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 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: Sprint Swim Academy
Area: North
Venue: Sprint Swim Academy, Mapplewell Business Park, Blacker Road, Barnsley, S75 6BP
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Aqua Fit class. Are you over the age of 50? Sprint Swim Academy is offering Aqua Fit sessions! Following the session, why not visit our friendly cafe and enjoy food and a FREE hot drink whilst socialising with others?
£4.95 per session and a free hot drink. Limited spaces available. To book and secure your place, please call Sprint's reception desk on 01226 661521.
Provider: Barnsley Wellbeing Walks
Area: South
Venue: Meeting point: Outside the Teepot Café in the park, S74 8EY
Level: Moderate intensity
Elsecar Park Wellbeing Walk. Join walk leaders Pete and Ken for a gentle walk around Elsecar Park and the surrounding fields. This walk is suitable for beginners; however, the surface is slightly uneven with a slight incline. There are 2 stiles to climb over and the walk can be muddy if it's been raining a few days before. There is an alternative route that is shorter and avoids the stiles. The walk is dog friendly, but they are asked to be kept on a lead. The walk is family friendly, however, the route isn't suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. There are some poles available to borrow if required for the walk. Join the group for a post-walk drink at one of the local cafes. There is a free car park near the Elsecar Heritage Centre, or you can catch the Stagecoach bus 136 that stops just before Elsecar Park. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WALK IS TERM TIME ONLY
For further information contact: peter-bmv@hotmail.com or Barnsley Wellbeing Walks: sport&activerecreation@barnsley.gov.uk.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: North East
Venue: Royston 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. Royston Leisure Centre - Call 01226 722991 or email roystonenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Mi:ssion Table Tennis Club Barnsley
Area: North East
Venue: Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, Snydale Road, Cudworth, S72 8LH
Level: Light intensity
Bat and Chat. An organised social session which targets individuals who are 50 and above and provides participants with the opportunity to enjoy table tennis in a friendly and relaxed environment.
All equipment, tea, coffee and biscuits provided free of charge. It doesn't matter if you've never played table tennis before. No need to book. Just turn up. For further information call Modesta on 07479693372. £1 per session
Provider: Healthy Bones
Area: North
Venue: Emmanuel Church, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley
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: North East
Venue: Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, Snydale Road, Cudworth, S72 8LH
Level: Moderate intensity
Join one of the fastest growing sports in Barnsley! Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
For more information, please contact connor.pickles@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Sporting Penistone
Area: Penistone
Venue: Penistone Leisure Centre
Level: Other
Booking essential
PenActive is a ‘Youth Club for Older People’! Aimed at people aged 60+ the session is a fun and friendly session with time for socialising as well as some exercise too!
Beginner. £3 per session. Book online at www.penistoneleisurecentre.org.uk/book/penactive-the-youth-club-for-older-people/ or call Penistone Leisure Centre on 01226 763949.
Provider: Age UK Barnsley
Area: Central
Venue: Christ Church, Doncaster Road, Ardsley, Barnsley, S715EF
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: u3a
Area: South
Venue: Birdwell Community Centre, Rockingham Street, Birdwell.
Level: Other
Booking essential
Sequence Dancing 2. The Sequence Dancing 2 group will meet weekly on a Tuesday at Birdwell Community Centre from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Sequence Dancing offers fun, great exercise, and no night-time driving! Perfect for both beginners and experienced dancers. Beginners, stick with it—perseverance pays off. Come and join the fun!
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 East
Venue: Royston Civic Hall, Station Rd, Royston, Barnsley S71 4EQ
For more information about the walks get in touch: jackcadman@barnsley.gov.uk
Provider: u3a
Area: North East
Venue: Valley Community Centre, Manor Road, Cudworth, S72 8DG
Level: Other
Booking essential
This group is open to all, you do not necessarily have to have played before, and it's a fun way to keep fit. It takes place weekly on a Tuesday afternoon at 2:00pm at Valley Community Centre, Manor Road, Cudworth (next door to the Police Station).
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 FC Community Trust
Area: Central
Venue: Ardsley Christchurch, Doncaster Road, Barnsley, S71 5EF
For further information contact Hannah Wright via email: hannah.wright@barnsleyfc.co.uk
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: South
Venue: Hoyland 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. Call 01226 744063 or email hoylandenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: AFC Pogmoor
Area: North
Venue: Honeywell Sports Village, Honeywell Lane, Barnsley
Level: Other
Booking essential
The beautiful game…just a bit slower.
To book your place please call Age UK Barnsley on 01226 776820 or Christine from AFC Pogmoor on 07921 861498.
