London UK

[rocklobster]

Will be in Reading for a work conference in early January, I'll be taking the train from there to London to fly out. Planning on extending my stay by 2 days to get some skate tourism in. Weather looks damp and cold so street skating probably won't be an option but I'd like to check out some historic spots like South Bank, as long as I don't get mugged.

Would like to get some skating in, probably pack my trucks and wheels while picking up a deck from a shop there. I'd probably stick to parks, so if you have recommendations hit me up:.

https://f51.co.uk/
This one looks fun, I'm ass at transition but the street section looks fun.

If there are any shops were checking out to pick up a t-shirt or cap that would be rad too.

Thanks!

[cosmicgypsies]

Will be in Reading for a work conference in early January, I'll be taking the train from there to London to fly out. Planning on extending my stay by 2 days to get some skate tourism in. Weather looks damp and cold so street skating probably won't be an option but I'd like to check out some historic spots like South Bank, as long as I don't get mugged.

Would like to get some skating in, probably pack my trucks and wheels while picking up a deck from a shop there. I'd probably stick to parks, so if you have recommendations hit me up:.

https://f51.co.uk/
This one looks fun, I'm ass at transition but the street section looks fun.

If there are any shops were checking out to pick up a t-shirt or cap that would be rad too.

Thanks!

only other indoor off the top of my head is bay66. royal oak aka meanwhile 2 is sheltered as is white grounds. if you're wanting to do classic park/spots lurking then uhh mile end, victoria, stockwell, rom/harrow if they still exist, probably a couple others i forgot. for stores gotta be slam city.

[Throwaway1]

Mugging: southbank’s generally fine but you will always have lurkers and tweakers that come sit by the bags and make off with one every now and then.
you’re fine as long as you don’t do anything daft like leave your wallet and phone sitting out in B-road daylight.

Indoor skateparks:
Bay66 isn’t indoor but under a big overpass so it’s covered.
There’s a pretty basic park called hop kingdom (sponsor of Jamie griffin who won BATB). It’s barely worth calling a park but has an adequate mini ramp. Kooky place.

There’s an indoor park called better extreme in barking
https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/barking-and-dagenham/barking-sporthouse-and-gym/skate-barking-sporthouse-and-gym

As mentioned, Mile End is a good outdoor park.
You could go into the city, do abit of spot tourism- got to St Paul’s cathedral to see the tourist sites and check out the famous spot at the same time.
Hotel skate shop in Peckham is good and close to the curbs that Caspar broker skates a lot.
Brixtons baddest is a shop just opposite the newly refurbished stockwell skate park

If you go to the big indoor in Folkestone, there’s a shop nearby called happy skate, which has lost of trinkets and smaller brand bits and pieces.

Dm me if you want anymore info or spots to check out

[cosmicgypsies]

is that bowl still in selfridges? could be a shout for op also

[MR102889]

Does anyone know if the Museum of London wallride is a bust or not?

[fernando the skater]

I sadly don't know what that is. But if you go on a Sunday/evening it might be rideable for a bit. And there's plenty of other spots in the area when you get kicked out. https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1jNd5fQ6wiaJJK0HyjrEkFcPtwt8&hl=en_US&ll=51.51575837534845%2C-0.09127023553774372&z=15

The Museum of London did close recently, not sure if that would be good, or not. There's a multistory underground car park near there which longboard types skate.

[RichardBarkley]

is that bowl still in selfridges? could be a shout for op also

Is that Pastis in your Avatar?

[Trashcon]

Hello,

Got a mostly non skate related question. First time visiting in Autumn (fall?). Wife and I will be visiting this week. Curious what weather feels like? I'm looking at weather app and it states mostly cloudy, some rain. We're from the Southern California desert, where it's either very warm or very cold. I'm planning on probably wearing a beanie most of the time. Taking a down jacket, crewneck, packed some thermals bottoms and tops as a recommendation. Wife will be taking about the same. Y'all think we'll be ok? over doing it?

For the skate question: Looking to check out some shops, hopefully pick up some gear some from local brands, usually get some for my friends as well. Any recommendations? The only shop I visited before was Slam City Skates and dudes were super nice.

Thanks in advance.

[rocklobster]

Temperature wise it's manageable with a few layers and a good jacket or outer shell, a light puffer or windbreaker you can fold into a backpack will be handy. It does get windy so a beanie is recommended. I doubt you'll need full thermals unless you're coming in the January, if you do then go with a lighter outer layer, but windbreaker is always a plus.

It's less the weather fluctuations and more the rain and wind that causes the most cold, but if you're spending most of your time indoors that will be less of a concern. The tube gets pretty warm so being able to unzip or remove layers reduces the struggle of heavy coats or removing sweaters.

And if you ever feel you need more layers you can always pop into a Uniqlo to pick something up that will last you the trip.

Pay attention to the forecast from the met service (https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/forecast/gcpvj0v07#?date=2025-11-03) I'd say they're 80-90% accurate.

Skate shop wise Slam City is the big one, Note is smaller but more boutique-style. A lot of local brands are online only, so you'd be hard pressed to check them out in-store. If you'd like to pick up something local I'd recommend buying it online and delivering it to your hotel. Now that I'm looking it up there are very few brick and mortar skate shops in London.

[Trashcon]

Thanks @rocklobster greatly appreciated. Looking forward. Been about seven years since last visit.

If anyone else has any recommendations, please share.