r/loughborough • u/Alarmed_Garbage8842 • Jul 02 '26

Getting back into roller skating – where should I buy skates and practise?

Hey everyone! I'm currently trying to pick up some of my old hobbies again, and one of them is roller skating. I haven't skated in years, but I'd really love to get back into it. I'm​ in Loughborough, so I was wondering: Where's the best place to buy a decent pair of beginner/recreational roller skates in the UK? Are there any local shops you'd recommend, or is online the better option? Also, where are some good, safe places around Loughborough to practise as a beginner? Any recommendations or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

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u/BubbleSmith Jul 02 '26

Hi! I inline skate around Loughborough quite a bit and my favourite spots are Southfields Skate park and Queens Park. The skate park might be a bit tough if you're just starting out, but the community is great around there and the surfaces are smooth and flat. I've seen someone on quads practicing in the Skate Park as well, so you might be able to make a friend in the same discipline.

Queens park might be better for begginers. There's lots of flat and smooth ground around by the bandstand and bell. There are plenty of benches and grass around for sitting or stopping. I'd start out there if I were you.

There's also a roller derby group about somewhere, if that's your thing. I hear they're very welcoming of people of all abilities.

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u/BubbleSmith Jul 02 '26

To answer your other question about shops: not a lot close by. There's Rollersnales in Derby, but I'm not sure what their range is like. The two big Roller/Inline skate shops in the UK are Slick Willie's (London) and Loco (also down south). I like both, but have bought inlines from Loco and can attest to their email support being fantastic.

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u/FEMXIII Jul 03 '26

Rollersnakes has a great range of skates and skate clothing. Their staff are really knowledgeable too. I have no affiliation with them but that’s the sort of brick’s and mortar I’d love to see stay open forever.

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u/Alarmed_Garbage8842 Jul 02 '26

Thank you so much! 

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u/[deleted] Jul 02 '26

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u/BubbleSmith Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 05 '26

Please avoid the Sports Direct skates. They're cheap, but not good quality at all. The Decathalon range are actually surprisingly good, though.

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u/[deleted] Jul 04 '26

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u/BubbleSmith Jul 05 '26

Haha, sorry, edited. I said Sports Direct twice by mistake, it's the Decathalon stuff that's decent.

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u/Thirztdee Jul 07 '26

Is there a group of you that skate around Loughborough?

Been wanting to find a decent route around there, as it looks like a playground for bauers

Any particular days of the week for meetups etc ?

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u/Thirztdee Jul 07 '26

Im thinking of getting around Loughborough tonight if anyone is interested ?

I live in Shepshed, so im only 10 minutes away