The greatest tennis event of the year is coming to Wimbledon once again this summer, and there is no doubt that it will once again prove to be a great hit with the public, attracting spectators from around the world. The event attracts the hottest names in the game, and with the prize money totalling a record 12,550,000, they will be playing for high stakes this year.
If you and your family fancy yourselves as tennis buffs, or are just looking for a good way to spend a memorable day out with the family, then you have probably already bought your tickets. If not, its not too late. The championship takes place from 22 June 5 July this year and there are tickets available daily at the stadium. Ticket prices start as low as 5 for the Grounds, but in order to catch any of the real action you may have to splash out around 100. For more information on ticket sales, call 020 8971 2473.
For families who plan to watch the championship, it is important to make sure that you arrange your transport carefully for the day. There are a number of options available though, making getting around as easy as possible in the circumstances.
A Park & Ride facility is available for a 15 fee, with a free bus shuttle to stadium. If your family lives close to Wimbledon, consider biking over, as bicycle parking is free. In addition, the London Underground passes Wimbledon on the District Line, and there are several bus stops in the area.
Due to the fact that the Wimbledon Championships take place in summer, drivers must be cautious not to allow their vehicles to overheat if stuck in traffic near the stadium. It is best to make sure that your breakdown cover details are with your before you depart for the stadium, to ensure a speedy recovery if you find yourself in a sticky situation in heavy traffic.
If you are driving in from afar, make sure you have good breakdown cover so you dont find yourself missing a great game due to a flat battery or a burst pipe. It is also recommended that you bring along plenty of fresh water and some healthy snacks for the kids, as an early start in the morning and a long wait in the queues could otherwise lead to some very grumpy children.
And remember to indulge in the iconic strawberries and cream dish which has become a symbol of English summer tennis over the years – every year over 20,000 kilograms of strawberries are eaten during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, together with about 7,000 litres of cream.