Guide to skateparks in London

Built in 1978 and updated 30 years later, Stockwell Skate Park is one of the oldest skateparks around. This free outdoor skatepark has a friendly community feel and usually isn't too busy. The concrete space features organic dips and peaks that allow every skater to test out their skills.

Widely seen as the birthplace of UK skating, Southbank Skatepark is an icon. Set under the Southbank Centre's Brutalist architecture and covered in vibrant graffiti, you can skate in an undercover concrete space that overlooks the river. The skatepark is open 24/7 and features challenging elements for any skater. Skating fans often make pilgrimages to try out this skatepark.

Head to Fulham to skate at Bishops Park Skatepark. This small skatepark gives you a smooth run with its simple layout. A range of elements are incorporated here, offering something for new skaters as well as the more experienced. It's particularly popular with beginners and is free to use.

Camden's Cantelowes Skatepark is one of the capital's most popular skating destinations. It's home to one of the biggest and best bowls in the whole country and has an adjacent street course that includes a range of elements. Most of the time there are quite a few skaters enjoying the set-up, which works well for beginners as well as those with more experience.

If you're looking to skate somewhere a little different, try White Grounds Skatepark. Set in a railway arch, you can use this covered park in all weathers. It's a plaza-style set-up with architecture designed in consultation with local skaters. There are loads of elements to explore, including the potential for wall rides, and skating tournaments also run here.

North London's Edmonton Skatepark is an outdoor park that's free to use and accessible 24/7. A varied range of elements are set up here including ramps, stair sets, and flat bars. There's plenty of space between each element for smooth lines. Although the skatepark has been a long-standing part of the scene it remains in good condition.

Indoor skatepark Barking Better Extreme Skatepark is the biggest one in the capital. There's a positive atmosphere here and skaters of all ages and abilities are welcome. Bring your skateboard, scooter, inline skates, or BMX and tackle the varied elements. The park is divided into various sections so there's something for everyone.

Set in the middle of the park, Finsbury Park Skatepark is an outdoor concrete set-up with two bowls as well as a range of other challenging elements to explore. It's been in place since 2006. This skatepark has a friendly and bustling atmosphere and you can bring along your skateboard, BMX bike, or scooter to see what the place has to offer.

There's a lively community at Wandle Park Skatepark in Croydon. This place opened in 2012 and combines bowls and a street course. Split into three sections with different elements, this set-up will test any skating fan. Although many users arrive with skateboards you'll also see plenty of BMX riders checking out the elements here.

Hackney Bumps began as a grassroots community project in the 80s. This Clapton skatepark is maintained by volunteers and still has a strong sense of community. It's made entirely of concrete bumps with no ledges or rails. Skaters of all ages are welcome but skateboarding lessons for kids are also on offer here, with all equipment provided.

BaySixty6 has long been a fixture of London's skating scene. This covered park is ideal for all weathers and has its own skate shop and skating academy too. Equipment rental is also offered at the shop. A huge bowl taking up a quarter of the park's space is a big draw here but there are also other elements, a street section, and a section just for beginners.

Modern skatepark Roundwood Park Skatepark was constructed in 2016. It's an outdoor concrete space that's free to use and can get busy at times. There's a friendly atmosphere and the park is set in a scenic area. Some of the elements to test out here include a series of banks, a small bowl, and a mini-ramp area.

Open since 2011, Mile End Park Skatepark is a key part of East London's skating scene. This is a street-oriented park with a spacious section containing a few different elements with a rapid bowl leading into it. The unique obstacles and challenging set-up make this a sought-after place for London skaters, especially those who want to try something new.

Skate in one of East London's most popular parks at Victoria Park Raemers Skatepark. This concrete skatepark opened in 2011 and one of the big attractions here is its huge bowl holding the only cradle in London. The park also has a small street section with a range of elements to test out. This spot can get busy because the set-up is so popular.

