Get Active in Barnsley

Looking for a gym to boost your strength? Keen to try out a new team game like football, bowls, rugby, or tennis? Or are you searching for the best running and cycling routes to escape to on the weekends? Whatever your goal, whatever your fitness level, Barnsley has some of the best places to get active in Barnsley – and even a few top spots to grab a healthy bite to eat. 

Outdoor activities

Take a leisurely walk around Locke Park on the outskirts of town and enjoy the landscaped park, open lawns, tree-lined paths, picnic areas, and play park. Set up for a day of fishing at the stillwater fishery, Fleets Dam. With a variety of fish, and disabled access, this is a great spot for everyone to enjoy the fresh air and try fishing. In and out of town, you will also find some excellent places to ride your bike, with routes to suit both new cyclists and thrillseekers. 

Sports facilities

Get the whole family fit and active when you spend the day at Calypso Cove Metrodome splash park. With slides, toddler sessions, and accessible swims, there’s fun for everyone. Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre is the place to rent grass or astroturf pitches, and badminton courts. Barnsley Lawn Tennis is great for players from 4 years and up. Shaw Lane is where you’ll find archery, bowling, cricket, squash, athletics and rugby clubs. 

Healthy eats

From post-workout lunches to weekend brunches, Barnsley has lots to offer when it comes to healthy food options. Take your pick from a hearty salad at Lemon Tree, a high-protein fix at Brazilian restaurant Estabulo, or a pre-workout coffee at 200 Degrees Coffee. Whether vegan, veggie, or gluten-free, you won’t be short of options!

Gyms

With The Gym Group, JD Gyms, and Bannatynes all within the postcode, there’s plenty of choice. Aside from commercial gyms, there’s also Crossfit Barnsley, Mind Body Spirit pilates and yoga studio, and a great boot camp at Barnsley Barbell. Whether you like to train inside or outside, with an instructor or on your own, you’ll find a place that’s right for you. 

Where to watch sport

You can’t beat the thrill of live sport. This South Yorkshire town isn’t short of places to watch if you need a break from playing. Watch Barnsley FC play at Oakwell Stadium, see Barnsley Woolley Miners in action on the cricket pitch, or cheer on the local rugby teams at Shaw Lane.

Equipment hire

The Active Travel Hub offers free bike loans, bike hire, electric bikes, and route maps for local rides. You’ll also find free bike hire for under-7’s at Elsecar Park, and local charity Charlotte’s Tandems provides tandems and tag-alongs to people with disabilities or additional needs, all free of charge. With so many opportunities for free bike hire for all ages and abilities, there’s even more reason to get active! 

Festivals

This South Yorkshire market town hosts many festivals throughout the year. From pop-up food fairs and music festivals to sporting events, you will find something to keep you busy. Underneath the Stars is a family-friendly music festival just outside the town where the whole family can get outside and enjoy some fresh air and music. The Flavours Food Festival is held in The Glass Works, offering world foods and live entertainment – and if you need to work off that amazing food, test your running on the Barnsley 10k route. Whether you’re looking for events to chill out at, events to reach your goals, or others to enjoy some new flavours, Barnsley has it all.