Spectator Rules for the Wimbledon Championships

Wimbledon has formal spectator rules to help keep the Grounds safe, protect the players from distraction and make the day enjoyable for everyone attending The Championships.

Some rules are specific to Wimbledon, while others are common sense. If you are attending for the first time, these are the main do's and don'ts to know before you enter the Grounds.

The rules

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) asks all spectators to follow its conditions of entry, court rules and steward instructions.

If you do not follow the rules, you may be refused entry, removed from a court or asked to leave the Grounds.

For more detail, see our guide to the conditions of entry to the Wimbledon Championships.

Dress code

There is no general public dress code for Wimbledon. If you have a Public Ballot ticket, a Grounds Pass or a ticket obtained through The Queue, you do not have to dress formally.

However, many spectators choose to dress smartly, especially on Centre Court and No.1 Court. Smart casual clothing is usually a safe choice.

Avoid clothing or items that display large political, offensive or commercial messages. Large flags, banners and promotional materials are not permitted.

Hats are allowed, but avoid oversized hats or headwear that could block the view of spectators sitting behind you.

If you are attending with a Wimbledon debenture ticket, many guests dress smartly, particularly if using the debenture restaurants and bars. Men are not required to wear a jacket or tie in the debenture restaurants.

For more detail, see:

What is the dress code for Wimbledon debenture ticket holders?

What should I take with me to the Wimbledon Tournament?

When can I enter or leave a court?

You should only enter or leave a court at the change of ends or between matches.

Stewards will usually hold spectators at the court entrance until it is the right time to move. This helps avoid distracting the players and blocking the view of other spectators.

If you leave your seat for food, drink or a toilet break, you may have to wait before you can return.

Stewards will usually be understanding if you have a medical, mobility or other urgent need. Ask a steward if you need help.

Mobile phones

Switch your phone to silent before entering a court.

Make sure your camera flash is turned off. Flash photography can distract players and is not permitted from the stands.

If you need to take a call, leave the court at the next permitted break in play.

Food and drink in the stands

You may bring food and drink into the Grounds, subject to Wimbledon’s conditions of entry and bag limits.

However, eating a full picnic in the court stands is not good etiquette. If you eat during play, choose something quiet, simple and not strong-smelling.

Hot or strong-smelling food should not be taken onto any Show Court.

Glass drinking vessels should not be brought into the court stands. Corked bottles, including Champagne and sparkling wine, should be opened before being taken into the seating areas of any court.

You can bring alcohol into the Grounds for personal use, subject to the per-person limit:

• one bottle of wine or Champagne, up to 750ml; or
• two cans of beer or lager, up to 500ml each; or
• two cans of premixed aperitifs, up to 500ml each.

Spirits, fortified wines and other high-alcohol drinks are not permitted.

Photography and filming

You may take photos and video for personal use, provided you do not distract players or disturb other spectators.

Do not use flash photography during play.

Avoid holding your phone or camera up for long periods if it blocks another spectator's view.

Camera lenses over 300mm when extended, tripods, monopods, gimbals and selfie sticks are not permitted.

Photos, video or audio taken inside the Grounds must not be used commercially without permission from the AELTC.

Cheering, clapping and noise

Wimbledon crowds are expected to stay quiet during points and while a player is preparing to serve.

You can cheer, clap and show appreciation after a point has finished. A natural reaction after a great rally is fine.

Do not shout while a player is serving, preparing to serve or during a rally.

Avoid chanting, singing, heckling or calling out a player's name before they serve. Umpires and stewards may intervene if spectators are causing a distraction.

It is also considered poor tennis etiquette to clap a double fault or a lucky net cord.

Talking during play

You can speak quietly to the person next to you, but keep conversations brief and low during play.

If other spectators can hear your conversation clearly, it is too loud.

Respecting other spectators

Seats can be close together, especially on the Show Courts. Keep your belongings under control and avoid spreading into another person's space.

Do not put your feet, bags or coats on another spectator's seat.

Try not to lean forward in a way that blocks the view of people sitting behind you.

See also: Which are the best seats at the Wimbledon Championships?

Saving seats

On courts with reserved seating, you should sit in your allocated seat.

On courts with unreserved seating, saving seats for long periods may not be allowed. If someone has only stepped away briefly, it is usually courteous to respect that.

If you are unsure whether a seat can be saved, ask a steward.

Children

Children aged five and over need their own ticketed seat for the Show Courts.

Children under five are not permitted on the Show Courts, including Centre Court, No.1 Court, No.2 Court, No.3 Court, Court 12 and Court 18.

If you are bringing children, make sure they can sit quietly during play and follow steward instructions.

The Wimbledon Queue

If you are planning to join The Wimbledon Queue, queue etiquette is important.

Queue jumping is not acceptable. Follow steward instructions and respect the order of arrival.

If you are camping overnight, you may bring a two-person tent. Larger tents, gazebos, barbecues, camping stoves and fires are not permitted.

Keep noise down, especially late at night and early in the morning. Loud music, drunken behaviour or disorderly conduct may result in you being asked to leave.

If you need to leave the Queue for a short period, follow the current Queue guidance and steward instructions. Do not assume your place can be held indefinitely.

What is the etiquette at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon etiquette is largely about consideration. Stay quiet during points, move only at the right times, follow steward instructions and avoid doing anything that distracts the players or spoils the view for others.

We cover this in more detail in our Wimbledon etiquette guide.

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