Activities for Older People in Penrith

Penrith has a lively and welcoming community, with groups, classes, warm hubs and social meet-ups taking place throughout the week. From town-centre activities to quieter groups in surrounding areas, there’s plenty going on. Below you’ll find what’s happening locally, organised by time of day to make it easy to find what suits you. 

Enjoying Penrith With a Little Extra Support

There is so much to enjoy in and around Penrith, from local walks and markets to social groups, cafés and community events. If you’d like a bit of friendly support to help you make the most of what’s on, our team can help.

Many people value having a companion for an outing, a little extra confidence to try something new, or someone to support them getting there and home again safely. Our companions dress just as you would for a normal day out, helping everything feel relaxed, natural and enjoyable. You can learn more here.

This activities calendar brings together ideas and events happening in and around Penrith to inspire days out and help people stay connected to the community they know and love.

MONDAY

Let’s Walk – Online (Zoom)
Time: 9–9:30am
What: Gentle walking-based fitness from home.
Contact: Debbie Jackman – debbie@getactive.co.uk | 01768 480137
More info: Get Active

Knit & Natter – Morrisons Café, Penrith
Time: 10am–12pm
What: Friendly social knit and chat session.
Contact: champion.penrith@morrisonsplc.co.uk
More info: Facebook

Fit4All Outdoor Fitness – Frenchfield Playing Fields
Time: 1pm
What: Outdoor fitness session for mixed abilities.
Notes: Contact instructor beforehand.
Contact: Rhiannon Douglas – rhiannon.douglas3@nhs.net
More info: Active Cumbria

Tai Chi & Qigong – St Andrew’s Parish Rooms
Time: 1:30–2:30pm
What: Gentle movement and balance class.
Contact: Lesley Relph – 07516 419128
More info: The Rooms Penrith

Fit4All – Lazonby Village Hall
Time: 2pm
What: Supported fitness session.
Contact: Rhiannon Douglas
More info: Lazonby Village Hall

Short Mat Bowling – Tirril Reading Rooms
Time: 2–4pm
What: Social short mat bowling session.
Notes: £2 per session. Just turn up.
Contact: Joanne Playfair (email:joanne.playfair@btinternet.com)
More info: Tirril & Sockbridge Village Hall

Eden Valley Camera Club – (various venues)
Time: 7–9pm (September–April)
What: Friendly camera club with talks, outings and shared learning.
Contact: Jill Eastham – 01768 870824 | info@edenvalleycameraclub.co.uk
More info: Eden Valley Camera Club

Penrith Scottish Country Dance Club – St Andrew’s Parish Rooms
Time: Mondays, 7:30–10pm (seasonal: 2nd Monday in September to last Monday in April)
What: Traditional Scottish country dancing in a friendly social group.
Notes: Runs seasonally between September and April.
Contact: Peter Simpson – 01768 863955
Email: simphogg@btinternet.com
More info: The Rooms Penrith


TUESDAY

Computer Sessions – Eden Rural Foyer
Time: 10am–12pm
What: Supported computer and digital skills sessions.
Notes: Booking essential.
Contact: 01768 861650
More info: Eden Rural Foyer

Coffee Morning – Penrith Salvation Army
Time: 10am–1pm
What: Informal coffee morning with conversation and refreshments.
Contact: Lt Jenny McPhee – 01768 866732
More info: Penrith Salvation Army

Penrith Walking Football – Newton Rigg, Penrith
Time: Tuesdays and Fridays, 10–11:30am
What: Walking football sessions for over 50s,
Notes: Mixed gender sessions. Opportunities for disabled people.
Contact: Steve Stockdale – 01768 865750
Email: stevestockdale@sky.com
More info: Cumberland FA

Community Lunch Club – Salvation Army
Time: 12pm
What: Social lunch club (£5 pp)
Contact: Lt Jenny McPhee – 01768 866732
More info: Penrith Salvation Army

Community Café – Stainton Village Hall
Time: 2–4pm
What: Warm, welcoming community café.
More info: Stainton Village Hall

Swing Dance Class – The Rooms, Penrith
Time: 7:30–9pm
What: Social swing dance class.
Contact: swingdancecumbria@gmail.com
More info: The Rooms Penrith


WEDNESDAY

Get Fit 4 Life – Stainton Village Hall
Time: 10:15–11:15am
What: Chair-based and gentle fitness session.
Contact: Margaret Baglee on 01768 864136 or June Balmer on 01768 864319
More info: Stainton Village Hall

Move It Or Lose It – Haydock Community Centre
Time: 10:30–11:30am
What: Low-impact exercise class for strength and mobility.
Contact: Pauline Ireland – 07788 979640
More info: Move it or Lose it (Facebook)

Community Lunch Club – Salvation Army
Time: 12pm
What: Social lunch club (£5 pp)
Contact: Lt Jenny McPhee – 01768 866732
More info: Penrith Salvation Army

