What do Blake Lively, Cara Delevingne and Kate Middleton have in common? They’ve all recently been seen skating, proving it’s not just for teenage boys. Here’s where to test your board skills.
Southbank Skate Spot
If you like an audience, head down to this Seventies skate spot on the banks of the Thames, where crowds gather to watch the tricks.
Free, all day Tuesday-Sunday, 337-338 Belvedere Road, SE1
BAYSIXTY6
This used to be known as Playstation Skatepark but became BAYSIXTY6 in 2011 when Xbox took over sponsorship. The huge undercover park features rails, wall rides and ski jump-style gaps.
From £2, noon-9pm every day, Acklam Road, W10
Victoria Park
An event skate park at the east end of Victoria Park. Its been creatively designed with a cradle, grind poles and two quarter-pipes.
Free, 9am-8pm every day, Victoria Park, E3
House of Vans
London’s first indoor skate park, this is in the tunnels beneath Waterloo station. Skate sessions are free and open to all ages, and there are lessons with The Skateboard School on Saturday mornings. There’s also a café, bar and cinema space.
Free, varying times Thurs-Sun, 228-232 Station Approach Road, SE1
Stockwell Skate Park
Ironically known as Stockwell Sands and Brixton Beach, this rolling, bumpy concrete park has a satisfying wide snake run flowing throughout.
Free, all day every day, 143 Stockwell Road, SW9
