There’s something almost sacred about Wimbledon finals weekend. Some are transfixed by blistering baseline rallies, other simply enjoy indulging in strawberries and cream or getting caught up in the electric summer atmosphere. And this year, London is serving up the spectacle in style. Across the city, outdoor screens, hidden courtyards, and pop-up terraces are primed to bring you every thrilling moment, without the queue for Centre Court.
Staying put rather than heading to SW19, but still want to enjoy the final rallies? These are the best spots to catch the action, from breezy Soho rooftops to leafy parks in East London.
The best spots to watch Wimbledon finals
1. Strawberries & Screen – Duke of York Square, Chelsea
A Chelsea favourite for Wimbledon weekend, Strawberries & Screen returns to Duke of York Square. Bring a picnic blanket and settle in to watch the Men’s Semi-Finals and both finals. The atmosphere is buzzing around pop-up bars from The Chelsea Grocer and POLPO. On Saturday, the Fine Food Market adds extra temptation for grazing between sets.
VIP deckchair seating (with food delivered from Vardo) is fully booked, but there’s still space for walk-ins. Plus, there is plenty of room for picnic spots. For families, mini tennis coaching will keep younger fans entertained on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm. It’s free to attend — just arrive early to claim your spot.
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2. Centre Court‑Yard – Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
Ham Yard Hotel’s courtyard becomes the ‘Centre Court-Yard’ for Wimbledon. It screens matches daily from 11am with wireless headphones so you don’t miss a point. Sip tennis-inspired cocktails like the smoky Punto de Partido or the fruity Rhubarb and Custard Cup. Book a finals table (£25) to enjoy a Wimbledon Spritz and homemade strawberries and cream ice cream.
A special Wimbledon Picnic Afternoon Tea runs throughout, served in mini hampers and featuring treats like seaweed scones with smoked salmon, Ham Yard sausage rolls, and strawberries and cream baked cheesecake. Afternoon tea is £53, or £65 with fizz.
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3. Eccleston Yards, Belgravia
Eccleston Yards turns into an urban suntrap for Wimbledon. It is streaming live matches on a big screen in its leafy courtyard, moments from Victoria station. Grab a deck chair or picnic bench and settle in with frozen chocolate-covered strawberries from trüfrü (Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3pm). Plus, enjoy drinks from the amie wine pop-up bar.
There’s plenty to eat, from salad bowls at atis to alfresco dining at Morena, The Jones Family Kitchen, and Wild by Tart. You can also visit the MALIN+GOETZ pop-up for sunscreen and summer essentials. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is pure Belgravia summer.
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4. Everyman on the Canal – King’s Cross
Everyman on the Canal, King’s Cross’s open-air cinema by the water, isn’t just about films this summer — it’s also screening Wimbledon live through to the finals. Settle in on the steps by Regent’s Canal for a laid-back way to catch the tournament, with Yinka Ilori’s colourful designs adding a splash of summer energy.
Entry is free, and accessible seating is available at the top of the steps. A great spot if you’re looking for a relaxed Wimbledon vibe in the heart of London.
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5. Victory Park, East Village (Stratford)
Victory Park in East Village is turning into Centre Court East this summer, with free Wimbledon screenings daily from 11am to 9pm on a giant outdoor screen. Settle into a deckchair and soak up the tournament atmosphere, just a short stroll from Stratford stations.
Look out for Wimbledon-themed treats like Signorelli’s Ace Hamper picnic box, La Gelateria’s special ice cream flavour, and Bamboo Mat’s sushi discounts. Even pets can join the fun, thanks to Furmily’s Grand Slam pop-up for dog lovers.
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6. Wimbledon at The Understudy, National Theatre
The South Bank’s outdoor screen outside the National Theatre is one of London’s best spots for watching the Wimbledon finals. With the Thames as your backdrop, settle in for the decisive matches and soak up the lively riverside atmosphere.
Classic summer treats are on hand, including strawberries and cream, cocktails from Black Lines, and coffee by Grind, plus street food from some of London’s top traders. Entry is free, and with plenty of seating and space to linger, it’s an ideal place to catch the finals if you’re staying in the city.
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7. Islington Square – Islington
Islington Square’s open-air screenings return for Wimbledon, offering a relaxed way to watch the finals right in the heart of North London. Stretch out on a deck chair or picnic blanket along The Boulevard and catch every serve and rally on the big screen.
For food and drink, you can count on local favourites like Megan’s, OMNOM, and Bewliehill nearby, plus cocktails from The Bottle Cocktail Shop. On weekends, Urban Food Fest offers street food, craft stalls, and a lively market.
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8. Canada Square Park – Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens bring Wimbledon to the heart of the financial district, making Canada Square Park one of London’s top spots to watch the finals outdoors. A giant screen and deckchairs set the scene, but bring a picnic blanket as seating can be limited.
Bringing your own alcohol isn’t allowed, but nearby bars and restaurants are well stocked for drinks and snacks. Plus, entry is free.
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Who’s playing at the Wimbledon finals?
While semis are underway, here’s a roundup of the last rounds and who we can expect to see on the weekend:
Women’s Final contenders (to be decided Saturday 12 July):
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is chasing her first Wimbledon title and fourth straight Grand Slam final after battling past Laura Siegemund in the quarters. She faces No.13 seed Amanda Anisimova, who’s enjoying a career resurgence and is into her first major semi-final since returning to the tour.
The other semi-final pits Olympic bronze medallist Iga Świątek, steadily finding her feet on grass, against Belinda Bencic, who’s playing her first Wimbledon semi-final after an impressive win over Mirra Andreeva.
Men’s Final contenders (to be decided Sunday 13 July):
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz remains the player to beat, riding a 23-match win streak and eyeing his sixth Grand Slam final. He’ll take on Taylor Fritz, who’s reached his first Wimbledon semi-final and is a strong grass-court threat.
The other semi-final features World No.1 Jannik Sinner against seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in their tenth career clash. Sinner seeks his first Wimbledon final, while Djokovic aims for Grand Slam title No. 25.
The women’s final is scheduled for Saturday, 12 July at around 2pm BST, and the men’s final on Sunday, 13 July at around 3pm BST, though times can shift slightly. Check the official Wimbledon schedule closer to the day for confirmed start times.
Know before you go
You might not be courtside at SW19, but catching the Wimbledon finals around London is still an experience worth planning for. A few things to keep in mind:
- Plenty of screenings are free, but many need a booking for finals weekend. It’s worth reserving your spot early so you’re not left searching for a patch of grass.
- Pack a blanket or a fold-up chair if you’d rather not sit on the ground all afternoon — and don’t forget sunscreen. London sun can be deceptively strong when you’re out for hours.
- Check each venue’s food and drink rules. Some places let you bring a picnic, others sell everything on-site but ban outside booze.
- Transport can be busy, especially post-match, so it’s smart to look up any Tube or bus disruptions before you set off.
- If you’re feeling fancy, some screenings have special food and drink deals — worth scoping out if you’d rather have a glass of Pimm’s handed to you than stand in a queue.
Where to watch at home
Staying in for the finals? You’re covered. Both the men’s and women’s Wimbledon finals will be broadcast live on BBC One, with full streams available on BBC iPlayer. You can also follow live scores, highlights, and clips through the BBC Sport app, which links out to iPlayer for full matches.
If you’re in the mood for some atmosphere, you can always host your own Wimbledon-themed watch party. Think Pimm’s, strawberries and cream, and maybe even a few deckchairs in the garden (if you’re lucky enough to have one!).