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: Barnsley Wellbeing Walks
Area: Dearne
Venue: Meet at the Community Shop, Goldthorpe, S63 9NE.
This relaxed, friendly walk is a great way to meet new people whilst exploring your local community. The route is on paths and gravel track. The length of the walk can be adjusted to suit the group.
Arrive before 10am for a free cup of tea or coffee! For further information contact Barnsley Council's Sport and Physical Activity Team: sport&activerecreation@barnsley.gov.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.
Area: North East
Venue: St John the Baptist Church, Church Hall, Church Street, Cudworth S72 8DD
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Zumba Gold 50+ (Low Intensity – FREE Class). Specially designed to be low intensity, enjoyable, and suitable for everyone, regardless of fitness level or experience.
FREE class. Call 07401 777817 to book your place!
Start date: 2026-03-16 End date: 2026-09-30<
Provider: u3a
Area: Central
Venue: Ardsley Bowling Club, Coronation Terrace, Ardsley S71 5BE
Booking essential
Summer activity begins in mid March and ends in late September. Groups play between 10 am and 12.00 noon at Ardsley Bowling Club (Monday to Friday). There are spaces available on all five weekday mornings and there are loads of spare bowls for anyone wanting to give Crown Green Bowling a try. Contact any of the Coordinators.
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
Area: North East
Venue: Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, Snydale Road, Cudworth, S72 8LH
Booking essential
This group plays weekly. When I say ‘play’ this is the loose term of the meaning. We have fun, exercise and socialise, with the accent being on fun. We are not competitive, well some may be, but that doesn’t last very long. We are just there to enjoy ourselves and get a bit of exercise at the same time. So if any of you want to join us, you don’t have to make the commitment every time, just come along when you can. There is no maximum limit and the more who attend, the more fun and laughs we can have.
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: Better Health Walks
Area: North
Venue: Meeting point: Athersley Roundhouse Library, Laithes Crescent, Athersley, Barnsley, S71 3AE
For more information about the walks get in touch: jackcadman@barnsley.gov.uk
Provider: Healthy Bones
Area: South
Venue: Shipcroft Centre, Wombwell
Level: Other
Booking essential
A fun way to keep active, and improve your general wellbeing.
Falls Prevention - Entry/Intermediate/Advanced. First six sessions are free. £5 per session thereafter. To book, call Bronia at Healthy Bones on 07895 380615.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: South
Venue: Hoyland Leisure Centre
Booking essential
Have you ever watched the mysteries of Curling at the Olympics? Well, Kurling is a bit like that, with rubber ‘stones’ on castors played on an indoor badminton court.
Age Range: Semi-retired or older. Now taking names for an interest list, please contact Connor at Connor.Pickles@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: u3a
Area: Central
Venue: Dodworth Miners’ Welfare
Level: Other
Booking essential
Intermediate (as the group assumes some level of football playing in the past). This activity is open to members of Barnsley and District u3a. To take part in any of the activities please go to their website bu3a.u3asite.uk where you can find out more about the organisation. You can also join online.
Provider: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Area: North
Venue: Honeywell Sports Village Gym
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Turbo Tykes. Spinning Class. Pedal along to some favourite tunes while following a scenic route on the big screen.
Entry/Intermediate/Advanced. Contact Sean Margison, Health and Wellbeing Officer on 01226 211333 or via email at s.margison@barnsleyfc.co.uk.
Provider: Barnsley Wellbeing Walks
Area: North East
Venue: Meeting point: Acorn Centre car park at the rear gates, S72 7BB
Grimethorpe Stroll. Join walk leader Peter for a lovely circular walk around New Springs Park in Grimethorpe. It starts in the Acorn Centre car park, with a little bit of road walking through the industrial estate. There are 2 roads to cross before getting to the park. The surface in the park is slightly uneven but does not get muddy. There is an incline to get up to the viewpoint (it's worth the walk up!). The walk is dog friendly but please keep them on the lead. Join the group for the occasional post-walk coffee stop. Parking is free in the Acorn Centre car park, or you can catch Stagecoach buses 27, 27a, 27b and 208 that stop just after Grimethorpe Post Office.
For further information contact: peter.hague1@nhs.net or Barnsley Wellbeing Walks via email at: sport&activerecreation@barnsley.gov.uk.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: South
Venue: Hoyland Leisure Centre
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Pilates is a head to toe fitness method. This mat-based exercise class will take you through a conditioning routine to improve strength, flexibility and endurance and is a great way to build skills that will carry over into your sporting activities and everyday life.
This activity is for all ages. Call 01226 744063 or email hoylandenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: Dearne
Venue: Dearneside Leisure Centre
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Using the water to support your body weight, this 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. Dearneside Leisure Centre – Call 01709 880040 or email dearnesideenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Dorothy Hyman Bowling Club
Area: North East
Venue: Dorothy Hyman Bowling Green at Dorothy Hyman Sport Stadium
Level: Other
Gentle exercise through the activity of crown green bowling.
All levels of bowling experience would be welcome. Booking preferable, but not essential. For further information contact Jeff Morland on 07484 805748.
Provider: Shirley Sherwood Tai Chi
Area: Penistone
Venue: Penistone Scout Activity Centre, Wentworth Road, Penistone, Sheffield S36 6ET
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
A specialised Tai Chi session that focuses on Tai Chi for Health. If you need any further information or a chat then please contact Shirley Sherwood Certified Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor. Tai Chi is extremely good for improving balance, posture and can be done standing or seated. It is also a great way to get out of the house and make new friends. Ideal for all abilities
£3.00 per session after the 6 free sessions. You can contact Shirley Sherwood either by e-mail shirley.a.sherwood@btinternet.com or 07956660224
