Skate Parks in Sunderland

Skate parks are some of the busiest outdoor spaces in Sunderland on a dry evening, used by skateboarders, scooter riders, BMX riders and inline skaters of every age. The city's parks are run by Sunderland City Council and are open to everyone without booking, though each has its own character, from a concrete wheeled sports park in the south-west of the city to a BMX track in the Coalfield. This guide covers the outdoor facilities we have confirmed are open in 2026, along with a look at what is being planned. Facilities do close for repairs from time to time, so it is worth checking the council's website before a long trip.

Silksworth

The concrete wheeled sports park at Silksworth sits within the grounds around the Silksworth Sports Complex and ski slope, on the edge of the lakes and green space in the south-west of the city. Concrete parks tend to be smoother and quieter than older metal ramps, and the mix of features here suits skateboarders, scooters and BMX riders.

The council invested in the site in summer 2025, when a new fence and gate were fitted around the park, paid for through the West Area Committee. The wider Silksworth site has a car park, and the sports complex, ski slope and lakeside paths make it easy to turn a skate session into a longer day out for a family.

Best for: Riders of all abilities who want a smooth concrete park with plenty else to do nearby.

Herrington Country Park

Herrington Country Park, below Penshaw Monument, has its own skate park as part of its play and activity facilities. The council has made improvements around it: the skate park's car park has been expanded to 33 spaces, and drainage works have been carried out so the area copes better with wet weather. The council updated its information about the park in January 2026.

The country park itself is a large open space with walking and cycling routes, lakes and a children's play area, so families can split up between the skate park and the rest of the park without going far. Our Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park guide has more on getting there and what else there is to do.

Best for: Families combining a skate session with a walk, picnic or play area visit.

Hetton Lyons BMX track

In the Coalfield, the BMX track at Hetton Lyons Country Park is a dedicated BMX track rather than a skate park. The council has resurfaced the track in a project costing around £80,000, giving it a smoother and more reliable surface. Hetton Lyons also has a lake, walking routes and other facilities, so it is a good choice for families with a mix of riders and walkers.

Best for: BMX riders and young cyclists who want a track to ride rather than ramps and rails.

Houghton-le-Spring

Houghton's skate park was demolished in January 2024. The council has since identified around £250,000 to build a replacement on the same site, so check the council's website for progress before you go. Until it is built, the nearest options are Herrington Country Park and the track at Hetton Lyons.

Riverside Park

The masterplan for Riverside Sunderland, the large regeneration area along the banks of the Wear in the city centre, includes a skate park as part of a later phase of its new riverside park. No date has been set, but it would give riders a city centre option for the first time in many years.

Indoor skating

When the weather turns, there are indoor skate parks within reach of Sunderland in the wider North East, which suit beginners and younger children who want a controlled space and lessons. Check opening times and age rules before travelling, as many run separate sessions for scooters, skateboards and BMX.

Staying safe

A helmet is strongly recommended for every rider, and knee and elbow pads are sensible for beginners and younger children. Skate parks can get busy, so it helps to watch the flow for a minute before dropping in, wait your turn and keep clear of the landing areas of ramps. Avoid riding on wet concrete, which becomes slippery quickly, and remember that most outdoor parks are unlit and unsupervised. Younger children are usually best visiting at quieter times, such as weekend mornings.

For more outdoor ideas, see our guides to parks and green spaces, playgrounds and running and cycling.

Know a skate park we have missed? Get in touch.