From Regent’s Park to Richmond, Free Senior Fitness Classes Thrive in London’s Boroughs

Free exercise sessions for older Londoners are running this summer in dozens of parks and community venues, as councils across the city expand senior fitness classes with the support of NHS social prescribing and local charities. Camden and Islington Borough Councils, for instance, confirmed this week that their senior exercise courses—ranging from tai chi near Primrose Hill to chair yoga in Holloway—are fully funded for over-60s throughout July and August.

Wellbeing on Prescription—and On the House

The push comes as new data show a surge in demand for group exercise among people aged 60 and over. Figures from Sport England’s Active Lives survey reveal that, while overall physical activity rates dipped slightly across the wider population in London last year, participation among over-65s climbed from 49% in 2022 to 53% in 2025. The NHS and Royal Society for Public Health both cite community-based activity as vital for combatting loneliness and reducing risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis among seniors.

The council-funded offerings are often held in landmark settings. Regular Monday-morning gentle movement sessions are currently underway in Regent’s Park as part of Westminster City Council’s Healthier Hearts campaign. Meanwhile, in Richmond-upon-Thames, the Old Deer Park hosts ‘Silver Steps’ walking groups on Fridays, drawing in more than 70 participants each week. Each class is led by certified instructors and, crucially, remains free of charge—unlike private equivalents in the city which now average £8-£12 per session at fitness studios.

"A lot of newcomers tell us they’re on a fixed income and would otherwise skip exercise completely because of costs," said a project organiser with Age UK Camden, which collaborates with multiple councils. Flyers distributed last weekend at Waterloo Millennium Green and the Newington Green Action Group community fair list more than 40 summer events just in North and Central London. The City of London Corporation, overseeing public spaces like Bunhill Fields and Golden Lane Community Centre, runs senior-specific classes every Wednesday and Sunday.

How to Join and What’s Next

Most programs are open to anyone aged 60 or above with no need for referral—just a quick online registration or sign-up at the venue. Schedules and booking details are published via local council websites such as Hackney, Islington and Southwark, or through organisations including Open Age and the London Sport Partnership. For those searching offline, local libraries and GP surgeries display weekly timetables along with information on exercise for older adults.

With the capital’s first council-run Wellness Festival for Over-60s scheduled for 18 July at Victoria Embankment Gardens, and the Royal Parks charity announcing new funding for age-inclusive Parkruns in Hyde Park and Battersea later this year, 2026 is on track to be the biggest summer yet for no-cost fitness options for London’s seniors. For now, those wanting to join can simply check their local council’s website or pop along to their nearest park—no membership or commitment required. As always, anyone considering a new exercise regime should consult their GP or a qualified local healthcare provider for individual guidance.