Skate Parks Near Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay is home to one of the finest skateparks in the North East of England. Panama Skatepark, sitting right on the seafront, is a large concrete park with a national reputation among transition skaters. And if you want to explore further afield, there are several more parks within a short drive. Here's the full rundown.

Panama Skatepark, Whitley Bay

Panama Skate Park -- also known simply as Whitley Bay Skatepark -- is a purpose-built concrete park located on the Links, right next to the beach. It opened in 2008 and was designed in consultation with local skateboarders and roller bladers.

The park is primarily a transitions-based park with some street elements. Its main features include two bowls, ramps, driveways, and walls. There's also a hubba, a jersey barrier, a wall ride, a taco, and a pier 7. The concrete is generally in good condition and the park flows well -- experienced transition skaters rate it highly.

Best for: Panama Skatepark is a large, all-concrete park in a spectacular setting right next to Whitley Bay beach. One of the best transition parks in the North East.

The location is hard to beat. You're skating with views of the sea, and the beach, cafes, and ice cream shops along the promenade are all within walking distance. It's a proper day out, especially in summer.

Getting There

Panama Skatepark is at The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1TF. The closest Metro station is Monkseaton, about a ten-minute walk away. There's ample parking on the surrounding roads, and the park is well served by bus routes along the coast.

When to Visit

The park is open-access and free to use at all times. It gets busiest after school, at weekends, and during school holidays. If you prefer a quieter session, early mornings and weekday daytimes are your best bet. The concrete surface can be slippery when wet, so check the weather before heading out.

Cramlington Skatepark

About seven miles inland from Whitley Bay, Cramlington Skatepark in Alexandra Park is another all-concrete park and a serious facility. Designed by Gravity Engineering and opened in 2008, it was built to a specification capable of hosting national competitions.

The park combines transition and street elements effectively. Features include a kinked rectangular bowl with metal coping, a series of flat banks and quarter pipes, a stair set, pole jam, hubbas, and rails. There's also a raised plaza-style area with ledges and manual pads. It's a different experience from Panama's transition-focused layout, with more variety for street-style skating.

Best for: Cramlington's competition-standard park is well worth the short drive if you want to practise street skating alongside your transition skills.

Isabella Skatepark, Blyth

Further north along the coast, Isabella Skatepark in Blyth opened in February 2025. Located on Ogle Drive, it was designed and built by Wheelscape with support from Shred the North. The park caters to skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter users of all abilities, and being relatively new, the surface and features are in excellent condition.

Other Parks in the Area

The wider Tyne and Wear region has several additional skateparks. Ashington Skatepark, about fifteen miles north, is another Wheelscape-built concrete park that opened in 2012. And for those willing to travel a little further, Morpeth Skatepark is an all-concrete park in the attractive setting of Carlisle Park, beside the River Wansbeck.

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to skateboarding, Panama is an excellent place to learn. The concrete is smooth, there's plenty of space, and the park isn't so technical that beginners feel out of their depth. Helmets and pads are strongly recommended, and you'll find that the regular users are generally welcoming and happy to share advice.

All of the parks listed here are free and open-access. No membership, no booking, no fees -- just turn up and ride.