Love All: Where to Watch Wimbledon in London

No luck with this year’s ballot? Can’t be doing with joining a mile-long queue of sleeping bags? The good news is there are big screens dotted all around London, meaning there’s no need to miss out on any of the Wimbledon matches this summer.  Check out our guide to the best places to watch the action and soak up the atmosphere:

Londoners love a good rooftop party and with temperatures set to soar this week, what could be better than keeping up with the latest scores from SW19 while catching some rays?  When the backdrop is St Paul’s, it’s almost better than the real thing. Free outdoor screenings will be taking place on the sixth floor roof terrace of the One New Change building throughout the tournament.  Plus there’ll be the obligatory strawberries and cream as well as tasty Vietnamese streetfood on hand to see spectators through game, set and match.

Wimbledon Rooftop Screenings: One New Change rooftop bar, St Paul’s, EC4M 9AF.

Nearest station, St Paul’s

Grab a spot in Canada Square Park and pack your own picnic. The park’s big screen is a two-minute walk from the local supermarket, meaning you can pop across the street for as much take-away strawberries and Pimms as your little legs can carry – it’s the ultimate wallet friendly option.

Canary Wharf Summer Screens Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AX

Nearest station, Canada Water

The first 50 early birds who get to the square in the morning are rewarded with a free deckchair to call their own for the day. If strawberries and cream don’t do it for you, KERB street food are on hand to serve up all sorts of pulled pork nom-ness. Look out for tennis- themed pop-up events happening throughout the tournament too.

Nearest station, King’s Cross/St Pancras

Don’t fancy getting up at 3am to queue for Murray Mound? Fortunately, one of Wimbledon’s favourite locals has come up with an easier option. The Rose and Crown has been on the go since 1659 and will be screening matches each day during The Championships. Plus, as an added bonus, you get to enjoy the novelty of passing through Southfields Tube station on the way.  Every year it gets decked out in grass and tennis paraphernalia to welcome Wimbledon fans.

 The Rose and Crown, 55 High Street, Wimbledon Village, London SW195BA

Nearest station, Southfields

Rooftops and cosy pubs are all well and good but if you want to experience the most electric atmosphere outside of the courts, make your way to Murray Mound, formerly Henman Hill/Rusedski Ridge.

As soon as you secure a ground admission pass (ground admission £8 to £25 before 5pm, £5 to £14 after), you’re free to make yourself at home on the grassy sun-trap for the day. Even those with courtside tickets have been known to flop here to feel the grass between their toes – “C’mon Tim!” never gets old.

A ground admission pass also entitles you to entry to outside courts. Throughout the first six days of play, these are heaving with big names, so you never know who you might get to see in action. Feeling lucky and don’t mind more queuing? Check the ticket kiosk beyond Murray Mound. It resells tickets that have been handed in by their owners as they leave for the day. All funds are donated to charity (Centre Court tickets are heavily discounted).

The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE.

Nearest station, Southfields, Wimbledon

• Do: Wear sun protection – it might be London but Wimbledon in July is HOT. This year, temperatures are set to sizzle in the high twenties/low thirties. There are far nicer Wimbledon souvenirs to be had than sunstroke – a hat is an essential accessory

• Don’t: Use flash photography. It distracts players and is against the rules

• Do: Stock up on bottled water during the breaks in play, as mentioned already, the courts BAKE in the midday sun

• Don’t: Show up in a nightie a la Victoria Beckham 2013 – sizzling temperatures or not, PJs aren’t acceptable attire

• Do: Dress smart/casual – wear comfortable shoes

• Don’t: Forget to do some celeb spotting – actors, former champions, royalty, they’ll all be swarming around the grounds

• Do: Leave the diet at home. Push the boat out and feast on Pimm’s and strawberries and cream – everyone else does. Around 28,000 kg of strawberries were eaten at last year’s Wimbledon, alongside 230, 000 glasses of Pimm’s.

Flights to London

- Fiona Hilliard