As this year's championships are now in full swing, the Wimbledon Guardian headed down to All England Lawn Tennis Club to pick up some pro tips for anyone planning on visiting over the next fortnight.

1. Take the tube

As I headed into Wimbledon, the sheer amount of people trying to grab a bus or taxi. As locals know, the club is actually closer to Southfields, and I can confirm a tube at around midday will take considerably less time than queueing.

Wimbledon Times:
Chilling at Southfields

2. Enjoy the Wimbledon Park Road street stalls

I noticed taxi drivers offering lifts from Southfields station. Again, don't, the walk is short and you get to check out all the driveway stalls that Church Road residents put on especially for tournament time. There are food vans (bacon sandwiches for early birds), women selling sun hats and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Wimbledon Times:
Jazzed to be photographed by the local paper

3. Take emergency cash

Although in my experience most outlets did seem to have a card machine, some were cash only, and many tennis fans were not pleased by this revelation after queuing for 20 minutes.

Wimbledon Times:
Don't get to this point without cash

4. Non-ticket holder? Sign up for the in-queue tennis court.

Wimbledon's best kept secret IMO is the secret tennis court in the queue for non-ticket holders. With a few mumbled apologies you can probably get someone to hold your space while you stick your name on the waiting list, which is almost as long as the queue to get into the club itself.

Wimbledon Times:
You don't have a ticket but atleast you have this

5. The gift shop is unreal

Do you need a Wimbledon gilet? A tennis dress for your 6-month-old? Eight different tennis themed keyrings? No? Visit the enormous onsite gift shop and try to leave without something Championship-themed.

Wimbledon Times:
Kit yourself out in full Wimbledon paraphernalia​

6. Check meet and greet times

Some tennis players are giving meet and greets for fans at the Aorangi Pavilion. Every day one or two players visit the booth to meet fans and sign autographs. Appearances are announced on the Wimbledon Twitter page (@Wimbledon).

Wimbledon Times:
Check the Wimbledon Twitter account for details

7. Watch your favourite players warm -up

Just beyond the pavilion are the competitors' practice courts. A crowd usually forms round here to catch Centre and No. 1 Court players warming up, and it means you could catch your favourite players practicing some shots without paying out for match tickets.

Wimbledon Times:

So many names, so many matches, so many warm-ups

8. There's a fully air conditioned museum

Boff up on the history of the game, which started in Wimbledon, right at the heart of the tennis club - although you could be forgiven for forgetting this, as it's below ground, darkly lit and completely void of phone signal. It's good for a break from the hustle and bustle, but the air conditioning alone sold it for me, as temperatures outside soared. The real treat was getting up close to the Women's and Men's Singles trophies before they are presented next week.

Wimbledon Times:
Not sure why this was relevant, but it's nice and cold in here

9. Make use of the orchard

Another top tip for those of us that can’t handle the heat - there is a lovely covered walk way at the top of Henman Hill for a shadier place to watch the big screen. Directly behind this, in the ‘orchard’ there is a grassy area and picnic tables in a space back from the action to enjoy a quieter lunch.

Wimbledon Times:
Zero chance of seeing any tennis, but great for picnics

10. Keep your eyes peeled for celebs

I saw him from 10 paces away, but am still regretting not saying hello to Will Ferrell at the tennis yesterday. It’s not just the Royal Box where you will find them, plenty of A-listers are wandering the grounds pre and post-match, so keep your phone close by for impromptu selfies.

Wimbledon Times:
Stephen Fry and Elliott Spencer are among the celebs I didn't see 

Got a pro tip for Wimbledon-goers? Know something I don't? Email Adela at adela.whittingham@newsquest.co.uk