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: Springvale Community Garden
Area: Penistone
Venue: Springvale Community Garden, Off Sheffield Road, Springvale, Penistone, Sheffield, S36 6HJ
Level: Light intensity
Volunteering in the garden. Opportunities at Springvale Community Garden include all aspects of gardening and maintenance of the site, include general vegetable and flower gardening, site and orchard maintenance, looking after the pond and maintaining the footpaths and walkways.
Booking is not essential. For more information contact Springvale Community Garden at springvalecommunitygarden@yahoo.co.uk
Provider: Next Steps Forward
Venue: Variable
Level: Moderate intensity
Next Steps Forward Walking Group. Walks within Barnsley and district for people living with and beyond breast cancer. All walks are risk assessed, are at a moderate pace to suit individual needs. There are always two walk leaders, one at the front and one at the rear of the group. The routes vary each week.
First Saturday of the month. FREE of charge. Intermediate level. Booking is not essential. For further information call Pat on 07493 817870
Provider: u3a
Venue: Variable
Level: Other
Booking essential
Sunday Strollers. Walks are short - usually not more than an hour long - perfect for a little gentle exercise before lunch. We like to walk on fairly flat ground, so those who struggle with more difficult walking should feel quite at home with us.
Entry/Beginner. 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 Wellbeing Walks
Area: North East
Venue: Meet in Rabbit Ings Country Park car park (S71 4BB). Parking is free.
Walk Together Barnsley. Join the walk leader for an enjoyable guided walk on the scenic footpaths through Rabbit Ings Country Park. The length of the walk can be adjusted to suit the group. The paths are made of crushed stone and are suitable for wheelchairs.
For further information contact Barnsley Council's Sport and Physical Activity Team at sport&activerecreation@barnsley.gov.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: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Area: North East
Venue: Royston Leisure Centre
Booking essential
Dementia Friendly Swim. £4.50 per session. Carers swim free.
Please call Royston Leisure Centre Reception on 01226 721760 to book a place.
Provider: Amy Bassinder
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
🤍 Walking Through Grief 🤍 Walking Through Grief is a gentle community created for women navigating the loss of a loved one. Whether you choose to chat, walk quietly, or simply enjoy the surroundings, you are welcome exactly as you are. Our walks take place in a variety of beautiful locations across Barnsley and the surrounding areas, from woodland trails and country parks to gentle village and countryside routes. Walks are held on different days of the week to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend.
All upcoming walks can be found in the Events tab within our private Facebook group, where members can also connect, share memories, photos, reflections, and support one another in a safe and understanding environment. 🤍 Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1005505678531317 For more info email Amy: amy.bassinder@hotmail.com
Start date: 2026-09-01
Provider: u3a
Area: South
Venue: Hoyland Leisure Centre, West St, Hoyland, Barnsley S74 9EH
Booking essential
NEW GROUP FROM SEPTEMBER 2026! more info to follow Bu3a Walking Cricket! 🏏 Walking Cricket is a fun, low -impact way to stay active and social — and we’re looking for new members! Just come along and enjoy friendly company and gentle exercise. 📍 No experience needed 📍 Equipment provided 📍 Plenty of laughs guaranteed
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
Booking essential
Fortnightly. The group's philosophy is to be 'open' to all styles and disciplines of fishing and to ensure that all venues chosen are accessible and all members to support one another. Although everyone is passionate about fishing, as the previous sessions have shown, we do not take it too seriously and there is plenty of laughter and humour. The group has agreed to have one fishing outing each month at an agreed venue. There has also been discussion around organising a small fishing holiday which would involve stopping in lodges where the group would undertake a few days fishing.
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: Age UK Barnsley
Area: Central
Venue: Age UK Barnsley Allotment
Booking essential
An opportunity to get involved in flowers and produce gardening at Age UK Barnsley's allotment.
Light, moderate and vigorous intensity level opportunities available. Contact Age UK Barnsley on 01226 776820.
Provider: Barnsley Premier Leisure
Venue: Barnsley Metrodome, Hoyland Leisure Centre, Dearneside Leisure Centre and Royston Leisure Centre.
Barnsley Premier Leisure offer swims throughout the week (various times) at Barnsley Metrodome, Hoyland Leisure Centre, Dearneside Leisure Centre and Royston Leisure Centre.
Metrodome - Call 01226 730060 or email metrodomeenquiries@bpl.org.uk, Hoyland Leisure Centre – Call 01226 744063 or email hoylandenquiries@bpl.org.uk, Dearneside Leisure Centre – Call 01709 880040 or email dearnesideenquiries@bpl.org.uk, Royston Leisure Centre – Call 01226 722991 or email roystonenquiries@bpl.org.uk.
Provider: Parkerdance
Area: North
Venue: Masonic Hall, Cockerham Lane, Barnsley, S75 1AT
Level: Other
Booking essential
Classes and lessons available Tuesday to Friday daytime and evenings. Ballroom, Latin American and Modern Sequence Dancing. Various days/times, Tuesday to Friday. Beginners classes start with the basics. Participants will soon be dancing the likes of the Modern Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Tango, Latin dances such as the Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba and Paso Doble along with the most popular sequence dances such as the Mayfair Quickstep, Balmoral Blues, Melody Foxtrot, Square Tango, along with Mambos and Salsas. At intermediate and advanced classes, participants learn more complex technical routines as well as the latest sequence dances.
Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Further information can be found on the Parkerdance website at www.parkerdance.co.uk. Contact Amanda on 07738 324285.
Provider: North Gawber Colliery FC
Area: North
Booking essential
It's just football, but without running! A great way to keep fit and socialise.
To find out more or get involved, send a message to 07507 741398 with your DOB.
Provider: OnPAR Health
Area: Central
Venue: ONPAR Health, Worsbrough Dale, Barnsley, United Kingdom, S70 4ST
Booking essential
Individual sessions with a Personal Trainer are available at ONPAR Health. ONPAR's Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer works with older people in the gym on a one to one basis, working on building general fitness (strength, range of movement, balance), improving health, supporting with specific health conditions or exercise rehabilitation.
For further details and to discuss your requirements please contact ONPAR Health via email at onparhealthclub@gmail.com or via telephone on 07887406299. You can also visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/onparhealth.
