You’ve seen the ivy-covered walls on TV. You know the white outfits and the strawberries. But honestly, if you hopped in a black cab in central London and just shouted "Take me to the tennis!" you might end up in a bit of a muddle. People often assume Wimbledon is just a name for a tournament, like the Super Bowl or the World Series. It’s actually a very real, very leafy neighborhood in Southwest London. Specifically, it's held at a private members' club that has a name much longer than most people realize.
The All England Club: More Than Just a Name
The Championships are held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). Most of us just call it the All England Club because, well, the full version is a mouthful. It is located at Church Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5AE.
That postcode—SW19—is basically legendary in the sports world. It’s shorthand for the tournament itself. If someone says they’re "heading to SW19," they aren't going to a post office; they’re going to watch the best grass-court tennis on the planet.
Interestingly, the club wasn't always at Church Road. Back when it started in 1877, it was actually located on Worple Road. They moved to the current site in 1922 because the old grounds were just too small for the crowds. Imagine trying to fit the modern-day circus of 42,000 daily spectators into a tiny rented field behind a suburban street. It wouldn't work.
Why the Location Matters
Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam still played on grass. That’s a huge deal. The location isn't just a backdrop; the ground itself is a living participant in the game.
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The soil has to be packed so hard that it feels like concrete. If the ground is too soft, the ball won't bounce. If it’s too dry, the grass dies. The groundskeepers are basically scientists who happen to own very expensive lawnmowers. They use 100% Perennial Ryegrass because it’s tough enough to survive two weeks of world-class athletes sliding all over it.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re planning to visit, don't just put "Wimbledon" into your GPS and hope for the best. The Wimbledon train station is actually about a 20-minute walk (or a short shuttle bus ride) from the actual courts.
Most seasoned fans actually get off at Southfields Station on the District Line. It’s a slightly shorter walk, and the atmosphere in the village on the way down is electric. You'll see homeowners renting out their driveways for crazy prices and local shops decking out their windows with tennis balls.
- Southfields Station: About 15 minutes on foot.
- Wimbledon Station: About 20 minutes on foot, or take the 493 bus.
- Wimbledon Park Station: Another solid option, roughly 25 minutes away.
The club strongly discourages driving. Parking is a nightmare, and many of the local roads are closed or restricted during the fortnight. Honestly, the train is part of the experience. You’ll be squeezed onto a tube carriage with people from all over the world, half of them carrying umbrellas and the other half wearing sun hats. It's the Great British Summer in a nutshell.
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The Famous "Henman Hill"
Inside the grounds, location is everything. While Centre Court is the crown jewel with its 14,979 seats and fancy retractable roof, some of the best action happens on the grass bank outside No. 1 Court.
Officially, it’s called Aorangi Terrace. But depending on who the British number one is, it’s known as Henman Hill or Murray Mound. It’s where people who don’t have show court tickets gather to watch the big screen. It’s basically a giant picnic with a side of high-stakes tennis.
Surprising Facts About the Site
The site covers about 42 acres. That might sound big, but when you realize it houses 18 championship courts, 22 practice courts, a museum, a massive media center, and dozens of restaurants, it starts to feel pretty cozy.
- The Hawk: Every morning during the tournament, a Harris Hawk named Rufus is flown over the grounds. Why? To scare away the pigeons. Pigeons and professional tennis don't mix.
- The Height of the Grass: It is kept at exactly 8mm. Not 7mm, not 9mm. If it’s off by a fraction, the players will notice.
- The Royal Box: Located at the south end of Centre Court, it has 74 dark green wicker chairs. You can't just buy a ticket for these; you have to be invited.
The tournament usually kicks off in late June. In 2026, the dates are set for June 29 to July 12. If you’re planning to go, you usually need to enter a public ballot months in advance or be prepared to join "The Queue"—the famous overnight camping tradition where fans wait for on-the-day tickets.
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Navigating the Neighborhood
Wimbledon itself is split into two main parts. There’s the "Town," which is the high-street area near the train station with all the big shops and cinemas. Then there’s the "Village," which is uphill and much more posh.
The tennis club is nestled closer to the Village side. It’s a very affluent area, and the residents have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the tournament. They love the prestige, but they probably aren't huge fans of 500,000 people walking past their front doors over two weeks.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to experience where Wimbledon is held without the tournament crowds, you can actually visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum year-round. It’s located right at the club (Gate 4 on Church Road).
You can book a tour that takes you inside Centre Court and the press rooms. It’s a completely different vibe when it’s quiet. You can see the precision that goes into the court maintenance and get a close-up look at the trophies. Just remember to check the schedule, as the grounds often close to the public for a few weeks before and after the championships to allow for setup and "recovery" of the grass.
For the full experience, check the official Wimbledon website around January for the ballot entry dates. That is your best shot at getting a seat on those hallowed grounds without spending a fortune on the secondary market. Alternatively, start looking into local accommodation in Southfields or Wimbledon Village early—hotels in the area book up over a year in advance for the tournament weeks.