Cantelowes Skatepark — Attraction in London

This is a review of how I skated the park in February 2019 before it got refurbished. The street course is a bit sparse- a dodgy bent out of shape flat ledge, a weird euro gap step up ledge and a long bank with coping running the length of the park. The standout obstacle here is the giant bowl complete with oververt cradle. This is all well and good if you're one of the handful of skaters good enough to make use of it. Overall it's a decent place for a skate and the locals are very friendly. the tiny 1ft quarter pipe round the back is good for beginners.

A big plus is the park has floodlights and is opposite a petrol station. It's since been refurbished so I'll have to go back and see what it's like. Definitely worth a visit if you're in North...

The skatepark itself is good but the place suffers from being in a netherworld between an open public space and a managed park. In open public skateparks, events often come together by the efforts of the local community, while most managed skateparks are run by enthusiasts who love the place and the sport. Cantelowes though, is run by people who seem to find skaters an irksome inconvenience! As such while managed parks typically have events and structures to build community, nurture newcomers and encourage engagement, the management of this place only ever direct their efforts toward standing in the way of such things, frustrating attempts by others to help build. It's a shame to see such potential...

I love Cantelowes Skate Park. It has a bit for everyone, from beginners to expert level. Some scary edges in certain areas, so please gear up and stay well protected. It has a friendly environment, and local skaters are always ready to lend a helping hand or point out how you can improve. If your thing is riding the bowl, this one is large and comfortable. The only downside to Cantelowes is that it's exposed to the elements. So come rain and cold? You might have to find another place to stay dry and ride, like Bay Sixty Six at Westbourne Park. Just a stones throw from Camden Town and all its shops and restaurants for some shopping, a quick bite to eat, or a coffee and a cheeky custard tart at...