henman Hill (Aorangi Terrace) is included with any Wimbledon entry ticket — Ground Pass, show court ticket or debenture. There is no separate ticket for the hill. Access is first come, first served, with no seat reservation possible. The only condition is holding a valid tournament entry ticket. A wheelchair-accessible ramp is in place. Source: wimbledon.com.
What time should I arrive to be sure of getting a Ground Pass?
For days 1 to 4 (the busiest), you should ideally arrive before the first Tube — 6:57am on weekdays from Southfields. Arriving after 9am risks missing out on a Ground Pass on the biggest days. The alternative: camp the night before in Wimbledon Park (arrive from 4pm, collect your queue card, join the Queue Village). For days 12 to 14, queues are far shorter and Ground Passes considerably more accessible, at a reduced price of £21. Source: Stoked to Travel.
Is Carlos Alcaraz playing at Wimbledon 2026?
No. Carlos Alcaraz officially withdrew from Wimbledon 2026 on 20 May 2026 due to tenosynovitis of the right wrist, sustained during the Barcelona Open. This ends a run of three consecutive SW19 finals (champion 2023, champion 2024, finalist 2025). The leading favourite in the gentlemen’s draw is now Jannik Sinner (defending champion, No. 1 seed), followed by Novak Djokovic (7 Wimbledon titles, chasing a 25th Major) and Jack Draper (coached by Andy Murray). Source: Sky Sports.
Can you bring your own picnic to Wimbledon?
Yes, picnics are permitted at Wimbledon, in a soft bag (no hard cool boxes) measuring a maximum of 40×30×30 cm. Alcohol is permitted within the following limits: 1 x 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne OR 2 x 500 ml cans of beer or cider per person. Bottles over 500 ml and spirits (whisky, vodka) are not permitted. Hot or strongly smelling food is not permitted inside the show courts. More than 100 free water refill points are available around the grounds. Source: wimbledon.com bag policy.
Sources
- wimbledon.com — Official 2026 dates — Full programme for The Championships 2026
- wimbledon.com — Hill & Large Screen — Official description of Aorangi Terrace
- wimbledon.com — A new-look Hill for 2027 — Official renovation announcement (3 April 2025)
- ESPN — Wimbledon plans ‘Henman Hill’ renovation for 2027 — Details of the renovation project (+20% capacity, pergola)
- Green & Purple — Ground Pass guide — Ground Pass prices and access
- Stoked to Travel — First-timer’s guide to The Queue — On-the-ground tips and camping experience
- Happy to Wander — Wimbledon Queue Tips — Practical Queue guide, timings and strategies
- GB News — Wimbledon food and drink prices 2025 — Detailed catering and drinks prices
- Sky Sports — Alcaraz withdraws from Wimbledon 2026 — Official wrist injury announcement (20 May 2026)
- ITV News — Andy Murray to coach Jack Draper — Official coaching announcement (12 May 2026)
- Perfect Tennis — Wimbledon 2026 prize money — Record £55 million prize fund
- GB News — Wimbledon video review 2026 — Introduction of video review technology
- Wikipedia — Henman Hill — History and nicknames of the hill
Research completed 24 May 2026. Unconfirmed 2026 prices are based on 2025 figures and indicated as such.
Ready to experience Wimbledon 2026 from Henman Hill?
Join The Queue at dawn, lay your blanket on the legendary slope and watch the champions on the giant screen — Pimm’s in hand and strawberries and cream on your lap. In 2026, it’s your last chance to experience the hill in its historic form. Don’t miss it.
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