Residents across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames are being invited to swap the sofa for the sports hall this spring, as a full week of free activities launches under the council’s “Active Together” banner. From family-kind fitness sessions and guided walks to taster classes in everything from yoga to walking football, the program aims to break down barriers to exercise and encourage people of all ages and abilities to get moving.
Backed by local clubs, leisure centres and community groups, the initiative offers a rare chance to try a wide range of sports and wellbeing activities at no cost, with sessions spread across neighbourhoods from Twickenham to Teddington. Organisers say they hope the week-long event will not only boost physical and mental health in the short term, but also inspire longer-term habits and help residents discover sustainable, enjoyable ways to stay active close to home.
Discover what’s on during Richmond upon Thames free Active Together week of sports and activities
From sunrise runs along the Thames to twilight yoga in leafy parks,this free,week-long programme brings together residents of all ages to move more,feel better and connect with their community. Look out for pop-up sessions in familiar locations – riverside promenades, school sports halls, and local leisure centres – all hosted by qualified coaches and community partners. The timetable spans gentle, low-impact options through to high-energy classes, making it easy to try something new without committing to a membership or long-term course.
Families, beginners and seasoned sports enthusiasts can all find something tailored to their pace and interests, with a strong focus on inclusion and accessibility. Highlights include:
- Park fitness tasters – bodyweight circuits and jogging sessions for mixed abilities
- Family sports days – mini-games, races and challenges designed for all generations
- River-inspired activities – technique workshops and land-based sessions themed around rowing and paddling
- Wellbeing classes – yoga, Pilates and stretching for relaxation and mobility
- Inclusive sport – adapted activities for disabled residents and those with long-term health conditions
| Day | Sample Morning Session | Sample Evening Session |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Riverside Social Run | Beginner Yoga in the Park |
| Wednesday | Family Multi-Sport Hour | Community Circuits Class |
| Saturday | Junior Skills Coaching | Sunset Stretch & Relax |
How to make the most of free sessions from family fun to beginner friendly fitness
With no fees and no long-term commitment, this week of activity is the perfect chance to experiment. Mix and match sessions to suit your household: a morning parent-and-child swim, an afternoon teens’ basketball drop-in, or an early-evening park run for all ages. Many activities are deliberately designed to be low-pressure and inclusive, so you can turn up in everyday sportswear, try something new for 30-45 minutes, and simply see what you like. To keep everyone engaged, build a loose plan for the week that balances higher-energy options with calmer choices, such as family yoga or gentle stretch classes.
- Arrive early to get familiar with the venue and meet session leaders.
- Start small with short taster classes before committing to longer workouts.
- Rotate activities so each family member gets to pick something they enjoy.
- Ask instructors about adaptations if you’re new, returning from injury, or nervous.
- Note what you enjoyed and look for follow-on sessions after the free week ends.
| Goal | Suggested Free Session |
|---|---|
| Family time | All-ages games in the park |
| Build confidence | Beginner-friendly fitness class |
| Stress relief | Outdoor yoga or stretching |
| Meet new people | Social walking or jogging group |
Expert tips for choosing the right activities for your goals and confidence level
Matching what you do to what you want to achieve is where real progress begins. Start by being honest about your current fitness and how confident you feel in different environments. If you’re easing back into movement, low-impact options like gentle yoga, led walks along the Thames or beginner aqua sessions let you build stamina without pressure. Prefer a social buzz? Look for sessions that encourage teamwork and conversation, such as social netball or mixed-ability football; these make it easier to stay motivated and to return the next day.It can also help to think about your energy pattern: morning swimmers and runners tend to enjoy quieter facilities and a clearer head, while evening group classes suit those who thrive on post-work release.
- Short on time? Opt for 30-minute circuits or express classes.
- Nervous about intensity? Choose sessions clearly labelled “beginner” or “low impact”.
- Want to meet people? Prioritise coached, small-group activities.
- Building confidence? Mix one familiar session with one new experience each week.
| Your goal | Confidence level | Good match |
|---|---|---|
| Improve general fitness | Low | Community walks, beginner Pilates |
| Boost mood and energy | Medium | Dance fitness, social badminton |
| Build strength | Any | Bodyweight circuits, intro to gym |
| Make new friends | Medium-High | Team sports, coached group sessions |
Where to find venues equipment and support across the borough to stay active all year
From riverside parks to community sports halls, the borough is packed with places where residents can move more, meet neighbours and try something new – whatever the season. Local leisure centres offer indoor courts, pools and fitness studios, many with accessible changing areas and adaptive equipment. Parks teams work with clubs to provide multi-use games areas, outdoor gyms and floodlit pitches, keeping evening sessions going even in the darker months. To make it easier to plan your week,many facilities are mapped online,allowing you to filter by activity,accessibility and cost. You’ll also find specialist providers, such as rowing, yoga and walking football clubs, opening their doors during the Active Together week to showcase what’s available year-round.
- Leisure centres: Gyms, pools, studios and family-friendly sessions
- Parks and open spaces: Outdoor gyms, courts, running routes
- Community venues: Church halls, schools and youth centres hosting classes
- Clubs and groups: Local volunteers running regular teams and social sport
- Support services: Activity finders, wellbeing hubs and disability sport leads
| Area | Example Venue | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|---|
| Twickenham | Riverside Sports Hub | Indoor courts, fitness classes, youth sessions |
| Richmond | Parkside Activity Centre | Swimming, gym, disability-friendly equipment |
| Hampton | Community Sports Pavilion | Walking groups, football, weekend family sport |
Final Thoughts
As the borough throws open its doors to a week of free sport and physical activity, residents are being handed a rare chance to try something new without cost or commitment. From family-friendly taster sessions to specialist classes and community club open days,the programme is designed to make getting active more accessible than ever.
Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to exercise after a break or simply curious about what’s on offer locally, Active Together offers a snapshot of Richmond upon Thames’ growing network of clubs, coaches and community venues. The council and its partners are clear: this is not just about one week, but about helping people find activities they can build into their lives long after the timetable ends.
Full details of the schedule, venues and how to reserve your place are available on the council’s website. With no fees, minimal barriers and something for all ages and abilities, the invitation is simple: turn up, try it out and take the first step towards a more active routine in your own neighbourhood.
