Why a teen-friendly London weekend needs planning
A London weekend with sporty teenagers works best when it balances time on wheels, a shared outing and a bit of team pride. Start by asking your teens what they actually want to do, then build the trip around two or three fixed points rather than a packed timetable. Skating needs proper spots, so plan those in advance instead of improvising on the street.
Check the practical details early: the dates of the match or event they care about, travel times across the city and how far a hotel is from the skate areas they have chosen. Book popular attractions such as the Shard's observation decks ahead, and choose official or authorised sellers for every ticket. Pack light, since carrying boards and kit on the Tube gets tiring quickly.
How to choose the right kit, fanwear and bookings
Start with the skating kit, because it decides where you can go. A skateboard or pair of roller skates should suit the rider's skill level and the terrain you plan to use, not just the look. A helmet that fits snugly matters more than almost any other item, so check the fit before you travel. Skate shoes with a flat, grippy sole give better feel on the board than running trainers, so check whether your teen already owns a pair that works.
For fanwear, decide what you need before buying. A replica jersey is fine for a match day, but a lightweight hoodie or cap is more practical for walking around London in changeable weather. Check sizing charts, because shirts from different brands cut differently, and confirm that an item is an official product before you buy. A kit bought for one club or event may not suit another, so match the purchase to the actual plans.
Plan the skate spots and ticketed visits first, then fill the gaps; a teen who can skate safely and enjoy a match will have a better weekend.
From the editors
The most common mistakes are overpacking boards, booking attractions for the wrong time slot and assuming every street is suitable for skating. Pedestrians have priority on busy pavements, and skating there can put people at risk and annoy them, so choose designated skateparks or quieter areas. Avoid crowded pedestrian routes at rush hour. Do not leave ticket bookings until the last day either, because popular time slots sell out.
What to pack and book
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Skateboard helmet
A helmet that fits snugly is the most useful single item for any skating session. Check the fit at home, with the strap adjusted so it sits level above the eyebrows.
Search termsskateboard helmet · helmet fit · teen skate safety
Our recommendationkateskates.co.ukBest for skate kitSkate shoes
Flat, grippy skate shoes give better feel on a board than running trainers. Try them on with the socks your teen will actually wear.
Search termsskate shoes · flat sole trainers · skate footwear
Our recommendationyakwax.comSkate footwearTeam fanwear
A replica jersey suits a match day, while a hoodie or cap is more practical for walking around London. Check sizing charts, because brands cut differently.
Search termssports fan clothing · team jersey · football hoodie
Our recommendationfanatics.comFanwear picksShard observation deck tickets
Book a set time slot through the official site, as popular times can sell out. Plan the visit for a time that fits around skating and meals.
Search termsView from the Shard tickets · observation deck · London attraction tickets
Our recommendationtickets.theviewfromtheshard.comOfficial ticketsFamily weekend hotel
A hotel close to a Tube station makes carrying boards and kit easier and shortens journeys. Compare location against the skate spots and attractions on your list.
Search termsLondon hotels for a family weekend · hotel near Tube · city break accommodation
Our recommendationexpedia.co.ukHotels and travel
Where to start shopping and planning
Begin with the sporting plans, because they set the dates. Confirm the match or event, then decide where your teens want to skate. Southbank Undercroft near Waterloo has long attracted skaters, though its status has changed with redevelopment, so check before you go. Burgess Park in Southwark has a designated skatepark. Look up local council skatepark listings for other options, and prefer spots that are quieter than busy pavements.
Next, sort the kit. Kateskates at kateskates.co.uk is useful for checking skateboards, roller skates, scooters and helmets in one place. For skate shoes and skate clothing, Yakwax suits teens who want footwear made for boarding. Then book the Shard through tickets.theviewfromtheshard.com, and finish with a hotel on expedia.co.uk near the Tube lines you will use most.
Before you order
- Confirm the dates of the match or event your teens want to attend.
- Check the current status and rules of any skate spot before you go.
- Check the helmet fit and skate shoe comfort at home.
- Compare fanwear sizing charts before buying a jersey or hoodie.
- Book Shard tickets for a set time slot through the official site.
- Choose a hotel close to a Tube station and the planned skate areas.
- Pack light and carry boards in a way that keeps pavements clear.
The stores at a glance
kateskates.co.uk
Best for skate kitUseful for checking skateboards, roller skates, scooters and helmets before the trip, so your teen arrives with a setup that suits them.
Recommended for Skateboard helmet
tickets.theviewfromtheshard.com
Official ticketsSells observation deck tickets directly, so you can book a set time slot for the Shard from its own site.
Recommended for Shard observation deck tickets
expedia.co.uk
Hotels and travelLets you compare hotels and stays for a family weekend in one place, so you can choose a base near the Tube lines you will use.
Recommended for Family weekend hotel
fanatics.com
Fanwear picksOffers team jerseys, hats and fan accessories for supporting a favourite side on match days.
Recommended for Team fanwear
yakwax.com
Skate footwearCovers skate shoes and skate clothing, handy for teens who want footwear designed for boarding.
Recommended for Skate shoes
bookings.wembleytours.com
Stadium toursLets visitors book guided stadium tours, a good fit for sporty teens with a free afternoon.
thetrainline.com
Easy rail travelBooks train tickets and railcards for getting to London from elsewhere in Britain without queuing at the station.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can teenagers skate in London?
Use designated skateparks run by councils, and check the local council website for current opening times and rules. Avoid busy pedestrian areas and private land unless you have permission.
Should we book the Shard in advance?
Yes. Book a set time slot through the official site, as popular times can sell out. Resale sites can charge more and make it harder to confirm that tickets are genuine, so avoid them.
Is a helmet necessary for skating?
A helmet is a sensible basic item for any skating session. Choose one that fits snugly and check the fit before each trip.
Is a hotel near the Tube better?
Usually, yes, because boards and kit are easier to carry and journeys are quicker. Compare each location against the skate spots and attractions you plan to visit.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
