Physical activity and wellbeing
Try new free and low-cost ways to get active in Camden, from cycling training and kayaking to volunteering in parks and green spaces.
Sport and physical activity for children and young people
Cycling training for adults
Free cycling courses for all abilities, from complete beginners to building road skills. Booking needed
Dates: Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Saturday 25, Sunday 26 July
Location: Haverstock School, 24 Haverstock Hill, NW3 2BQ
Find out more about cycling training for adults
Borrow a bike this summer
Camden residents can enjoy discounted bike hire from our partners Peddle UK. You can also borrow a Brompton folding bike for free for up to four weeks.
Wellbeing walks
Free organised walks take place across Camden, lasting 30 to 90 minutes. There are walks for all ages and abilities.
Parks and green spaces volunteering
Help to look after Camden’s special green spaces, meet new people and get active.
The Conservation Volunteers’ Camden Green Gym
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.45am to 2pm
Location: Various nature reserves, woodlands, parks and green spaces across Camden
Find out more about volunteering at Camden Green Gym
Friends of Waterlow Park
Volunteers look after some of the beds and borders in the park, including the Rose Circle, the upper Lauderdale terraces, the sensory border and the sundial area.
Dates: Monday and Thursday mornings
Location: Waterlow Park, N6
Find out more about Friends of Waterlow Park
Friends of Russell Square Volunteering Group
Dates: Sundays, 11am to 1pm
Location: Russell Square, WC1B
Find out more about Russell Square Volunteering Group
Friends of Red Lion Square
Get involved in a variety of tasks from weeding to bulb planting, or organising an event for the local community.
Dates: Various
Location: Red Lion Square, WC1R
Camden in Bloom gardening competition
Categories include best community nature garden, best community food growing, Camden young gardener, best front garden, best sheltered housing garden, best rain garden and tree-mendous trees award.
Date: Enter by Monday 31 August
Active for Life for residents aged 60+
Active for Life is helping Camden residents aged 60+ get and stay active. Sign up to enjoy free taster classes, meet other participants at social drop ins, pick up a free resistance band, and get 12 weekly email newsletters to stay motivated.
Dates: Sign up by Friday 14 August
Activities for disabled people
Free and low-cost opportunities for disabled people to get active in Camden, from swim sessions to multi-sports.
The Hive activities for young adults
The Hive offers a drop-in space for 16- to 24-year-olds with a connection to Camden, with free creative and wellbeing activities and organised trips.
Dates: Mondays to Fridays, 3 to 6.30pm
Location: The Hive, 18 Harben Parade, Finchley Road, NW3 6JP
Boxercise at St Pancras Community Association
Learn skills like drills, defences and glovework. Suitable for all fitness levels. Ages 18+. Free, no booking needed – just register for SPCA Wellbeing membership and drop in.
Dates: Tuesdays, 6.30 to 7.30pm
Location: St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street, NW1 0LB
All Aboard kayaking and canoeing for adults on low incomes
Free kayaking and canoeing sessions for Camden residents aged 18+ on low incomes. All equipment provided. Booking needed. Email info@thepiratecastle.org to confirm your eligibility to get codes to book the sessions online. Discounts available for people on low incomes for other sessions, including Upperdeckers (ages 50+) and Rainbow Paddlers (LGBTQ+).
Dates: Saturdays until 26 September, 4 to 6pm
Location: The Pirate Castle, Oval Road, NW1 7EA
Find out more about kayaking and canoeing for adults on low incomes
Mahjong Club at Swiss Cottage Library
Learn how to play Mahjong (tile-based game that originated in China) – for all ages. Free, drop in.
Dates: Every other Tuesday, 2 to 3pm – please check dates at library
Location: Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3 3HA
Chess and Chill at Kentish Town Library
Drop by and have a game of chess, whatever your level. All ages, free.
Dates: Mondays (except bank holidays), 4.30pm
Location: Kentish Town Library, 262- 266 Kentish Town Road, NW5 2AA
Outdoor gyms
11 outdoor gyms free for everyone aged 14+ to use.
Location: Across Camden
Volunteering in Camden
Find volunteering opportunities in Camden to meet new people, learn new skills and give back, through Volunteer Centre Camden.
Over 60s swim for free
Free swimming for Camden residents aged 60+ at Camden leisure centres when you have a Pay as You Go annual membership (£6.90 per year).
Dates: Weekdays between 6.30am and 12 noon
Golden Years programme at St Pancras Community Association
Low-cost activities programme for Camden residents aged 55+, including tai chi, art, yoga, chair exercise, and tea and treats. Membership £10 per year, includes most activities with small fees for trips and events.
Dates: Various
Location: St Pancras Community Association, 67 Plender Street, NW1 0LB
Find out more about the Golden Years programme at St Pancras Community Association
Together We Move – dance sessions for over 60s
Rediscover the joy of movement with free dance sessions for adults aged 60 and over – no experience needed. Each session is followed by a dedicated hour for relaxation, refreshments and socialising. The Together We Move programme is run by The Place dance venue in partnership with Age UK Camden and Holborn Community Association.
Booking needed – email admin@holborncommunity.co.uk, call 020 7405 2370.
Dates: A taster session on Thursday 30 July, 2.30 to 4.30pm, is followed by a eight-week programme from Thursday 6 August to 24 September, 2.30 to 4.30pm
Location: Holborn Community Association’s Millman Street Community Centre, Millman Street, WC1N 3EW
Find out more about Together We Move – dance sessions for over 60s
Third Age Project (TAP) Explorers
A summer initiative to get older people (60+) in Camden exploring London through free and low-cost trips and workshops. Contact Third Age Project: email info@thirdageproject.co.uk or call 020 7383 4922.
Camden men’s 60+ boxing group at Oasis Sports Centre
A free boxing group for men aged 60+ to improve overall fitness, reduce stress and improve balance and coordination. Booking needed – email info@thirdageproject.org.uk or call 020 7383 4922.
Dates: Mondays until 3 August, 1.30 to 2.30pm
Location: Oasis Sports Centre, 32 Endell Street, WC2H 9AG
Pétanque in Pancras Square
Two free pétanque (French boules) courts with equipment you can borrow.
Dates: Until Wednesday 30 September
Location: Pancras Square, N1C
Cool spaces
Camden’s ‘cool spaces’ are free, welcoming spaces to rest, drink water and cool down – including libraries, community centres and faith venues.
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Activities for children and young people
Find activities for children and young people, from holiday programmes to drop-in sessions.
Arts and culture
Get creative, pick up a new skill, or discover new worlds at local exhibitions.
Community festivals and events
Come along to community festivals and events that bring people together with music, dance and more activities.
