Skateboarding in and around Bristol
I've already talked a bit about mountain biking here because it's one of my real passions. I love it! But recently I've been spending a bit more time doing something different - skateboarding. I used to skate a lot when I was younger but sort of 'grew out of it' and focused on mountain biking instead because that was something I could do with all of my friends; they can all ride a bike but not all of them can skate. However I've recently got a bit nostalgic and dug out my old skateboard and guess what? I'm having a great time!
The only real problem I've had is finding good places to skate. There's a small skatepark at the park near where I live but it's not especially great. So I've been looking around for places in the area to skate and this is what I've come up with. Some I've actually been too and enjoyed already and a few others I've yet to visit but want to try out. If you're looking for places to skate too why not try them out?
There are loads of great public spaces to skate on in Bristol and I've tried a lot of these out. One of the best spots to skate is definitely by the huge Lloyds bank. This area is a large paved space by the waterfront with plenty of steps leading up to the bank itself that are just perfect from catching air off. Because it's such a large, open area it can get a bit difficult on windy days but otherwise it's just perfect. It attracts a lot of skaters and bikers too but is such a large space that you'll rarely find there isn't room.
The only real problem I've had is finding good places to skate. There's a small skatepark at the park near where I live but it's not especially great. So I've been looking around for places in the area to skate and this is what I've come up with. Some I've actually been too and enjoyed already and a few others I've yet to visit but want to try out. If you're looking for places to skate too why not try them out?
There are loads of great public spaces to skate on in Bristol and I've tried a lot of these out. One of the best spots to skate is definitely by the huge Lloyds bank. This area is a large paved space by the waterfront with plenty of steps leading up to the bank itself that are just perfect from catching air off. Because it's such a large, open area it can get a bit difficult on windy days but otherwise it's just perfect. It attracts a lot of skaters and bikers too but is such a large space that you'll rarely find there isn't room.
Another good spot to skate is outside the Vic Rooms, near the triangle. Again it's a big, flat, paved space with plenty of steps and kerbs to practice tricks on. It's quite a pretty place to practice too with statutes and fountains. Queens Square and College Green are another pair of spots in central Bristol to check out. They're flat but also quite grassy and probably not quite as interesting as Lloyds or the Vic but are worth checking out anyway.
In terms of real skate parks, Bedminster Skate Park was renovated recently and is a wicked place to go, with ramps, ledges and loads of cool graffiti. I went their recently in some new gear I got from S.C. and had an awesome day. I really looked the part too!
Finally, a try I've yet to go but have been hearing great things about is Motion Ramp Park on Avon Street, near Temple Meads Station. It's a new, purpose-built indoor skatepark and it looks fantastic. It's even got a foam pit! The only drawback is you have to pay to use it so I might build up my skills a bit before I take the plunge. I found this vid - although it is scooter time it still shows the inside layout quite well.
Finally, a try I've yet to go but have been hearing great things about is Motion Ramp Park on Avon Street, near Temple Meads Station. It's a new, purpose-built indoor skatepark and it looks fantastic. It's even got a foam pit! The only drawback is you have to pay to use it so I might build up my skills a bit before I take the plunge. I found this vid - although it is scooter time it still shows the inside layout quite well.
So there we go, not a bad list is it? And that's mostly places in central Bristol so who knows what else I'll find if I venture out of town or to places nearby like Bath or Yate. Hope this helps, maybe I'll run into you at one of these places soon!