Bastion of tradition Wimbledon introduces loos for modern families, including single and gay dads

By INDERDEEP BAINS, CHIEF NEWS CORRESPONDENT Published: 11:50, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 11:51, 1 July 2026 It is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, steeped in history and tradition. The All England Club has introduced baby-changing facilities in the men’s toilets for the first time, marking a subtle but significant shift. Refurbished areas beneath the iconic Centre Court now feature a baby symbol alongside the standard men’s sign, signalling that nappy changing spaces are now available for male carers. While UK law does not require baby-changing stations in men’s washrooms, campaigners have long called for them to be made mandatory, arguing that single fathers, gay parents and male caregivers should have equal access. Love and Power which leads the campaign - aptly named Bum Deal - welcomed the move. 'Changing babies’ bums is not just a job for mums, and this policy means that mums, dads and all families who are enjoying the quintessentially British event this year can feel welcome and have a safe, hygienic location to change their little one.’ She said Wimbledon had joined Tottenham Hotspur stadium in making sure its sporting event is 'safe, hygienic and welcoming to all families with small children'. Raymond Martin, Managing Director of the British Toilet Association, who has advised governments on toilet policy, also backed the change. Refurbished areas beneath the iconic Centre Court now feature a baby symbol alongside the standard men’s sign The All England Club has introduced baby-changing facilities in the men’s toilets for the first time, marking a subtle but significant shift While UK law does not require baby-changing stations in men’s washrooms, campaigners have long called for them to be made mandatory 'I’m thrilled that Wimbledon have made baby change accessible to all families,' he said. He said that he was left widowed when his wife died 34 years ago, leaving him to care for a newborn baby girl and a one-year-old daughter. 'Whenever we left home, I used to have to wait outside the female toilets and ask strangers for the opportunity to enter their facilities to change the baby’s nappy. It was humiliating,’ he recalled. 'This policy means no family will be at Wimbledon in the same position.' Tottenham Hotspur became the first 'Fair Change’ accredited sporting venue in 2024 by making baby changing accessible to all parents and caregivers. It is estimated that only 15 per cent of public toilets in the UK have baby changing facilities accessible to men, women and disabled parents. Wimbledon has also expanded its family-friendly offering with a dedicated Family and Sensory Room, designed to give parents and young people a calm space to escape the crowds or for mothers to breastfeed. The Club caused a stir in 2022 when it opened a gender-neutral toilet in a logistics hub during Covid. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.