Henman Hill

Henman Hill in London is the grassy slope inside the All England Lawn Tennis Club grounds at Wimbledon, where fans follow matches on a giant screen. Its official name is Aorangi Terrace, yet almost everyone uses a nickname: Henman Hill first, and Murray Mound since Andy Murray's rise.

What is Henman Hill and why is it called that?

It is a landscaped bank beside Court No. 1. It took shape in the late 1990s, when the new Court No. 1 was built and the excavated earth was sculpted into a grassed slope. A large screen went up on the court's facade, and spectators without show-court tickets began settling on the hillside with blankets and picnics.

The nickname honours Tim Henman, the British player who reached several Wimbledon semi-finals in the 1990s and early 2000s. After he retired in 2007, the slope picked up other names tied to British stars, including Murray Mound, Mount Murray and Murrayfield. The formal name Aorangi Terrace recalls a rugby club's playing fields that occupied the site until 1981. Aorangi is a Maori name for Mount Cook.

What will you see there?

The draw is the big screen showing live play from the main courts. The mood is closer to a summer picnic than a stadium: people sprawl on the grass with strawberries and cream and cheer every rally. Food outlets sit nearby, and the outside and practice courts around the grounds let you watch players in a more relaxed setting.

Can you actually visit, and when?

The hill belongs to a private club, so in practice you can reach it only during the Wimbledon Championships in late June and early July, or through a guided tour or a visit to the tennis museum when those are on offer (check the official Wimbledon site for current availability). Outside the tournament the grounds are closed to casual visitors.

During the fortnight, a Ground Pass gets you onto the hill. It cannot be bought online. You get it through the famous Queue in Wimbledon Park, where stewards hand out numbered cards. Prices vary by day (reports from 2026 quoted 33 pounds for the first eight days, then less), so confirm the current rate before travelling. The earlier you join the line, the better your odds of entry. After 3 pm, Ground Pass holders can sometimes buy returned show-court tickets.

How do you get there?

The nearest Tube station is Southfields on the District line, about a 15-minute walk from the grounds. The Queue forms in Wimbledon Park, a few minutes on foot from the station.

What should you know before going?

Bring layers, sun protection and something to sit on, as London weather changes fast. The club has announced plans to redevelop the hill ahead of the 150th Championships in 2027, so its look may change. Check the official Wimbledon website for the latest details.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to pay to go on Henman Hill? Yes. During the tournament you need a Ground Pass bought through the Queue. Outside the tournament the area is not open to the public.

Are Henman Hill and Murray Mound the same place? Yes. Both are nicknames for the same slope, officially called Aorangi Terrace.

Can I visit outside the tournament? Usually only through a club tour or museum visit, when available. Check dates on the Wimbledon website.

Will I watch live tennis from the hill? You watch matches on the big screen. To see play on court you need a separate ticket for a specific court, for example a resale ticket.