Wimbledon Championships

Wimbledon, London. June/July Annually.

The annual championships at Wimbledon are tennis� oldest, greatest, and most prestigious event. Held in June and July of every year at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, the tournament is a massively popular Grand Slam event that sees tennis fanatics and sports enthusiasts flock to the area to watch the exciting and inspirational spectacle. �

The Wimbledon Championships comprise of a number of separate tournaments that are played simultaneously � Ladies� and Men�s Singles, Ladies� and Men�s Doubles, and the Mixed Doubles. There are also youth tournaments and �over 35� tournaments held during the course of the Championships. ��

There is an astounding spectator turnout at the event every year, with close to 500,000 people attending the games over the two weeks of play� � and this figure says nothing of the thousands that can�t get their hands on tickets, and simply visit the area at the time of the Wimbledon Championships to absorb the atmosphere and enjoy watching the games in the crowded pubs around the city.��

�
Wimbledon is not just for tennis lovers � the buzz and atmosphere that surrounds the tournament is as big a draw for tourism as the games themselves. Hotels, restaurants and pubs run special menus and events for patrons � pots of English tea, cucumber sandwiches, fresh strawberries and cream, warm �sconns� with jam, pink champagne and summer fruit puddings are served to authenticate the experience while the games are broadcast on big-screens. Whether you go for it gung-ho or remain tongue-in-cheek, the quintessential indulgences of refined �English� living are part of the tradition of Wimbledon and should be experienced and enjoyed. Well, maybe not the cucumber sandwiches � give me an extra summer fruit pudding any day��

Demand for Wimbledon tickets invariably surpasses supply, and tickets can be difficult to come by for the regular Joe Soap who isn�t affiliated with a tennis club or organization. There is a public draw however, with hopefuls sending in their details in December of the preceding year in the anticipation that they will be selected to receive tickets. ��

Accommodation is also in heavy demand during the tournament � if you want to stay anywhere near the action you will need to have booked your bed well in advance. Be prepared for high prices � as demand increases, so, it seems, do room rates� �
