Alan Stacey
Google
Wimbledon Tennis Club Accessibility for people with a physical, learning or hidden disability
I accompanied a friend with a physical disability, she needed a mobility aid (walking stick) to assist her in walking around the Wimbledon Tennis Club complex. Which is vast in it's size.
The accessibility team were on hand and provided an area for my friend and I to wait in. She was then offered a buggy to assist us both in getting to the ticket office. This saved my friend & I standing in a very long queue, which would involve waiting for a long time to enter the Club grounds.
Getting into the ground was very easy but once in, there were some major concerns regarding access for people who have a disability.
Wimbledon have certainly made strides of progress when it comes to accessibility, but still they lack in certain areas. In order to get around various sections / areas of the Wimbledon Tennis Club, we were restricted due to stepped areas. We did though manage to access a lift, taking us through the Club Members area, which was quite an interesting experience in itself. I would imagine though, that others may not even be aware of this access support at the club.
Another area which had bad access facilities for people with a disability, was Henman Hill / Murray Mound. Sitting areas were only on the grassed area or steps, which were very uncomfortable for people with a mobility issue. My friend was only able to sit for a short while, during this period others walked across & over her, which was awkward for her. The access needs to be looked at closely. There appeared to be no areas for people who were wheelchair users though. I did enquire & was informed, there was a seated area with deckchairs in the opposite direction to where we were. (the Southern Village area) My friend, after a wait, was offered a deck chair to watch the tennis on 2 screens.
Despite these access issues, which we were able to overcome on the day. Wimbledon should be looking at improving the access to all the areas, they should be available to everyone attending, including people with a disability.
My friend & I were impressed with the efforts Wimbledon had gone to, to provide accessible areas for people with a disability to sit in. Areas for wheelchairs were provided on all their Tennis courts. This was a Big positive in our eyes.
I'm sure it's the intention with all the people involved in putting on this extremely popular Tennis event, to be a welcoming, enjoyable and accessible time for everyone.
I hope this helps others, who are considering coming to Wimbledon Tennis Club in the future. it'll be wonderful to see lot's more people, who are wheelchair users & those who have mobility or hidden disabilities, attending in 2026.
Written by: Alan Stacey MBE