Looking for the best skateparks in London? Look no further – here’s where to practise your kickflips, ollies, and even that infamous 900 by Tony Hawk.
Skateparks used to be a place for cool kids only. But, with their rising popularity (and the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics), skateparks are becoming more and more welcoming for total beginners.
Of course, they’re mostly a place people go to show off cool tricks (we’re not complaining, we love watching people wizz around on boards). But, if you are looking for some soft ground to learn to skate, you’ll want to check out London’s top skateparks.
And, as an added bonus, they’re mostly free – skating has to be one the best free activities in London.
Ready to channel your inner Tony Hawk? Let’s go.
Best Skateparks in London
Southbank Skate Space
Southbank Skate Space is something of a historical artefact in London. It’s unofficial and completely gritty, but all the best skate parks are, right?
Whether you’re a skater or not, this one is literally weaved into London’s cultural tapestry.
Situated in the Undercroft beneath Queen Elizabeth Hall, this park dates back to the late 1960s. It features great banks, stairs and ledges as well as being famous for hosting some of London’s best street art.
House of Vans
Right around the corner from Southbank is another excellent indoor skate park: House of Vans. This venue boasts a concrete bowl and mini ramp which splits its space into an art gallery space, music venue and a bar. House of Vans has got it all.
This is a great place to visit if you’re just starting out on your skate journey, or if you have kids who want to go skating whilst you sip on an ice cold beverage.
You can book in for hour-long lessons at weekends with the skate school, and they also have some fantastic BMX training.
Clapham Common Skatepark
South West London’s very best skatepark has a lot of features to play with – they truly cater for all levels of skaters. They have a very cool 3-foot mini ramp, angled rails and ledges, as well as the usual banks.
This London skate park also hosts a great open-plan space as well as a tarmac section with flat rails. We love watching the more experienced skaters in action, but it’s also a lovely spot for newbies to learn and take it slowly.
Crystal Palace Skatepark
Crystal Palace
The recently-renovated Crystal Palace Skatepark has earned its name as one of the UK’s top skateboarding spots. In fact, it has hosted some of the top competitions featuring competitors from around the world.
It’s split very well into two areas, one for beginners and one for the more advanced skateboarder. Alongside a few bowls (one of which is L shaped), this park boasts an angled hip, a banked ledge, a pump bump and a 5ft. high taco. Yes, we totally know what all of those are.
If that sounds a bit scary, the smaller ramps and slopes are perfect for beginners, it’s a lovely way to learn and eventually make your way to the dark side – a 8.5 feet cloverleaf pool.
Extreme Barking Skatepark
Dagenham
Fancy somewhere indoors? Dagenham’s Extreme Barking Skatepark is a great place to skate as it’s London’s biggest indoor skatepark for all abilities. It’s extreme, to say the least.
There’s everything from small obstacles and little ramps to a street zone with flat bars, hips, rails and a six-foot bowl.
Or, if you’re not in the mood for skating, you’ve also got the option of heading to the on-site trampoline park.
BAYSIXTY6 Skatepark
Westway’s beautiful skatepark is a bit of an institution in Notting Hill. A few minutes from Westbourne Park station, its stunning location is very well maintained and has everything from kids camps to events for more experienced skaters.
Again, BAYSIXTY6 is a great place for both beginners and more advanced skaters due to its combination of ramps. There’s a large bowl and, even better, a cult-worthy skate shop attached for all your board needs.
There are some truly great teachers at BAYSIXTY6 which add to the wonderful community of like-minded people. If you’re feeling lonely in London, this is your place.
Alexandra Palace Skatepark
Wood Green
Situated next to Ally Pally’s beautiful lake is this epic skatepark with a decent amount of obstacles for the more advanced skater, as well as stair sets, flat banks and a funbox.
It sounds complicated and although it is mostly advanced, it has a very good flow for the intermediates out there. Beginners might want to head somewhere else, if we’re being totally honest.
The one thing to be aware of is that there’s very little lighting (basically none) so it’s best to go in the day or prepare the fact you will not see a thing at night.
Cantelowes Gardens and Skatepark
It’s no surprise that the OG grunge capital of Camden is home to one of the best skateparks in London and one of the best outdoor bowls in the UK. The concrete bowl is perfect for skateboarders of all levels (and rollerbladers!). While there are mini ramps and steeper banks for the more extreme skaters.
Although, in an ideal world, it’s a park suited to all abilities, we suggest it’s better suited for intermediate and advanced skaters because you might feel as though you’re getting in the way if you’re still finding your feet.
A wonderful place to go before or after visiting Camden Market.
Bishops Park Concrete Skatepark and Bowl
Bishops Park is one of the most underrated parks in London – not only can you play tennis and roam around the cutest farmers market, there’s also an epic skatepark!
Bishops Park skatepark is perfect for beginners because it’s pretty small. It’s got mini pipes and it isn’t too overwhelming or busy – a great place to learn and build your confidence up before hitting the more hardcore places.
Stockwell Skatepark
A.K.A the Brixton Bowls. This is one of the oldest skateparks in London and, because of that alone, it’s pretty iconic. It was built in 1978, right on the corner of Stockwell Park Walk and features a wide snake run, flat banks and quarter pipes as well as a few ledges.
This is a great place for all levels and a lovely community to be part of. Though, expect to spot quite a few advanced skaters – head here early to practice your own tricks.
Practical Tips for Finding London’s Best Skateparks
- Always check the opening times before heading to the skateparks. As a rule, skateparks tend to be off-limits once it’s dark.
- Make sure you pick a skatepark best that suits your ability. You don’t want to shatter your confidence by attempting something you’re not quite ready for yet. Take your time and enjoy the wonderful world of skateparks in London and all the great people you’ll meet along the way.
