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: u3a
Area: Penistone
Venue: Wentworth Castle, Lowe Lane, Stainborough, Barnsley, S75 3ET
Booking essential
At Wentworth we have redesigned one of the segments of the Union Jack Garden and our work now consists of ongoing maintenance and development of the plot.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.
Fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons 1:30pm. 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: Lesley Featherstone
Area: Penistone
Venue: Hoylandswaine Church Hall
Level: Other
Booking essential
Do you wish to have fun whilst staying active? Are you looking to build your strength and balance? If so, we have the ideal group in your area!
Falls Prevention. First 6 sessions FREE! £5 per session thereafter. To book, please call Lesley on 07713 510910.
Start date: 2026-05-13
Provider: Suicide Sucks CIC
Area: Penistone
Venue: Springvale Community Garden, Springvale, Penistone
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Fun silent disco activity! Listen to music and dance as you like.
£6 per session. To book your place call Mick on 07905 477678
Provider: Susiemac Fitness
Area: North East
Venue: Cross Street Club, Cross St, Monk Bretton, Barnsley S71 2EP
Cross Street Afternoon Club for over 50s with bingo, raffle and guest speakers.
Last Wednesday of every month. £2 entry with free tea or coffee. Booking is not essential. For more information telephone Susie on 07896 709091 or email susie.1960@hotmail.co.uk
Provider: Age UK Barnsley
Area: Central
Venue: Worsbrough Community Centre, Warren Quarry Lane, Worsbrough, Barnsley, S70 4ND
Level: Light intensity
Seated exercise and dance to music
Cost: £3 per session. Term time only. For more information contact Luke on 07460 305678
Provider: Sporting Penistone
Area: Penistone
Venue: Penistone Leisure
Booking essential
Walking Netball is a slower version of the game. It’s netball but at a walking pace so anyone can play regardless of age or fitness level. Coach Beckee Ball leads the sessions. It’s a fun and friendly team game, so why not come along and have a giggle with us!
Beginners welcome. £4 per session. Book online at www.penistoneleisurecentre.org.uk/book/walking-netball/ or call Penistone Leisure Centre on 01226 763949.
Provider: u3a
Area: Central
Venue: Ardsley Bowling Club, Coronation Terrace, Ardsley S71 5BE
Booking essential
Quick to learn and exciting to play, improves hand-eye coordination, boosts general fitness and delivers plenty of 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: Meeting point: Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, Snydale Rd, Cudworth, Barnsley S72 8LH
For more information about the walks get in touch: jackcadman@barnsley.gov.uk
Provider: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Area: Central
Venue: Oakwell (Academy Indoor Centre)
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Reminiscent Reds. At our Reminiscent Reds sessions, people come together to play games, chat and have a brew. The sessions provide social and physical activities as well.
For more information please contact Sean Margison, Health and Wellbeing Officer on 01226 211333 or sean.margison@barnsleyfc.co.uk.
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: Barnsley Wellbeing Walks
Area: Penistone
Venue: Meeting point: Outside the front of the Spencer Arms, Cawthorne, S75 4HL
Booking essential
Cawthorne Wellbeing Walk. Join walk leader Rianna for an evening stroll around Cawthorne. Meeting outside the front of the Spencer Arms, the walk will take a circular route of about 1.5 miles at the pace of the slowest person. There is a low wall on the way if anyone needs to rest.
Free but booking is required. To book email: team_armitage@talktalk.net or contact Barnsley Wellbeing Walks via email at: sport&activerecreation@barnsley.gov.uk.
Provider: England Netball
Area: South
Venue: Cortonwood Miners Welfare Scheme, Barnsley S73 0TU
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Back to Netball creates a capsule of time and space for those juggling the demands of education, career, family, house, home, and, and, and you name it. As our flagship programme, Back to Netball gives everything. It comes with lots of hidden extras; building belonging, friendship, community and feeds bodies aching for adventure, helping you rebuild your you. It comes without demand or commitment, offering a warm welcome to people new to, and coming back to netball. Together with NETBALLHer, we’re here for her through the busy years. Over 150,000 participants have taken part in Back to Netball. This 10-week programme will reintroduce you to netball in a supportive way, whether you have not played for years or perhaps it is your first experience. Participants receive a warm welcome without expectations of demand or commitment. Sessions are progressive and trained coaches will guide you through the basics. Each session contains skill-based activity and fun game play. Back to Netball is a unique, a one-of-a-kind experience that will support all ages and abilities at a time of life when personal identity is often lost. As well as the wellbeing benefits, it supports healthy, active lives, reconnecting to a sport you once loved or trying it for the first time. It offers a place to be and find yourself. https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/play/back-to-netball/
For further information, contact Hannah Sturdy at England Netball: Hannah.sturdy@englandnetball.co.uk. The sessions are weather dependent.
Provider: Yoga Bee
Area: South
Venue: Yoga Bee, Hawkwood Cottage, Hay Green Lane, Birdwell, Barnsley, S70 5XE
Booking essential
Mat Pilates. Mixed ability.
For further information and bookings please visit: www.yogabee.yoga.
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: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: Central
Venue: Barnsley Metrodome
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
This activity is for all ages. Call 01226 730060 or email metrodomeenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
