The scene
Inside Wimbledon the atmosphere is electric. You can watch matches from the show courts on a giant television screen on Aorangi Terrace, otherwise known as 'Henman Hill' after Tim Henman. There is a picnic area by the screen, which fills up very quickly. The practice courts are nearby at Aorangi Park and worth a look to see players warming up. And if you want to get your favourite player's signature, go to Autograph Island, between the practice courts and the giant screen, where spectators queue to get mementos of their visit.

The food
The championship is famous for its traditional strawberries and cream, and prices for strawberries and salmon can rise across the UK because of the demand at Wimbledon. Last year, attendees consumed:

28,000 kgs strawberries
7,000 litres cream
135,000 ice-creams
150,000 glasses of Pimms
17,000 bottles of Champagne

The queues
Be prepared to queue. For everything. You have to queue to get in, to get onto a court, for food, to go to the loo, to leave at the end of the day and even at the tube. Whatever you do, do not queue barge, as the people who have been waiting patiently will unleash a torrent of abuse. That aside, queuing is an event in itself. Dress appropriately, and that doesn't mean wearing high heels, as you will suffer before the day has even begun. To queue for tickets, take warm clothes, a sleeping bag, a book, a pack of cards and a flask of tea. You can check bags in at a left luggage kiosk outside Wimbledon.

Play starts on the outside courts at 12pm and on the show courts (Centre and No1) at 1pm. The gates open to the public at 10.30am and everyone rushes to a court to grab a seat and camp out. Unfortunately, if you're like me, by the time play starts, you need the loo and have to vacate your seat. As these courts are free-for-all, you then lose your seat and the whole process has been wasted. If you have queued all night, or from the early hours of the morning, watch interesting matches so you don't fall asleep. Don't be afraid to go to another court if a match is dull.

The celebrities and minor royals
The Royal Box seats 75 people and is used for royalty and celebrities being wined and dined by the Chairman of the Club. While the amusing spectacle of players attempting to bow and curtsey to the Royal Box on Centre Court has been stopped this year, you can still celeb-watch. Big-name tennis fans here have included Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Jack Nicholson and of course Cliff Richard, who is a member of the club.

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An insider's guide to Wimbledon