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: Yogatarian Home of Touch Yoga™
Venue: Various locations in South Yorkshire at venues and online
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Touch Yoga™ is a restorative practice that helps you gently unfold emotionally and physically. A return to simple, felt wellbeing.
Entry level. Various times 10-11am to 6-7pm. Cost £8.50 at a venue and £7.50 online. To book your place call Amanda on 07463670571 or email amanda.levett.yogatarian@outlook.com
Provider: Lynn Furness
Area: North
Venue: Emmanuel Methodist Church, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley S75 1DT
Level: Light intensity
Over 60s keep fit class. Entry level. Fun and fitness group for older people. Gentle exercise for men and women aged 60 years and over including 30 mins of easy, low impact aerobics with no jumping or fast turning and plenty of drinks breaks. This is followed by 30 mins of toning, either standing or sitting, using hand weights, balls and bands. Medical conditions can be discussed confidentially, with the tutor, and alternative or modified activities suggested.
£4 per class. Booking is not essential but contact with the tutor, Lynn Furness, for further information is welcomed. Email: Lynn.furness@gmail.com. Telephone: 07775 948347
Provider: Lesley Featherstone
Area: Dearne
Venue: St Andrew's Square Community Centre, Bolton on Dearne
Level: Other
Booking essential
Are you looking to build your strength and balance? If so, we have the ideal group in your area!
First 6 sessions FREE! £5 per session thereafter. To book, please call Lesley on 07713 510910.
Provider: Dougal McLoughlin, Postural Stability Instructor
Area: North
Venue: Kexborough Methodist Church
Level: Other
Booking essential
Are you looking to build your strength and balance? If so, we have the ideal group in your area!
First 6 sessions FREE! £5 per session thereafter. To book, please call Doug on 07568 588805.
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: u3a
Area: North
Venue: Barnsley Bowl, Carlton Road, Barnsley, S71 2AZ
Booking essential
Every week, 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 £8.60 (£4.30 per game) which is a saving of £2.40 against normal prices. During school holidays there are usually even cheaper prices. 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: Susiemac Fitness
Area: North East
Venue: BHF Priory Centre, Pontefract Road, Lundwood, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 5PN
Level: Light intensity
Fun active workout.
£4 per session. Booking is not essential. For more information telephone Susie on 07896 709091 or email susie.1960@hotmail.co.uk
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 Rd, Cudworth, Barnsley S72 8LH
Booking essential
Kurling is a gentle sport based on the sport seen mainly at Olympic Games on Ice. the “Stones” in New Age Kurling are made of heavy duty plastic, with castors on the bottom, - played on a badminton court. It is great fun! Sessions are run on “Blue Box” lines, except each session costs £3.00, this is because of the cost of hiring sports venues. A critical part of a session is the “Social” time at the end of a session, where the group settles down to a cuppa, biscuits, and a natter!
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: Healthy Bones
Area: South
Venue: Birdwell Methodist Church
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: B:Friend
Area: Dearne
Venue: Thurnscoe Social Club, Rainbow Centre, Houghton Road, Thurnscoe, S63 0JY
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
B:friend Social Club, with regular physical activity
Booking Essential. Contact Jenny Pitman on 07895 725377. There is no charge for the session. Donations towards the costs of teas/coffees are welcomed.
Provider: u3a
Venue: Variable
Level: Other
Booking essential
Monday Walkers. All walks meet at 9:45am for a 10am start on every Monday, except the first Monday of each month. The walks are approximately 4 to 5 miles long and we estimate that they will normally be completed by 12.30 pm. The walks are usually fairly undemanding although the odd incline might be included as will the odd stile. Please check with the Alan, Derek or Pam if you wish to join and\or have any concerns about suitability. All walks start and end at the same venue and there is usually a nearby refreshment option if members wish to socialise after the walk.
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: OnPAR Health
Area: Central
Venue: ONPAR Health, Worsbrough Dale, Barnsley, United Kingdom, S70 4ST
Booking essential
These sessions are specially designed for our more mature clients, with a focus on building strength, enhancing fitness, and maintaining mobility. They are suitable for all fitness levels, offering a supportive and effective way to stay active and strong.
For further information visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/onparhealth or email us at: onparhealthclub@gmail.com
Provider: u3a
Area: Penistone
Venue: St John the Baptist Church, Shrewsbury Road, Penistone, Sheffield S36 6DY
Level: Other
Booking essential
Gardeners Penistone meet fortnightly on Mondays at 10:30. We have taken on the refurbishment and maintenance of the long border facing Shrewsbury Road. The emphasis is very much on practical gardening and you don’t need to be any sort of expert, just keen to be involved in the project in the community alongside other garden lovers. We would love new members.
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: Mind Body and Spirit Barnsley
Area: Central
Venue: Mind Body and Spirit Barnsley,110 Dodworth Road, Barnsley S70 6HL
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Hatha Yoga class suitable for over 50s. Each class duration is 60 minutes.
Booking essential. For more information and to book call Adriana on 07769 996438 or book online at https://www.mind-bodyandspirit.com/booking/ Class duration is 60 minutes and the cost is £8.00 per session.
