The Friday night inline skate in Hyde Park is becoming more popular every week, regularly attracting 400 skaters (less in winter). This is a great way to explore London, get fit and meet like-minded people, and it's free.
The mass skate escapade takes in lots of London landmarks; Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace to name but a few. The exact route differs each week and depends on skate speed (5mph+) and group size - but it uses the roads and is accompanied by music.
Beware: you have to be good at braking and turning (heel braking or T-Stopping; A-Frame/ Parallel/Crossover turns) at speed and sometimes downhill. You should also be fast enough to keep up with the group and be able to deal with varying road surfaces and the unpredictability of other skaters. Full protective gear is strongly recommended.
The adventurers meet by the Duke of Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner, next to the tube station. If the weather is bad the skate is cancelled. So far every skate has finished back at the start point.
Tourist Office
Visit London
There are drop-in Tourist Information Centres in Victoria Station, Liverpool St Station, Heathrow near the underground and other venues around London. See their website for details.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7234 5800
Fax: +44 (0)20 7378 6525
