Find out about the amazing choice of physical activities suitable for older people across the Barnsley borough in our directory below.
Search for a group or class which suits you. You will find details of where and when they meet and what they do. There’s also a phone and/or email to get in touch. Most are daytime activities either free or low cost.
This directory is brought to you by The Barnsley Older People Physical Activity Alliance (BOPPAA) led by Age UK Barnsley and funded by Barnsley Council.
BOPPAA aims to increase participation in physical activities that improve the strength, balance and wellbeing of older people. It brings together NHS, public and private sector and voluntary organisations offering physical activity opportunities suitable for everyone in their 50s and above.
For further information, call Age UK Barnsley on 01226 776820 or email enquiries@ageukbarnsley.org.uk. *NB Each provider is responsible for delivery of their own activities/services – please see their contacts in the directory below.
You can browse through all the listings or filter by the type of activity you’re interested in, the part of borough where you live (please Show Map to see what each area covers) or the day of the week you want to get active.
Provider: ExMil Fitness
Area: North East
Venue: Churchfield Primary School, Cudworth
Level: Other
Booking essential
Outdoor exercise circuits utilising equipment and body weight exercises.
Sessions are designed for all levels of fitness and age groups. Visit the ExMil Fitness Facebook page for information, or contact Lee on 07794172553.
Provider: Wortley Rugby Club
Area: Penistone
Venue: Rugby Ground, Finkle Street Lane, Wortley, S35 7DH
Level: Other
Wortley Walking Rugby is a fun team game that is accessible whether you have played rugby before or not. It is a simple version of the game without the physical contact. The aim is to participate, get some exercise and most importantly have some fun.
Please note that the sessions run from March to October, with no sessions in the winter months. No previous experience is needed and all are welcome.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: North East
Venue: Royston Leisure Centre
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Make some time for you by creating a balance between the body and the mind, promoting health and wellbeing and improving your breathing patterns. A great way to relax, unwind and give yourself some self-care.
This activity is for all ages. Royston Leisure Centre - Call 01226 722991 or email roystonenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Yoga Bee
Area: South
Venue: Yoga Bee, Hawkwood Cottage, Hay Green Lane, Birdwell, Barnsley, S70 5XE
Booking essential
Mixed ability.
For further information and bookings please visit: www.yogabee.yoga.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: North East
Venue: Royston Leisure Centre
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Using the water to support your body weight, Aqua Aerobics is an aerobic and toning workout to music in the pool. Great for those who love a challenging workout without any impact on the joints.
This activity is for all ages. Royston Leisure Centre - Call 01226 722991 or email roystonenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: Central
Venue: Barnsley Metrodome
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Make some time for you by creating a balance between the body and the mind, promoting health and wellbeing and improving your breathing patterns. A great way to relax, unwind and give yourself some self-care.
This activity is for all ages. Call 01226 730060 or email metrodomeenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Start date: 2026-04-16 End date: 2026-06-04<
Provider: Barnsley Hospice
Area: North
Venue: Barnsley Hospice, Church St, Gawber, Barnsley S75 2RL
Level: Other
Booking essential
8-week programme of Movement and Breathing. The activity, inspired by tai chi and qigong, involves low impact movement whilst focusing on breathe
More info to follow
Provider: Sporting Penistone
Area: Penistone
Venue: Penistone Leisure Centre
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
We take the "work" out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you'll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. Super effective? Check. Super fun? Check and check. Benefits: A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class.
£5 per session. Book direct with Tracy on 07398 238691 or visit our website at: https://www.penistoneleisurecentre.org.uk/. You will be requested to complete a Health questionnaire at your first class.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: Central
Venue: Barnsley Metrodome
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Using the water to support your body weight, Aqua Aerobics is an aerobic and toning workout to music in the pool. Great for those who love a challenging workout without any impact on the joints.
This activity is for all ages. Call 01226 730060 or email metrodomeenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: Dearne
Venue: Dearneside Leisure Centre
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Fitness Pilates. A group exercise programme designed to enhance the posture, strength, balance and stability of a healthy adult.
This activity is for all ages. Dearneside Leisure Centre – Call 01709 880040 or email dearnesideenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: u3a
Area: North
Venue: Barnsley Bowl, Carlton Road, Barnsley, S71 2AZ
Booking essential
With a start time of 10.00am we normally have the lanes to ourselves for the majority of the session. There is still plenty of room for other members who want to give it a try. The cost is £9.60 (£4.80 per game) which is a good saving against normal prices. During school holidays there are usually cheaper prices. Occasionally a Handicap competition is held with a small entry fee, and which is structured in such a way that every player - not just star performers - is in with a good chance of winning a trophy and/or a prize. It’s a good morning’s entertainment. If you’ve not played before or haven’t played for years and want to come along to try it, just turn up at 9.45-ish and talk to the Coordinator.
More details about u3a activities can be found on bu3a.u3asite.uk website. Membership is required, costing £15.00 per year. For more information: coordinators running the groups can be emailed from u3a website bu3a.u3asite.uk/groups/
Provider: u3a
Venue: Variable
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Thursday Walkers. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, usually at 10.00am. The walk leader will have walked the route in advance, noting any historical or environmental matters of interest. Walks are of approximately 5.5 miles. During summer months longer walks of up to 8 miles are arranged, for which a packed lunch will be necessary. We are always looking for new walk leaders, and exploring new walks in the surrounding area. You are welcome to come along and take a walk with us before deciding whether to join the group. Walking boots and an anorak (or other wet-weather gear) form part of our essential equipment.
More details about u3a activities can be found on bu3a.u3asite.uk website. Membership is required, costing £15.00 per year. For more information: coordinators running the groups can be emailed from u3a website bu3a.u3asite.uk/groups/
Provider: u3a
Venue: Variable
Level: Vigorous intensity
Booking essential
On 2nd Thursday of each month. Our walks are challenging in terms of distance and terrain, a very good level of fitness is needed. - Good footwear & clothing for all weather essential - A packed lunch & sufficient water is required - Often an hour's travel to the meeting place
More details about u3a activities can be found on bu3a.u3asite.uk website. Membership is required, costing £15.00 per year. For more information: coordinators running the groups can be emailed from u3a website bu3a.u3asite.uk/groups/
Provider: u3a
Venue: Variable
Booking essential
Once a month. We meet on the 4th Thursday of the month, walks are usually 8 to 9 miles long. - Can involve challenging ascents and terrain and need a good level of fitness - Good footwear and clothing for all weathers is essential - A packed lunch & sufficient water required - Often an hour's travel to the meeting place.
More details about u3a activities can be found on bu3a.u3asite.uk website. Membership is required, costing £15.00 per year. For more information: coordinators running the groups can be emailed from u3a website bu3a.u3asite.uk/groups/
Provider: u3a
Venue: Variable
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Bus Pass Walkers. This group will operate on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month and does moderate walks of around 4/5 miles along well defined footpaths, disused railways and canals etc over level countryside with the occasional slope and easy stile. Most of the walks are point to point using public transport. We will usually meet at the Barnsley Interchange and use public transport to the start of the walk. We then do the walk and finish where we can use a different bus route to return to Barnsley. There will be a short “banana stop” during the walk and walkers will need to have suitable footwear and rainwear. Walks normally finish near a coffee shop for those who would like to partake.
More details about u3a activities can be found on bu3a.u3asite.uk website. Membership is required, costing £15.00 per year. For more information: coordinators running the groups can be emailed from u3a website bu3a.u3asite.uk/groups/
