Game, set and match: Easy ways to enjoy Wimbledon without tickets
Wimbledon 2017 is here. For the next two weeks we're all about tennis whites, glasses of Pimm's and lashings of strawberries and cream.
If, like us, you didn't manage to get into to the big event, don't starting kicking off John McEnroe-style with ‘you cannot be serious' type rants. Instead, embrace the magic at home with these easy ways to enjoy Wimbledon without tickets.
The gates open at Wimbledon on Monday 3 July, with the first matches beginning on the outside courts at 11:30am. Our national treasure Andy Murray will be honoured with the opening of Centre Court at 1pm BST. So get the drinks in the fridge and snacks on the table to start the fortnight off in style!
You'll be enjoying the tennis vibe before you can say ‘new balls please...'
1. Decorate
We don't mean get the builders in - we're talking wall art. Murals Wallpaper has a whole host of fun tennis-themed wall murals (£25 per square metre).
If you're not up for committing to whole mural, snap up a set of reusable wall stickers to amp up the atmosphere, starting from £9.99 from Icon Wall Stickers.
2. Find a big screen
There are numerous big screens showing the matches cropping up around the country during the tennis season, so keep you eyes peeled for one in your local park or shopping area. These are usually free to enjoy, but get there early to secure a good spot (and remember your picnic).
3. Throw a garden party
Perfect for when Andy reaches the finals (we're ever the optimists!), get all your pals round for a low key garden gathering. Keep it simple (stress levels will be flexed enough once the semis kick in) and get everyone to bring a bottle of Pimm's and picnic snacks.
Loving this? Don't miss our amazing Wimbeldon facts to seriously impress your friends this summer.
4. Mask up
For VERY SERIOUS tennis fans, player masks can be snapped up online for a couple of quid. We'd show you a picture, but frankly they are terrifying. We'll be supporting Roger Federer, but choose your favourite over at partyrama.co.uk
5. Strawberries and cream
The brilliant thing about Wimbledon is that supermarkets all get in on the act with several fantastic discounts and offers - notably on strawberries and cream. Well, it would be rude not to...
6. Head to Wimbledon village for lunch
While the atmosphere inside Wimbledon is palpable, the excitement in the surrounding town doesn't half catch on. Head to Wimbledon and enjoy a picnic on the common, or watch the local big screens. Residents and shops really get into the swing of things - in fact, one year the local Morrisons was renamed ‘Murrysons' for the event. Superb.
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Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.
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