Wimbledon is not only one of the highlights of the tennis season, but of the summer full stop. It is an event that unites die-hard fans with fair-weather watchers, who dip in for the atmosphere (read: Pimm's in the sunshine) and stay for the mesmerising volleys.
Of course, some of us will have been lucky enough to secure tickets in the ballot and others will head down to the grounds, picnic in tow, to watch from outside the courts on Henman Hill (or Murray Mount, depending on where your loyalties lie). However, if you weren't able to get a ticket to the heart of the action, or just want somewhere to relax and take it all in from a far, the good news is that London will be peppered with large screens, showing the action throughout.
When is Wimbledon 2023 on?
The 2023 Wimbledon Championships are scheduled for 3 – 16 July 2023 at the tournament's usual home, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. The ladies' singles final and the gentlemen's double final will take place on 15 July and the gentlemen's singles final and the ladies' double final will take place on 16 July.
Where to watch Wimbledon 2023 in London
As usual, lots of bars, pubs and venues will be showing the final, but if you want to watch the build up, or just enjoy the competition outside in the sunshine, some of London's most noteworthy landmarks will be playing host to large screens – often surrounded by deck chairs and a bar – for you to soak up the atmosphere and cheer (or boo) along with another gaggle of capital-dwellers.
Below, we've rounded up a clutch of our favourites.
Granary Square, King's Cross
A popular fixture at this station-side spot over the past few years, the Screen on the Canal – in partnership with Everyman Cinemas – will be returning for 2023 to delight visitors to the already pretty vibrant outdoor scene here. Showing a range of films across the warmer months, the screen will also broadcast all Wimbledon matches, with the steps down to the canal covered in faux grass and scattered with oversized pillows and beanbags to help fans enjoy maximum comfort. Food, and drink can be purchased from the Everyman bar which sits beside the screen, or from one of the many bars and restaurants that pepper Granary Square and cool sibling, Coal Drop's Yard.
Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf
A much-loved fixture across the tennis season last year, the Summer Screens series will be returning to Canary Wharf's Canada Square Park and Cabot Square, where matches will be broadcast for free. Food and drink will be available from the myriad outlets that encircle both green spaces and, if last year is anything to go by, the restaurants and bars will be well-versed in serving options that are easily enjoyed al-lappo. The table tennis tables peppered around the spaces also add to the good ol' competitive atmosphere.
St Katherine’s Docks, Tower Hamlets
With free entry throughout the tournament, St Katherine's Docks will be hosting Wimbledon screenings on a floating pontoon. Comfy deckchairs are provided for free on a first come, first served basis, though picnic benches and tables will also be set up, ideal if you're planning on bringing a picnic and making a day of it. Throughout the two weeks that the competition runs, there will also be new and exciting food and drinks brands setting up to showcase their new products.
Greenwich Peninsula, Greenwich
Built around the O2 Arena and the glass-fronted North Greenwich Tube Station, Greenwich Peninsula has breathed new life into the area and poked its head above the parapet as one of the capital's most vibrant, modern living spaces. So it's little wonder that they will be taking full advantage of their riverside views across London and no shortage of bars and restaurants, to open their own giant outdoor screen in time for Wimbledon. Entry will be free with street food vendors providing memorable viewing accompaniments and enough deck chairs and seating options for you to bring your entire friendship circle.
Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair
Brown Hart Gardens, located off Duke Street (just around the corner from Oxford Street), Mayfair, is a 10,000 square foot public garden on top of an electricity substation. This ideal viewing spot means you can dip in and out of shopping or use your lunch break to head straight into the heart of the action. Screenings will be shown every day throughout the tournament, with plenty of food options in, very well-heeled, local neighbourhood.
Duke of York Square, Chelsea
This, relatively new, stylish shopping hub - with its high-end boutiques, restaurants (many with alfresco terraces) and even an art gallery - will play host to a giant screen of its own across the famous tennis tournament. Aptly named Strawberries & Screen, the events will be free but ticketed, with a suggested charity donation if you are so inclined. Seat bookings must be made 24-hours ahead of the match you intend to come and watch here and, be warned, tickets are incredibly popular. However, it's worth trying to get a handful as the atmosphere is helped by traditional tennis accompaniments from the Partridge’s pop-up bar, or - over the weekends - the Fine Food Market, and complimentary tennis coaches will be on head to help budding Murrays and Sharapovas test out their forehand.