outdoor Opportunities

Burnley is the perfect place to get active and enjoy the fresh air, with a wide range of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities.

Discover the Great Outdoors with Burnley Leisure and Culture

Getting outdoors isn’t just fun – it’s great for your health and wellbeing. These activities help improve fitness, reduce stress, boost mood, and create opportunities to connect with others. Whether you’re looking to relax, energise, or challenge yourself, Burnley offers endless ways to embrace nature and feel good. 

From Park Play sessions that bring families together for fun and games, to the calming experience of Park Yoga in beautiful green spaces, there’s something for everyone. Explore the town with Beat the Street, take on scenic cycling routes, or enjoy our stunning countryside through walking and running trails.

Whether you’re looking to relax, connect, or challenge yourself, Burnley offers endless opportunities to embrace the outdoors and boost your wellbeing. 

Burnley offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without having to travel far. We are surrounded by countryside, giving us easy access to fresh air, open spaces, and scenic views. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax, a place to exercise, or simply a change of pace from daily routines, the outdoors here provides a natural escape that supports wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle. 

We’re proud to contribute to the #OutdoorTown walking programme, which is delivered in partnership with local organisations, providing a diverse range of opportunities for residents across the borough. From regular weekly walks to unique one-off events, the programme is designed to suit all interests and abilities. Walking offers many benefits, including improved physical health, enhanced mental wellbeing, and opportunities to connect with nature and other people. 

Full details of individual walks are available in the events calendar.

To view the complete programme, you can collect a leaflet from community, leisure, or health centres, or download it below. 

We’re working in partnership with British Cycling and with local partners to bring British Cycling Limitless to Burnley.  

To get involved visit the Hive at Padiham Leisure Centre on a Tuesday morning between 10-12 or Thompson Park on a Thursday morning between 10.30-12, meeting at the bottom of the boating lake.   

We offer private hire of the lake and boats as well as delivering outdoor education opportunities for schools and groups. We offer a wide range of bespoke activities which include Kayaking, Canoeing, and team building activities. We have fully qualified Paddle Sport Instructors with a good deal of experience. We deliver our programmes, activities and courses to a wide range of community groups including Scouts, Brownies, Schools, SEN groups, colleges and workplaces. 

Beat the Street is an Intelligent Health tool for partners to improve public health and place at scale.  

In simple terms Beat the Street is an interactive game that transforms places into a live game. Participants use special cards or an app to tap “Beat Boxes” placed on lampposts around town. Each tap earns points and helps you and your team climb the leaderboard. It’s a great way to discover new parts of the town, stay active, and have fun with friends, family, and neighbours.  

Burnley Leisure and Culture was a key partner in the 2021, 2023 and 2025 Beat the Street initiative, alongside Burnley Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, Canal & River Trust, the Primary Care Networks and others. The program was supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and Sport England and delivered by Intelligent Health.   

As leader, Burnley Leisure & Culture managed local coordination—including engagement, promotion, and logistics – working in close partnership with local authorities and organisations  

Beat the Street has engaged thousands of residents in Burnley since its launch, with participation growing from over 10,000 people in 2021 to nearly 12,500 in 2023, including schools, community groups, and local businesses. The initiative has boosted physical activity and health, with many participants staying active beyond the game, while collectively covering tens of thousands of miles and exploring new areas of the borough. Points earned through walking, running, and cycling translated into environmental benefits, including the planting of 2,298 trees in 2023 and 1,946 more in 2025 across 15 sites. Beyond health and sustainability, the game strengthened community connections and reduced carbon footprints by encouraging active travel.  

Burnley Leisure and Culture work in partnership with local organisations to bring Park Play to Burnley.  

Park Play is Free games and activities, every week.  It involves moving and playing games together, where all generations are welcome. It’s a safe, welcoming, inclusive way to connect & have fun.  

  • When: every Saturday morning from 10am
  • What to expect: a two-hour play session filled with fun and games for everyone
  • Activities: explore various activities that promote movement, play, and community bonding
  • Location: Scott Park, Scott Park Road, Burnley BB11 4LW
  • Getting there: We recommend walking or biking, as there’s no parking available at Scott Park.   

Burnley Leisure and Culture work in partnership with local organisations to bring Park Yoga to Burnley.  

Park Yoga Burnley offers free, outdoor yoga sessions in the stunning Queens Park—perfect for all ages and abilities.  

Join us every Sunday from 9:30am to 10:30am, May through September, and experience the joy of moving in nature. No booking, no cost—just bring a mat or towel, some water, and your positive energy!  

Led by experienced instructor Dr. Shine Babu, our sessions are gentle, welcoming, and designed to help you feel stronger, more relaxed, and connected to your community.  

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, Park Yoga is your chance to unwind, recharge, and enjoy the outdoors. Come along and make your Sundays special!  

Park Yoga is proudly supported by Burnley Leisure and Culture, Burnley Council, Burnley West Primary Care Network, and Park Yoga UK.

Burnley Leisure and Culture support Burnley Athletics club and volunteers in the delivery of Couch to 5K .    

Couch to 5K is a friendly, beginner-friendly programme that helps you build confidence and stamina step by step. Three sessions a week, mixing walking and running, make it achievable for everyone.  

The amazing volunteers keep the vibe positive and supportive – they’re here to cheer you on and make the experience fun.  

How to get involved  

  • Local Group: Check BLC and Burnley C25K socials for start dates and courses. It’s a great way to meet people and feel part of a community.  
  • Prefer to go solo? Download the free Couch to 5K app (Apple or Google Play) for guided sessions you can do anytime.  

Benefits of Couch to 5K  

  • Gradual Progression: The program is designed to progress slowly, reducing the risk of injury and making it achievable for everyone.  
  • Improved Health and Wellbeing: Participants notice significant improvements in overall fitness, as well as enhanced mental well-being.  
  • Sense of Achievement: Completing the program and running a 5K is a rewarding accomplishment that boosts confidence.  

Community Support: Joining a Couch to 5K group in provides motivation and encouragement from fellow runners and here in Burnley we have a lovely supportive group of fantastic volunteers. 

Discover more Community and Wellbeing offerings

Our programmes are designed to support wellbeing, connection, and active lifestyles for all ages. From family activities and holiday clubs to community cooking, youth programmes, and outdoor adventures, we create opportunities to stay active, social, and engaged in a supportive environment.

Community Events

Charity Fundraising

Boating Lake

Social activities

School sports coaching

Outdoor Opportunities

Holiday clubs

Community cooking

Active Wellbeing Service