What are the Best Seats at Wimbledon?

The Royal Box on Centre Court is generally regarded as the most prestigious place to sit at The Championships. Unless you are a former champion, an Olympic gold medalist or a member of the Royal Family, however, seats there are not a realistic option for most spectators.

For everyone else, the best seats at Wimbledon depend on the kind of experience you want. Some spectators want the most iconic court and the best chance of seeing the biggest matches. Others prefer a closer or more intimate setting, easier access, more shade, or a particular seat position.

This guide explains the main seating options at Wimbledon and the factors that can make one seat better than another, so you can decide which type of ticket is the best fit for your day.

Which seats offer the best views?

For spectators looking for reserved seats on Centre Court or No.1 Court, debenture tickets are usually the benchmark. The seats reserved for debenture ticket holders are often among the most desirable in the stadium:

• On Centre Court, debenture seats have historically been assigned to the front 14 rows (A-N), the same tier as the Royal Box. A small number are now also located in the 300 tier.
• On No.1 Court, debenture seats are in the front 17 rows (A-Q).

Most of these debenture seats are at a 45-degree angle to the court, which many spectators regard as one of the best perspectives for watching tennis live.'

That does not mean you cannot get a great view elsewhere. Wimbledon has a wide range of ticket types and seating options, including corporate hospitality, Public Ballot tickets, local club allocations, Queue tickets and Ground Passes. It can become confusing quickly.

With so many ticket and seat options available, it can be hard to know which will give you the best experience.

Can I choose my seats at the Championships?

Public Ballot

If you get tickets through the Public Ballot, you cannot choose your seat. You can only accept or reject the seat you are offered, and you will not usually be able to choose the day either.

Debenture tickets

Debenture tickets are different. They guarantee a seat on each day of The Championships on either Centre Court or No.1 Court.

Before seats are allocated to debenture holders (usually in February), ticket buyers can choose the court and the day. Once seat numbers have been assigned, they can also choose the specific seat they want to buy.

Although debenture seats are on the same tier as the Royal Box, the exact position varies. Some are closer to the side-line, while others are closer to the baseline. That is why buyers often compare not just the court and date, but the precise seat location as well.

If you want to understand how seat numbers are assigned, read our guide to specific seat allocation at the Wimbledon Championships.

What is the difference between Wimbledon's 19 courts?

The Championships are played across 19 grass Championship courts: Centre Court and Courts 1 to 18. As the Tournament progresses, matches are staged on fewer of the outside courts as the draw narrows.'

If you want a fuller guide to the different show courts and outside courts, read our article: How Many Courts Does Wimbledon Have and What is the Difference?

The most sought-after courts are the show courts: Centre Court, No.1 Court, No.2 Court, No.3 Court, Court 12 and Court 18. Centre Court, No.1 Court and No.2 Court are generally the most sought-after of these, as they offer the best chance of seeing the highest-seeded players.'

Centre Court is the main stage at Wimbledon, and the most prestigious matches, including the finals, are played there. For spectators looking for a slightly more intimate setting, No.1 Court and No.2 Court have smaller capacities and a different atmosphere.

It's about the tennis

Although the different courts vary in prestige and atmosphere, most spectators are there to watch world-class tennis.

If your main priority is seeing the biggest names, Centre Court usually offers the strongest chance of watching the highest-seeded players, especially in the later rounds. No.1 Court and No.2 Court can also provide an excellent viewing experience, often in a slightly more intimate setting.

Ground Passes and outside-court seats offer a different kind of day. They can still give you the chance to watch highly ranked players, particularly in the first week of The Championships, while also allowing you to explore more of the grounds.

That said, many outside-court seats are side-on, which can make rallies harder to follow than from a more angled or end-on position. For some spectators, the best seat is not just about which court they are on, but how easily they can watch the flow of play.

Other things to consider

Gangway vs row

Debenture seats are grouped by gangway. You can search currently available tickets by clicking on the gangways on the map view on the Buy Wimbledon Tickets page

Many buyers start by looking at the 200 gangways because they assume they are closer to the action than the 300 gangways. In practice, gangway numbers are not a reliable guide because gangways cover irregular shapes and can span a wide range of rows. It is usually clearer to compare seats by row.

For example, seats in Gangway 303 can include rows from the very front of the debenture section (Row A) through to the rear debenture rows (Row V).

Which seats are in the shade

Wimbledon’s courts are aligned north to south, so the sun does not sit directly in the players’ eyes for most of the day. For spectators, however, shade can make a significant difference to comfort, especially during long afternoons on the main show courts.

On Centre Court and No.1 Court, the areas in shade change over the course of the day. In general, seats on the east side of the stadium, opposite the main entrance, tend to be in the shade earlier in the day, while seats on the west side tend to have more shade later in the afternoon.

Seats in the upper levels of the stadium usually have more shade than those lower down. If staying out of the sun is a priority, a side-line seat on the west side is often a better choice for afternoon play. If you would rather sit in the sun, a side-line seat on the east side may suit you better.

Wimbledon neck

Seat position can make a big difference over the course of a long match. Spectators sitting side-on to the court often find themselves turning their heads constantly from left to right, especially during long rallies or five-set matches. That is why some regular attendees refer to the experience as 'Wimbledon neck'.

For spectators who want to avoid that, baseline seats or seats on the angle can be a better option. They often provide a more comfortable view of the full court, while still allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere and, in some cases, find a better balance of sun and shade.

If comfort over several hours matters as much as the view itself, seat angle is worth considering alongside court, row and shade.

Aisle or mid-row

Aisle seats are often popular because they make it easier to come and go without disturbing other spectators. That can be especially useful during a long day at Wimbledon, whether you are heading for refreshments, a comfort break or simply want a little more freedom of movement.

Mid-row seats can feel slightly more settled and are often preferred by spectators who do not expect to leave their seats often. They may also be a better value option, as aisle seats can command a premium, particularly in the debenture sections.

It is also worth thinking about convenience more broadly. Depending on the court and gangway, some seats may be closer to restaurants, toilets or other amenities, which can make a difference over the course of the day.

Accessibility

Accessibility can also play an important part in choosing the best seat at Wimbledon. The Championships provide a number of reserved spaces for wheelchair users on Centre Court, No.1 Court and No.2 Court.

If you already have a ticket and need access to a wheelchair space, you can contact the Ticket Office on 020 8971 2473 to discuss the available options.

The main grass level of the Aorangi Terrace also has ramped access, a reserved wheelchair area and a good view of the large screen.

If accessibility is a priority, it is worth checking Wimbledon’s available facilities in advance so you can choose the most suitable option for your day.

For more detail, see our guide to the accessibility facilities at the Wimbledon Championship.

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