Scenic Places To Roller Skate In London

Roller skating has taken the world by storm. It’s as if after the yearlong lockdown, London has just randomly decided that everyone is really into roller skating. It’s a great activity, healthy, relaxing and fun… There’s no reason not to try it. The community is very welcoming, I see experienced skaters teach the new skaters and young. Maybe this explains why I’ve seen so many over the summer so far.

So, with the roller-skating phenomime going at full throttle, you’re probably wondering where could I go skating, where it’s safe and pleasant. Here’s a list of 10 of the best places to roller skate in London.

Hyde Park (Serpentine Road)

It's almost impossible to walk through Hyde Park and not see a group of roller skaters, practicing their tricks with a speaker close in proximity. It's almost like the movies or music videos. Hyde Park is a great location for skaters. Serpentine road in particular is a long stretch within the park that goes on for quite a while. A long unending smooth surface. So you're unlikely to trip: meaning the number of accidents will be kept to a minimum.

Hyde Park is a beautiful location with an iconic lake, as well as a range of cafes located around the park... In terms of logistics, Hyde Park is easily accessible as it's in the middle of London so there's much public transportation that'll get you there.

How to get there?

Train

• Lancaster Gate - Central Line
• Marble Arch - Central Line
• Hyde Park Corner - Piccadilly Line
• Knightsbridge - Piccadilly Line

Bus

•  C2, 6, 7, 10, 16, 19, 23, 36, 52, 73, 82, 98, 113, 274, 390, 414
  
  

Kensington Gardens  (The Broad Walk)

Within Hype Park, there's Kensington Gardens on the west side of the park. This area, in particular, is more scenic, so maybe more to your liking. Essentially the same as Serpenting Road in terms of transportation getting there. Some areas of the Gardens aren't as smooth, so I suggest this area to the more experienced skaters out there.

Pretty flowers, a palace there too? I think Kensington Gardens is worth exploring it definitely beats skating along the streets!

How to get there?

Train

• High Street Kensington station  –  District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines
• Queensway station - Central line
• Notting Hill Gate station – Central, District and Circle lines
• Paddington station  -  National Rail

Bus

• 9, 49, 52, 70, 452, 94 and 148

Battersea Park

Located around West London, Battersea Park is known for the previous roller-skate meets. Well, prior to the pandemic of course. Battersea Park is located on the south bank of the River Thames. 

The park has a range of lakes and fountains as well breath-taking views across the river. A truly beautiful spot, where nature meets a big city. Personally, I love Battersea Park the pavement stretches, and there's a nice aroma of the river and assortments of flowers around. There's wildlife around so you have to be mindful of the ducks and geese. Although, on the corner of London... This park feels like a whole other planet. 

How to get there?

Train

• Stockwell - Victoria line
• Vauxhall - Victoria line
• Clapham Common - District line

Bus

• 137, 344, 44 and 454

Richmond Park

Unlike the other locations, Richmond Park is a little bit out of the way. It's a protected area of London in regards to its wildlife. The park is mostly known for its wildlife, in particular its deer. But other than that there are birds, bats, and wildflowers. In the distance a see the majority of the iconic landmarks within London, like the Shard and St Paul's Cathedral. 

Although a lot of people roam through Richmond Park in vehicles, there are paths ideal for people who enjoy roller-skating and cycling. Unfortunately, the park is a little difficult to access. The closest station is Richmond Station, which is only accessible by one train.

How to get there?

Train

• Richmond Station – District Line and National Rail

Bus

• 190, 391, 419, R68

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park has on of the best views of all of London, as it has on of the highest peaks in all of London. The park has amazing views over the River Thames, the Isle of Dogs as well as the City of London. With this awesome scenery it's hard to pass up the opportunity to skate here.

Acres of history and scenery around, you can skate past the Queen's house and the Ranger's house. A lot of the area has a grit flooring however the peak. of Greenwich Park has concrete, so the surfaces for skating may differ. 

How to get there?

Train

• Cutty Sark Station - Dockland Light Railway

Bus

• 53, 54, 129, 177, 180

St James' Park (On The Mall)

You may not know it by name but St James' Park is an iconic area in the UK, it's where the royal parade takes place. Situated inside the park is none other than Buckingham Palace, and you should know who lives there. If you don't, well it's the queen.  The place you'll be looking to skate is The Mall.

The Mall is the long stretch that leads up to Buckingham Palace. It's an amazing surface to skate on with no interuptions at all. Open from 5am to 12am you have all day to skate there.

How to get there?

Train

• St. James's Park - District and Circle Lines
• Charing Cross Station - Northern, Bakerlloo, and British Rail Lines
• Westminster - Jubilee, District and Circle Lines
• Green Park - Piccadilly, Victoria, and Jubilee Lines
• Victoria - Victora, Circle, District and British Rail Lines

Bus

• 2, 11, 12, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88

Regent's Park

So you're starting to see a pattern in these areas. All of these are royal parks, big spacious and have something beautiful about them. The last park you should be roller skating in is Regents Park. I've personally been to this park countless times and I highly suggest visiting it. There some great areas to check out. 

For example, within the park there are long roads and circulate around the area, allowing you to skate freely as barely any cars drive within them. Unlike the other locations, Regents Park is actually located in North London which i s relatively easy to get to.

How to get there?

Train

• Warren Street - Victoria Line
• Great Portland Street - Hammersmith & City, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan & Bakerloo Lines
• Camden Town - Northern Line

Bus

• 2, 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 88

Roller Nation

Unlike all the other places, Roller Nation is an indoor establishment. A nightclub dedicated to roller skating, bring the 80s back to London. Although previously based in South London its now based in Bruce Grove, North London.  As its inside you dont have to worry about the outside dangers like cars, animals and other  hazards. 

Theres great transport links to the venue as there's a range of buses and trains that drop you at the the clubs doorstep. Roller Nation allows peeople to enter as a big group and a few people, there's a live DJ as well as roller skat expers allowing you to help you out. Creating a great and unique environment for skaters.

Postcode: 

• 117 Bruce Grove, London N17 6UR
  

Train

• Seven Sisters - Victoria Line
• Bruce Grove - Overgrouund Line

Bus

• 123,  149, 243, 259

The royal parks are a great visit and offer a range of views that a great for rollerskating. Luckily,  all of these are situated in different places across London so you don't have to travel across London if you want to skate. Although if you want something a little bit special or an event that offers you something different, Roller Nation wouldbe great for adults. I suggest checking out Greenwich Park as this view is truely unrivaled.