IN THE QUEUE : Wimbledon

It's almost that time of year--the sun is slowly warming up, the days are getting longer, and everyone is all about the outdoor sporting events here in London : polo, horse racing, and of course, tennis! Last year, we ventured to Wimbledon to queue up for a day of tennis in the sunshine and obviously, loads of delicious strawberries in cream!Here are my best tips for queueing at Wimbledon : WHEN? Monday June 27 - Sunday July 10 2016.WHAT TIME? Be there early! No need to camp out overnight but be there before 6:30 AM. We took the first train and managed to be numbers 2908 and 2909 in the queue! It was a Wednesday but we were offered Court 1 tickets!WHERE? Officially, it's called the All England Club, but as we all know it, Wimbledon : on the tube, take the DISTRICT line, exit at Southfields (much closer walk to the queue!) or Wimbledon station. Follow the crowds walking, take the shuttle bus, or grab a taxi (but be prepared to share at peak times!). If you're queueing, definitely take the Southfields station in the morning but when you're done with tennis for the day, head back to the tube via Wimbledon town--it's super cute and totally decked out for the tennis season!In the queue, tickets offered are Centre Court, Court 1 and Court 2...and of course, just a grounds pass (allowing you to wander around and watch the smaller courts and via the screen). Depending on your place in line and how popular certain courts are that day, you'll probably be offered a ticket.You don't have to wear white ;) wear something comfortable and be prepared for anything, it's London after all. Yes, bring that umbrella.Speaking of rain....Centre court has a retractable roof so play will continue but all other courts will be disrupted.Bring something to entertain yourself in the queue! It's a long wait when you arrive at 6:30.Bring a blanket, snacks and water for the queue and for inside! Food vendors at Wimbledon are pricey but each person can bring in a bag (40 x 30 x 30cm). Also, there's a grocery nearby so you can always send someone from your party to restock if the snacks are depleted in the queue!You can also bring in one bottle of wine! Woo!Large or hard surfaced items have to be checked FYI, so don't pack a cooler or hard picnic basket.If you're traveling to London just for Wimbledon, you should look into purchasing tickets in the ballot. Or plan to queue up for a few days just in case you don't get in! Another option, if you're wanting to spend quite a bit more to secure a seat, is purchasing an unwanted debenture ticket at www.wimbledondebentureholders.com.Don't want to queue but can't miss the action? Screens will pop up all over London so grab some Pimms and friends and join in on the fun!