The range of elements at Alexandra Palace Skatepark make it a great place for skaters at all levels to hone their skills. The skatepark is open every day and all ages and abilities are welcome. The set-up is simple but still includes plenty of elements such as grinds, ramps, and fun boxes. The park has a smooth flow and is open every day.

Located in Ealing, Gurnell Concrete Skatepark & Bowl is a popular spot for local skaters, as well as BMX and scooter riders. There's a concrete bowl, wall ride, and a range of other elements to take on including a wooden mini-ramp. Various community events take place here too, including girls' night and nights for skaters aged 30+.  

Located in the park, Clapham Common Skatepark is primarily concrete but also boasts a small tarmac section. Most of the concrete section is open-plan, offering smooth and flowing lines as you skate. Skaters will also find a range of elements throughout the park to tackle. The variety here means you can easily skate all day without getting bored.

Skate at one of the historic homes of UK skating at Crystal Palace Skatepark. This park features a variety of sections and elements, including a mellow section that's ideal for beginners and the first skateboarding pool to be built in London for 40 years. There's also a bowl here. The space is free to use and all skaters are welcome.

West London's Acton Skatepark is a popular skating destination equipped with a unique 100ft ledge. Other elements here include a quarterpipe, stairs, wall rides, and mini-ramps. The skatepark is also equipped with lockers and repair stations for skateboards and BMXs, with all the necessary tools provided. Events like girls' night take place here too.

Based in Clissold Park, Clissold Park Skatepark has a simple but distinctive layout. The main feature is two adjacent bowls that you can transition between, with the larger one having an unusual V shape. These bowls have a reputation for giving smooth and fast runs. This outdoor skatepark is free to use and open to everyone.

Plaza-style park Coldfall Skatepark is located in North London and incorporates a range of elements centred around a grassy area. Skaters can expect banks, a slope with a hubba and rail, and a long fun box. The variety of elements at this skatepark make it a popular local destination for practicing and perfecting new tricks.

Meanwhile Skatepark comprises of a series of bowls and has been in place since the 1970s, giving today's skaters a taste of the old school. A part of skating history, many skaters make a pilgrimage to try it out. It starts with a mini-ramp with a bowled corner, followed by a five-foot bowl that leads into an even deeper six-foot bowl that comes with a notorious transition. 

Bloblands Skatepark began as a quirky DIY park but was fully refurbished in 2014. This concrete skatepark features a range of transition and street elements including a volcano that's enclosed in a bowled area. There are also bumps throughout the space. The park is fully outdoors and attracts skaters of all ages and abilities.

Although Telegraph Hill Skatepark has limited space and an unusual shape, it uses what's available successfully and attracts plenty of skaters who want to try something new. The start of the run features a series of quarterpipes that lead into a long bank. This all-concrete skatepark also features a variety of other elements to test your skills with.

Hop Kingdom is an indoor skatepark with a bar. Anyone can pop in to drink but if you pay to skate you can enjoy a free pint or soft drink. It's all about skateboards with no scooters or BMXs permitted. Private lessons are available and evenings are adults only, including sessions for adult beginners. Equipment is available to rent.

Tottenham's skaters head to Markfield Park Skate and BMX Park. This concrete park was built by the local community and is covered in vibrant graffiti that gives it character. Skating here is transition-based and there are various elements to try out including a flat bank, mini-ramps, and outer ledges. The skatepark is clean and well-maintained.

Based in Walthamstow, Lloyd Park Skatepark has a relaxed atmosphere and is especially well-suited to beginners who want to get some practice. It's a small park that can sometimes get busy. A number of different elements are centred around a pyramid bank in the middle. This outdoor park is free for all users.

Royal Oak Skatepark has been around for a long time. Skaters are drawn to the two halfpipes made famous in 1987 by Mark Gonzalez. The park was refurbished and extended in 2008 and the more recent section includes elements like a flat bank and a T-block ledge. This undercover skatepark is ideal for use in all weather conditions.