U3A Ballroom and Latin Dancing Class – Stainton Village Hall
Time: Wednesdays, 1:15–2:15pm (term time only, restarting 17th September)
What: Ballroom and Latin dancing class for adults, suitable for beginners.
Notes: Come with a partner or on your own. Please reserve your place by the end of July.
Contact: Margaret (Group Convenor)  07855 662068
Email: mb1952@btinternet.com
More info: Stainton Village Hall

MS Fitness – Penrith Rugby Club
Time: 1:30–2:30pm
What: Fitness session for people living with MS.
Contact: eastcumbria@mssociety.org.uk or 07707 684 868
More info: MS Society

Wellbeing Wednesdays – Kirkby Thore 
Time: 2–4pm
What: Informal wellbeing drop-in.
Notes: Everyone welcome.
Contact: 07480 935119
More info: Renew Wellbeing Eden


THURSDAY

SwingFit with Karen – Evergreen Hall
Time: 10am
What: Dance-based fitness class.
Contact: Karen – 07765 600075
More info: evergreenhall@fsmail.net

Computer Sessions – Eden Rural Foyer
Time: 10am–12pm
What: Supported computer and digital skills sessions.
Notes: Booking essential.
Contact: 01768 861650
More info: Eden Rural Foyer

Nordic Walk – Penrith
Time: 11am–12pm
What: Guided Nordic walking session.
Notes: 2 1/2 mile to 3 mile walk in 1 hour.
Contact: debbie@getactive.co.uk
More info: Get Active

Creative Cuppa - Stainton Village Hall 
Time: 13.30-15.30 (Last Thursday of the month,)
What: Sessions designed for people living with dementia (and carers) and those of us experiencing loneliness.
Contact: Jenn Bell – jennmattinson@gmail.com
More info: Stainton Village Hall


FRIDAY

Get Fit 4 Life – Online (Zoom)
Time: 9–9:30am
What: Gentle online fitness session.
More info: Get Active

Penrith Wellbeing Walk – Outside Penrith Library
Time: Fridays (weekly)
What: Inclusive and friendly wellbeing walk led by the Westmorland and Furness Health and Wellbeing team. 
Notes: All abilities welcome. Walks include rest stops and regrouping as needed.  
Contact: Amy Elliott – 07551 678450
Email: amy.elliott@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
More info: Ramblers

Outdoor Fitness – Dockray (near Penrith)
Time: 12–1pm
What: Outdoor fitness session.
Contact: Debbie Jackman – debbie@getactive.co.uk | 01768 480137
More info: Get Active

Penrith Walking Football – Newton Rigg, Penrith
Time: Tuesdays and Fridays, 10–11:30am
What: Walking football sessions for over 50s,
Notes: Mixed gender sessions. Opportunities for disabled people.
Contact: Steve Stockdale – 01768 865750
Email: stevestockdale@sky.com
More info: Cumberland FA


SATURDAY

Repair Café – Penrith Old Fire Station
Time: Second Saturday of the month, 10am–1pm
What: Volunteer-led repair sessions for household items.
Contact: Trevor – 01768 863424
More info: Repair Cafe

Community Café – Lazonby Village Hall
Time: 3rd Saturday of every month, 10am–1pm
What: Community café with refreshments and conversation.
Contact: lazonbyvillagehall@btinternet.com
More info: Lazonby Village Hall

WARM SPACES IN PENRITH

Eden Rural Foyer – Penrith
Time: Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm
What: Warm space with free WiFi, device charging and a friendly welcome.
Contact: 01768 861 650/ emilia.szulc@riverside.org.uk
More info: Eden Rural Foyer Penrith

Penrith Library – Penrith
Time: Monday–Saturday
What: Warm space with WiFi, public PCs, Dementia Bags and Storysacks.
Contact: 07768 687895 kay.metcalfe@cumbria.gov.uk

Restore Penrith – Penrith
Time: 10-4pm Monday to Saturday
What: Warm community café with affordable drinks.
Contact: 07746876092
More info: Restore

Penrith Leisure Centre – Chatter Matters
Time: Monday 11am–1pm and Friday 1:30–3:30pm
What: Social sessions with hot drinks, soup and gentle activities.
Notes: £2 per session.
Contact: 077433 62383/betterhealth.eden@gll.org

Arragons Cycles – Penrith
Time: Tuesday–Friday 9am–5pm, Saturday 9am–3pm
What: Warm space with log burner, tea and coffee on cold days.
Contact: 07525 243159/ arragonscycles@mac.com

 

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Companion Services Penrith

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Penrith Cumbria Facebook 


Join the Penrith Facebook community group to find local updates, events and neighbourhood news.


Volunteer Drivers Penrith

Volunteer Car Drivers
Local volunteers offer affordable lifts for shopping, appointments and everyday trips when transport is hard to find. Carers travel half-price.

 


Support for Carers Penrith

Eden Carers provide dedicated support for unpaid carers in Penrith, offering advice, wellbeing help and full carers assessments to make life a little easier.