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: Susiemac Fitness
Area: North East
Venue: BHF Priory Centre, Pontefract Road, Lundwood, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 5PN
Level: Moderate intensity
Dancersize class (Zumba & aerobics)
£4 per session. Booking is not essential. For more information telephone Susie on 07896 709091 or email susie.1960@hotmail.co.uk
Provider: Yoga Bee
Area: South
Venue: Birdwell Methodist Chapel
Booking essential
Ideal for beginners.
For further information and bookings please visit: www.yogabee.yoga.
Provider: YMCA
Area: Central
Venue: YMCA, 1 Blucher Street, Barnsley, S70 1AP
Level: Other
Booking essential
Currently paused due to YMCA refurbishment. Learn to play Pickleball! Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
Contact the YMCA on 01226 214165 to find out more.
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/
Area: South
Venue: Meeting point: Wombwell Library, Station Road, Wombwell, Barnsley S73 0BA.
For more information about the walks get in touch: jackcadman@barnsley.gov.uk
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: North East
Venue: Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, Snydale Road, Cudworth, S72 8LH
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
A great game that anyone can play.
Only £3 per session. For more information, please contact connor.pickles@bpl.org.uk.
Area: North East
Venue: Meet in Royston Civic car park
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Royston Walk and Talk. This 8-mile circular route is aimed at more able walkers. The walks are fairly flat using local trails along the disused railway and canal routes around Royston. The walking pace is leisurely with at least two stops. It’s a good way of keeping fit, enjoying the fresh air, and making new friends. All you need to do is turn up with suitable shoes or boots, waterproofs if required, and a flask and a packed lunch. Unfortunately, no pets on the walk.
Email amwalker2@hotmail.com for further information.
Provider: u3a
Venue: Variable
Level: Other
Booking essential
The Cycling Group meet every Tuesday throughout the year. There is a schedule of rides which are issued in advance to members. The rides are varied and follow the Trans Pennine Trial, Wakefield Wheel and other family friendly trails and are suitable for all abilities. We try to give members a positive cycling experience by using different routes in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. These include old railway lines, canal tow paths, woodland areas and quiet country roads. On every ride we have a cafe stop for lunch and the traditional U3A socialising. All you need is a bike, the means of getting to the starting point and the ability to have fun. Our usual meeting time is 10am, which changes to 9.30am during the winter months. For further details on the rides, please contact 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
Area: Penistone
Venue: Variable
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Penistone Walking Group. On 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month. Normally walks are no more than 5 miles long, exploring moderate low level walks in the Penistone area. The walk leader will have walked the route before hand and as some will have stiles, slopes and inclines please check with the Group Coordinator or walk leader if these could cause a problem. Most walks meet at Penistone market barn. If further afield car sharing can be arranged. There will be a short break during the walk for consuming your own refreshment. Suitable footwear and wet weather gear are required. All walks start at 10am.
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: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: South
Venue: Hoyland 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. Call 01226 744063 or email hoylandenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Age UK Barnsley
Area: North
Venue: Darton Darby & Joan Club
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Chair Based Strength & Balance Exercise. Fun and friendly group exercise class. Exercises can be done in a seated or standing position. Full body workout focusing on strength and balance to help keep you fit active. Each week the workouts are different. Refreshments are provided at the end. First 6 sessions are FREE! £3 per session thereafter.
To book your place and for more info contact Steph 07984 899351.
Provider: Healthy Bones
Area: North East
Venue: Carlton Village Hall
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: u3a
Venue: Variable
Booking essential
Tuesday Walkers. Fortnightly on Tuesday mornings 10:00 am. All walks meet at 9:45am for a 10am start and are between 4 to 6 miles in length. Most walks are completed by 1:00 pm unless previously stated. The walks vary in challenge so please do check with the leader if you have any concerns about suitability. Information about each walk is emailed to everyone several days before the date of the walk giving details. There is usually a nearby refreshment venue if members wish to socialise after the walk. All members of the group are expected at some point to arrange and lead a walk for the rest of the group.
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: Lynn Furness
Area: North
Venue: Emmanuel Methodist Church, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley S75 1DT
Level: Light intensity
Exercise class to suit all levels of fitness and ability. Open to anyone who cannot do more physical exercise, suitable for anyone. Especially if you find standing to exercise difficult. We stay sat down for the whole class. Also people with dementia and their carers, followed by chatting over tea or coffee (with biscuits). FREE of charge (donations welcome).
Designed to promote fitness, fun and friendship. This is in the downstairs room so is suitable for wheelchairs or walkers users. There is also tea/coffee available which when downstairs is free but when upstairs its a coffee .morning with a small cost (but the lift is available). Booking is not essential. For more details please contact Lynn on 07775 948347.
Start date: 2026-04-01 End date: 2026-09-30<
Provider: u3a
Area: Penistone
Venue: Penistone Bowling Club, Back Lane, Schole Ave, Penistone Barnsley S36 6DW
Level: Other
Booking essential
We meet on Tuesdays 10.30am at Penistone Bowling Club, (from the High street turn onto Park Avenue, between Spar and Co-op, take the first right and first right down side of the park, turn left between the park and garages, the bowling club is at the bottom on the right.). Equipment is available to borrow and help can be given. The all weather surface is accessible to wheelchairs and you will be very welcome. For £15 you can become an associate member and then there is a £3 charge per session, including tea/coffee, which is paid to the bowling club. Alternatively, you can join the Bowling Club for a fee of £40.00 per year, which entitles you to play anytime. You will have to pay 50p for tea/coffee.
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/
