All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC)

The basics

The All England Lawn Tennis Club is an exclusive private club with less than 600 members. Non-members have two options for gaining entry: buy tickets to the annual Wimbledon tournament or join a behind-the-scenes tour. Guided tours of the club last for 90 minutes, and include glimpses of Centre Court and Aorangi Terrace, as well as access to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, which chronicles the history of the sport.

Things to know before you go

• All England Lawn Tennis Club is a must for tennis fans.
• During the Championships, the museum is only open to ticket holders.
• The museum is wheelchair-accessible, and an alternative step-free tour route is available for travelers using wheelchairs.
• Tours may not be suitable for very young children.

How to get there

Take the tube (District line) to Southfields station. From there, the All England Lawn Tennis Club is a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride (493) away. Access for tours is via Gate 4 on Church Road.

When to get there

If you’re doing a tour, arrive well in advance to allow for bag searches and check-in. Tours do not run during the Championships.

How to Get Tickets to Wimbledon

Tennis fans can enter a public ballot, which typically opens in August or September the year before the tournament in question, and closes in December. Winners are offered a ticket for a day and court selected at random, which they will then have the option to buy. A limited number of tickets are also available online through Ticketmaster, though these sell out in a flash. The only other way to get tickets is to queue up on the day; fans get there early—usually several hours before opening—and some even camp out overnight.

Ways to explore

The All England Lawn Tennis Club is a prestigious private club with a limit of 500 members for full, life, and honorary members. Each year, a select number of temporary members are chosen, usually active tennis players. Non-members can still experience the club by purchasing tickets to the annual Wimbledon tournament, visiting the on-site Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, or joining a guided tour. Tours typically go behind the scenes and offer a glimpse of the grounds, the players’ areas, and Centre Court.

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair-accessible, all entrance gates are step-free, and there are accessible restrooms.

Age limits

Children under 5 can’t enter the Show Courts, such as Centre Court.

What to pack

Refillable water bottle, sunscreen, umbrella, small bag

What to wear

Smart casual attire for Wimbledon, comfortable footwear, extra layers

Not allowed

​​Selfie sticks, hard-sided bags or containers, large electronic devices

Amenities

Wi-Fi, restaurant, restrooms

Address

The All England Lawn Tennis Club is located on Church Road in Wimbledon. It’s possible to drive to the club, but most travelers opt for public transport.

Driving

If attending during the Wimbledon Championships, parking can be very limited and must be prebooked. A more convenient option is the Park & Ride service at Morden Park on the A24.

Public transportation

The club is easily accessible if traveling by public transport. Take the District tube line to Southfields station and walk for 15 minutes, or a South Western Railway train to Wimbledon, which is about 20 minutes on foot.

Best times to visit

If you’re doing a guided tour, it’s a good idea to book a slot outside of London’s rush hour (typically 7:30am to 9:30am and 5pm to 7pm) to avoid crowded trains and enjoy a more relaxed journey.

Best days to visit

Plan on a weekday for tours and museum visits to miss weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

If you’re lucky enough to get tickets to Wimbledon, this world-famous tournament in June and July offers an incredible atmosphere and a chance to watch top-tier tennis players.

Special events

The biggest event on the club’s calendar is the Wimbledon Championships, but tickets are hard to get. It’s worth trying the public ballot or joining the famous line for same-day tickets.