THOUSANDS of people flock to Wimbledon every year – soaking up the atmosphere as they watch tennis greats battle it out on the court.
And with 42,000 spectators able to fit on the grounds – stretching across 13.5 acres – there’s sure to be some areas that you haven’t heard of.
And just one is a little room by Court 12.
The secluded room is known as a “safe space” – to be used by punters as a quiet space for prayer, meditation, mums breastfeeding or just to escape from the sun.
Wimbledon’s official access guide describe the area, reading: “Located in the Southern Village, this sanctuary offers guests a peaceful space to pray, meditate or just be present in the moment.”
But a warning has been issued regarding its use as the grand tennis tournaments begin.
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Last year, risky Wimbledon-goers took advantage of the area for some racy doubles action.
Inside sources described couples occupying the “safe space” by court 12 for more intimate activites.
To the shock of fellow Wimbledon goers, “sounds of intimacy” could even be heard from behind the door, and people donning “big grins” emerged afterwards.
A source previously told The Sun: “Everyone around them was joking with them.
“There was no doubt what they had been up to.”
Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, has issued a warning to anyone planning on abusing the “sanctuary” this year.
Speaking yesterday she said: “The quiet room is returning this year. And we’ve actually built it in under the stand of court 12.
“So I think it might be slightly larger than it was last year, if I’ve got my dimensions correct.
“Look, I mean, joking aside, it’s a really important space and so we will be retaining it and we’ll be making sure that people are using it the right way.
“If people need space to go and pray, it’s a quiet space to go and do that there is the opportunity to breastfeed in there if they need to do that.
“So it’s a quiet space for various different purposes. But we’re looking for it to be used in the right way.”
As reported by the Telegraph, an insider explained that a “sheepish” looking couple walked out of the prayer room last year.
He added: “She was in a long flowing summer dress and there was no doubt as to what they had been up to.”
One official has since branded it the “Wimbledon high club”, a pun on the Mile high club.
It comes after residents also pinned up a notice in nearby woods asking visitors not to romp.
A note from a worried homeowner was put on a tree in Wimbledon Park.
It read: “Game Sex and Match NO THANKS.
“Visiting tennis fans please respect our park and woodland.
“Anti-social behaviour such as drugs, booze and sex parties will not be tolerated.
“Police patrol this area regularly and you have been warned. Thanks for your consideration. Enjoy the tennis!”
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