Thrive Leisure
Thrive Leisure Website
May celebrates National Walking Month, highlighting opportunities to be active through walking across County Durham.
Weekly wellbeing walks run throughout the year, and during May we are increasing awareness of these sessions alongside introducing additional walks across the county.
These walks are free, friendly, and suitable for all abilities, offering a simple way to improve physical and mental wellbeing and meet others in the community.
Free weekly family sessions with Team Warrior Taekwondo in Willington.
Open to all ages and abilities, with separate coaching for under 16s and over 16s so families can train at the same time.
A friendly, supportive way to build confidence, fitness and self-defence skills. No experience needed.
Session information: Fridays, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Parkside Academy, Willington, DL15 0QF
5 free taster sessions available (to be claimed by end of July)
How to take part:
📩 Message Team Warrior Willington on Facebook
📱 Text Amy Bone on 07526 337643
Delivered by Lambton Rowing Club, these free sessions offer a welcoming introduction to rowing in a relaxed, social setting.
Learn the basics, build strength, and enjoy getting active together.
Suitable for ages 10 and over.
Session information:
To book: 📧 steven.thompson@lambtonrowing.co.uk 📱 07791 586283
Delivered by Croquet Durham club, these free sessions are a great way to try something new in a relaxed and sociable outdoor setting.
Croquet is easy to learn and suitable for a wide range of ages, offering a gentle way to stay active, enjoy fresh air, and meet others.
Session information: Riverside Park Bowling Greens, Chester-le-Street Saturdays in May, 10:30am
All equipment is provided. Please wear flat-soled shoes.
No booking required – just come along and take part.
Delivered by Adventure Access, these sessions offer a friendly and inclusive introduction to watersports, with experienced instructors on hand to support you throughout.
Try canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in a relaxed outdoor setting and enjoy getting active on the water together.
Suitable for ages 8 and over.
Session information:
• Durham (River Wear) – Rafted Canoeing – Friday 22 May, 5:00pm–6:30pm (Small group canoeing on the River Wear, guided by instructors).
• Seaham – Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Saturday 23 May, 11:30am–1:00pm (A relaxed watersports session with full instructor support).
A small booking fee applies to secure your place, helping ensure sessions are well attended.
Theme: Take Action
A week focused on encouraging people to take action through movement and physical activity to support their mental wellbeing.
As part of We Move Together, residents are encouraged to make use of the wide range of regular, year-round opportunities available across County Durham. Being active in everyday ways can help improve mood, reduce stress, and support overall mental health.
There are a variety of free and accessible activities already available across the county, suitable for all abilities, offering simple ways to get moving and feel better.
Residents are encouraged to explore the wide range of local opportunities on the links below.
Living Streets’ national five day Walk to School Challenge is back, giving schools a great opportunity to promote active, healthy and sustainable journeys. This year’s theme, Mission Move, encourages schools to inspire pupils and families to improve travel habits and help reduce congestion around the school gates.
You can find out more about the national challenge, including lots more activity ideas on the Living Streets website
A week recognising and celebrating the contribution of volunteers supporting sport, physical activity, and community wellbeing across County Durham.
Carer Wellbeing Walks
Delivered in partnership with Durham County Carer Support, these free walks offer carers a relaxed way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and connect with others.
Each walk lasts around 60 minutes, followed by the opportunity for tea or coffee and a chance to chat with support staff.
If you can’t join the walk, you’re still welcome to drop in for a chat.
Places are limited to 20 per walk. Those you care for may attend with you (maximum one guest per carer). No dogs permitted.
Session information:
No booking required for drop-in chats.
For enquiries: emma.thompson@dccarers.org
A celebration week bringing together a series of flagship community events across County Durham.
Festival Week: 13–18 July 2026
Join us for Festival Week, a celebration of movement, community and wellbeing, bringing together a series of flagship We Move Together events across County Durham. Whether you’re looking to try a new activity, spend time with family, enjoy the outdoors or connect with others in your community, there’s something for everyone.
Where booking is required, you’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one:
https://events.durham.gov.uk/19/User/Register
Once registered, you can book your chosen session using the links below.
Monday 13 July | 10:30am – 1:30pm
Walking Sports Festival
Join us at Riverside Leisure Complex, Chester-le-Street, for the We Move Together Walking Sports Festival. Delivered in partnership with Durham FA, Durham Cricket Foundation and England Netball, this free festival offers the opportunity to try a range of fun, inclusive walking sports in a friendly and supportive environment. Suitable for all abilities, it’s a great way to stay active, meet new people and discover new ways to move more.
Booking is essential.
Book your place:
Event details – Durham County Council events
Tuesday 14 July
We Move Together Big Walk & Gentle Steps Session
Enjoy the benefits of being active outdoors by joining either our Big Walk or Gentle Steps session. These welcoming activities are designed to help people of all abilities get moving, improve wellbeing and connect with others.
Big Walk
Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
Booking essential due to limited places.
Book your place:
Event details – Durham County Council events
Gentle Steps Session
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Booking is available and encouraged.
Book your place:
Event details – Durham County Council events
Wednesday 15 July | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Family Fun Event
Join us for our free We Move Together Family Fun Event at Ushaw Historic House and Chapel Gardens. This exciting event provides an opportunity for families to get active and have fun together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Enjoy a range of activities including old-school sports day races, rounders and a fun-filled game of dodgeball, with something for all ages to enjoy.
Location: Ushaw Historic House and Chapel Gardens, DH7 9RH
Book your place:
Event details – Durham County Council events
Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 July
Durham City Run Festival
Be part of one of the region’s biggest running events and enjoy a fantastic festival atmosphere with activities and races for all ages and abilities.
Find out more or enter:
https://durhamcityrunfestival.com/
Friday 17 July | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
FireRide Cycle Activation & Big BRASS Bash
Join us in Newton Aycliffe for an exciting evening of cycling, music and community celebration, featuring a special FireRide Cycle Activation and the vibrant Big BRASS Bash as part of Festival Week.
Find out more about FireRide:
https://fireride.bike/pages/fireride-local-pop-up-cycling-activation
Find out more about the Big BRASS Bash:
https://brassfestival.co.uk/eventDetails?id=816602AMVQMTGNCSMHTBDGKHJRVTDDRBD
Delivered in partnership with Durham Cricket Foundation, this is a relaxed and inclusive cricket session in a local park setting.
Open to all abilities, it offers a simple way to try something new, get active, and enjoy a community environment.
📅 Friday 31 July, 10am – 2pm
📍 Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
No experience needed – just turn up and join in.
Parkrun is a free, inclusive community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Events take place every Saturday morning, with junior parkrun for 4–14 year olds every Sunday.
No time limits and no pressure – everyone is welcome.
Events take place across County Durham, including Barnard Castle, Blackhill, Chester-le-Street, Durham, Easington Colliery, Hamsterley Forest, Horden, Sedgefield, Shildon, Spennymoor and Ushaw Historic House.
A virtual activity challenge encouraging people across County Durham to stay active throughout the campaign.
All movement counts, including walking, running, cycling, swimming, or attending sessions.
How to take part:
On-demand exercise sessions are available anytime via the Technogym App.
Designed to fit around busy lives, these short sessions help people move more in a way that works for them.
A free 7-day pass is available to encourage people to try local leisure facilities.
Includes:
Contact Us
For more information about the We Move Together campaign, please contact: