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: ACS Yoga
Area: North
Venue: Wilthorpe and Redbrook Community Centre, S751HB
Level: Light intensity/Moderate intensity
Booking essential
My class is open to anyone over the age of 18 and is suitable for all abilities, whether you are just starting your yoga journey or are an accomplished student - you are welcome. At each session we will include Asana practice (physical postures) and include breath work along with relaxation techniques. I will guide you through each posture and practice, no experience necessary. Bring a yoga mat, wear loose comfortable clothes and a bottle of water.
£8 per session. To book and for more info call Andrea Spencer on 07838816676
Provider: Lighten Up Physiotherapy
Area: Penistone
Venue: Cawthorne Village Hall, Tivy Dale, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4EH
Level: Light intensity
Booking essential
Modified Pilates. Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on balance, posture, strength and flexibility. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Modified Pilates is specifically designed for people with medical / orthopaedic conditions. However, it is also beneficial for anyone wanting to improve their general fitness, muscle tone, flexibility and general wellbeing.
Suitable for beginners and specifically modified to be safe for clients with back/joint pain or postural issues (initial interview required to ensure suitable). This group is run by a physiotherapist. 6 weeks block £60. www.lightenupphysio.co.uk. Telephone Ruth on 07876 237556.
Area: South
Venue: Birdwell Community Centre, Rockingham St, Birdwell, Barnsley S70 5TQ
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: Yoga Bee
Area: South
Venue: Yoga Bee, Hawkwood Cottage, Hay Green Lane, Birdwell, Barnsley, S70 5XE
Booking essential
Hot Yin Yoga. Mixed ability.
For further information and bookings please visit: www.yogabee.yoga.
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
Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga
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.
Provider: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Area: Central
Venue: Oakwell (Indoor Academy Centre)
Level: Moderate intensity
Booking essential
Reds Connect Exercise Class. There is no need to worry if you haven’t exercised in a while, our delivery staff are able to tailor activities to support individual goals and fitness levels allowing you to develop at your own pace. Our session allows participants to engage in physical activity in a safe and relaxed environment and participants are encouraged to connect and socialise with each other. Activities include Circuits, Boxercise, Zumba and much more with participants shaping the delivery on a weekly basis.
FREE. This activity is for all 16+. For more information please call 01226 211333 or email community@barnsleyfc.co.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.
Start date: 2026-05-13
Area: North
Venue: Wilthorpe Park off Huddersfield Road, Barnsley S75 1DU
Booking essential
Fun silent disco activity! Listen to music and dance as you like.
FREE of charge. To book your place call Mick on 07905 477678
Provider: u3a
Booking essential
Cycling Wednesday group meets once a fortnight, with a 10am start in spring, summer and autumn. In winter, we start at 9.30am. The rides take in a mixture of the Trans Pennine trail and the National Cycling Network and include old railway lines, canal tow paths, woodland areas and quiet country roads. Most of the rides are in Yorkshire but we occasionally venture into Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lancashire. The rides are suitable for mountain and hybrid bikes, and members can have a traditional bike or ebike. Members will require a means of transporting their bikes to the various starting points. We ride at a steady pace to enable social interaction between members. There is always a café stop for lunch where further banter is the order of the day.
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
Venue: Mapplewell & Staincross Village Hall, 391 Darton Ln, Mapplewell, Barnsley S75 6AL
Level: Moderate intensity/Light intensity
Fun active workout.
£5 per session. Booking is not essential. For more information telephone Susie on 07896 709091 or email susie.1960@hotmail.co.uk
Provider: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Area: Central
Venue: St Peters Church, 102 Brinkman Street, S70 1JQ
HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY BODY. Womens only wellness and exercise group. FREE
For more information please call 01226 211333 or email community@barnsleyfc.co.uk
Provider: Carlton Bowling Club
Area: North East
Venue: Carlton Bowling Club, Carlton Park, Church Street, Carlton, Barnsley S71 3EU
Level: Other
Booking essential
An opportunity to play crown green bowls.
April to September. All levels of bowling experience would be welcome. An opportunity to meet new people, get fresh air and light exercise amongst friendly people. All you need is a pair of flat shoes or trainers. We can provide bowls if needed, or participants can bring their own. Booking would be preferable. You can call 07468 256552 or send the club a message on Carlton Bowling Club's Facebook page messenger.
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: Better Health Walks
Area: Central
Venue: Meeting Point: Wharncliffe Community Centre, 15 Wharncliffe, Dodworth, Barnsley S75 3QA
For more information about the walks get in touch: jackcadman@barnsley.gov.uk
Provider: Barnsley Pickleball
Area: South
Venue: Hoyland Leisure Centre, West Street, Barnsley S74 9EH
Level: Moderate intensity/Light intensity
Booking essential
Come along and learn to play Pickleball with Barnsley Pickleball's IPTPA qualified coach. This gentle and easy-to-learn game is a fun and sociable activity. We will go through the principles of the game step by step and after your first hour you will be playing a match.
£10 per class. Open all year round. Booking is required. Contact via email: barnsleypickleball@gmail.com or call Emma 07789 956605.
