Southbank Centre Undercroft
About Southbank Centre Undercroft
A covered concrete space under the Southbank Centre on the Thames. It has been used by skateboarders since the 1970s and is covered in graffiti.
History
Skateboarders began using the space under the Queen Elizabeth Hall in the 1970s, and it is often described as the birthplace of British skateboarding.
In 2013 the Southbank Centre planned to move the skaters elsewhere. The Long Live Southbank campaign gathered huge public support, and in 2014 the space was saved.
What to Expect
There is something to watch most of the day, especially on weekend afternoons. Viewing is from the riverside path, so you do not need to step into the skate area. The graffiti changes often. Combine it with a walk along the South Bank.
Known For
Highlights
- Watch skaters, BMX riders and graffiti artists
- Right on the Thames riverside path
- Second-hand book market under Waterloo Bridge nearby
- Southbank Centre and National Theatre next door
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can anyone skate at the Southbank Undercroft?
- Yes. It is free and open to skaters, BMX riders and other users at any time.
- Where exactly is the Southbank skate park?
- It is under the Queen Elizabeth Hall, part of the Southbank Centre, beside the Thames path between Waterloo Bridge and Hungerford Bridge.
- Why is the Southbank Undercroft famous?
- It has been used by skateboarders for around 50 years and is seen as one of the most important skate spots in the world.
More London Street Art & Graffiti
Leake Street Arches
A 300-metre tunnel beneath Waterloo station where graffiti is legal. Every wall is covered in spray paint, and the pieces change almost daily.
Shoreditch & Brick Lane Street Art
London's best-known street art district. Large murals, paste-ups and small pieces cover the side streets around Brick Lane and Shoreditch High Street.
Hackney Wick Street Art
A former industrial area beside the canal and the Olympic Park. It is known for large graffiti on warehouse walls, artist studios and canalside bars.