London Southbank Skatepark is a notable urban skate spot beneath the Southbank Centre, featuring concrete ramps, ledges, and graffiti-covered walls. It offers shelter from rain due to its Brutalist design and provides a social hub where skaters, street artists, and musicians gather. Originating in the 1970s, it is considered the world’s longest-running skatepark. Visitors can observe skating culture and urban art. Further details uncover its history, community role, and preservation efforts.
Although not originally designed as a skatepark, the Southbank Skatepark, also known as the Undercroft, has become a significant location for skateboarders since the early 1970s. The skatepark is part of the Southbank Centre, which was completed in 1967. Skateboarding began around 1973 when skateboarders started using the Brutalist concrete architecture for skating. The space was initially open to the public and unused for specific purposes but gradually developed into a cultural center for skating and urban arts during the 1970s and 1980s. It is now recognized as the oldest surviving and longest continually used skateboarding spot in the world.
The skatepark covers approximately 4,300 square feet of concrete flooring. Its layout includes slopes, L-shaped barriers, ramps, ledges, pillars, and a plywood wall covered in graffiti. The Brutalist architecture provides shelter from rain, making it suitable for skating despite London’s variable weather. The space features 17 foundational support columns within about 100 square meters of concrete, creating a unique environment for skating. Since its opening in 1967, the Undercroft has been a cherished urban space, reflecting its historic opening date].
Covering 4,300 sq ft, the skatepark’s Brutalist design and 17 columns create a unique, weatherproof skating haven.
In the 1990s, roughened surfaces were added as anti-skateboarding measures, but the community has adapted the space informally to meet skateboarding needs over time. The Undercroft is important to the skateboarding community and beyond. It has been called the “Mecca of Skateboarding” and serves as a meeting place not only for skaters but also for street dancers, graffiti artists, musicians, and videographers.
The space reflects a vibrant mix of urban art forms and social diversity. Its surfaces bear marks from years of use, telling the story of countless tricks and users. Efforts to preserve the skatepark began in 2013 with the formation of Long Live Southbank, a group opposing redevelopment plans that threatened the space. After negotiations, a binding agreement in 2014 protected the site’s future.
Renovations in 2017 improved lighting and repaired damaged concrete, supported by skate brands and public funds. The skatepark remains a protected cultural heritage site and a symbol of community activism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times to Visit London Southbank Skatepark?
The best times to visit London Southbank Skatepark are weekday mornings and early afternoons, when crowds are lighter and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
Evenings are also popular due to the lighting and social scene, but weekends, especially afternoons, tend to be busiest with locals and tourists.
To avoid crowds, visitors should avoid weekends and late afternoons.
The skatepark is accessible 24/7, allowing flexible visit times regardless of the Southbank Centre’s hours.
Is There Parking Available Near the Skatepark?
Parking near the skatepark is limited and highly restricted to encourage public transport use.
Four free Blue Badge spaces are available at Southbank Centre on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional paid parking can be found at APCOA Cornwall Road car park and nearby NCP car parks, with options for online pre-booking.
On-street parking is scarce and mostly available before 8 am or after 6 pm.
Booking in advance is advised for convenience.
Are There Any Skateboarding Lessons Offered at the Skatepark?
Yes, skateboarding lessons are available at Southbank Skatepark through providers like Trick Tech and GOSKATE.
Lessons cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, and include group or private sessions. Instructors are qualified and offer personalized coaching, sometimes with video analysis.
Pricing varies, with options for single lessons or packages. Equipment is often provided, and lessons suit all ages, starting from age five, requiring no prior experience.
What Safety Gear Is Recommended for Beginners?
Beginners should wear a properly fitting skateboarding helmet that covers the forehead, wrist guards to prevent fractures, and knee and elbow pads designed to stay securely in place and allow joint movement.
Additional protection includes bumsavers for hip and tailbone safety and closed, slip-resistant shoes for foot grip.
Full safety sets enhance protection and confidence. Avoid cheap or ill-fitting gear, and guarantee all equipment is certified and appropriate for skateboarding impacts.
Can I Rent Skateboards at London Southbank Skatepark?
Skateboards cannot be rented directly at London Southbank Skatepark, as no official rental service exists on-site. Visitors should bring their own equipment.
However, nearby skateboarding schools like Trick Tech offer lessons that include skateboard and safety gear rentals. These lessons must be booked online in advance.
Rental options are more common through third-party vendors or skate schools in London, so planning ahead and contacting these providers is recommended for those needing rental boards.
