ActiveCommunities

A New Year, A Fresh Start: Begin Running This January

12 January 2026 by Sonia Martinez-Roura

A New Year, A Fresh Start: Begin Running This January

The start of a new year is a great opportunity to build healthy habits that last. This January, a welcoming weekly running session is launching at Paddington Recreation Ground, offering a supportive and realistic way to begin or return to running.

The sessions are open to adults aged 34 and over and are suitable for both beginners and intermediate runners. Whether you’re completely new to running or looking to regain consistency, the focus is on steady progress, confidence, and enjoying movement at your own pace.

There’s no pressure to keep up or push beyond your limits. The sessions are designed to help you feel comfortable, motivated, and positive as you build fitness week by week.

Session details

When: Every Tuesday
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
Where: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, London W9 1PF
Cost: £3.00 per session
Who: Adults 34+ | Beginner & Intermediate

Registration is required before attending.

For more information or to register, contact Faith Gathoni on 07804 560378 or email afrovng@gmx.com

Leisure Facilities Opening Hours During the Festive Period

24 November 2025 by Sonia Martinez-Roura

Leisure Facilities Opening Hours during the Festive Period

Please see below the altered hours that will operate in all of our leisure facilities during the Winter holidays.

In case of any doubt, please contact each centre directly. You can find more information on our dedicated page for Westminster Leisure Centres.

Academy Sport

Tuesday 23^rd Dec: Open normal hours

Wednesday 24^th Dec – Thursday 1^st Jan – CLOSED

Friday 2^nd Jan: Open normal hours

Church Street Community Leisure Centre

Tuesday 23^rd Dec: Open normal hours
Wednesday 24^th Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 25^th Dec: CLOSED
Friday 26^th Dec: CLOSED
Saturday 27^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Sunday 28^th Dec: 9am – 6pm
Monday 29^th Dec: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday 30^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Wednesday 31^st Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 1^st Jan: CLOSED
Friday 2^nd Jan: Open normal hours

Jubilee Community Leisure Centre

Tuesday 23^rd Dec: Open normal hours
Wednesday 24^th Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 25^th Dec: CLOSED
Friday 26^th Dec: CLOSED
Saturday 27^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Sunday 28^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Monday 29^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Tuesday 30^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Wednesday 31^st Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 1^st Jan: CLOSED
Friday 2^nd Jan: Open normal hours

Little Venice Sports Centre

Marshall Street Leisure Centre & Spa

Moberly Sports Centre

Tuesday 23^rd Dec: Open normal hours
Wednesday 24^th Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 25^th Dec: CLOSED
Friday 26^th Dec: CLOSED
Saturday 27^th Dec: 8am – 8pm
Sunday 28^th Dec: 9am – 8pm
Monday 29^th Dec: 9am – 8pm
Tuesday 30^th Dec: 8am – 8pm
Wednesday 31^st Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 1^st Jan: CLOSED
Friday 2^nd Jan: Open normal hours

Porchester Leisure Centre

Queen Mother Sports Centre

St Augustine’s Sports Centre

Tuesday 23^rd Dec: Open normal hours

Wednesday 24^th Dec – Thursday 1^st Jan – CLOSED

Friday 2^nd Jan: 6pm -10pm

Paddington Recreation Ground (Gym)

Tuesday 23^rd Dec: 8am – 6pm
Wednesday 24^th Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 25^th Dec: CLOSED
Friday 26^th Dec: CLOSED
Saturday 27^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Sunday 28^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Monday 29^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Tuesday 30^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Wednesday 31^st Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 1^st Jan: CLOSED
Friday 2^nd Jan: 8am – 6pm

Paddington Recreation Ground (Sports Facilities)

Tuesday 23^rd Dec: 8am – 9pm
Wednesday 24^th Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 25^th Dec: CLOSED
Friday 26^th Dec: CLOSED
Saturday 27^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Sunday 28^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Monday 29^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Tuesday 30^th Dec: 8am – 6pm
Wednesday 31^st Dec: 8am – 2pm
Thursday 1^st Jan: CLOSED
Friday 2^nd Jan: 8am – 9pm

Paddington Recreation Ground (Park)

Tuesday 23^rd Dec: 7am – 9.30pm
Wednesday 24^th Dec: 7am – 4.30pm
Thursday 25^th Dec: 7am – 4.30pm
Friday 26^th Dec: 7am – 4.30pm
Saturday 27^th Dec: 7am – 6.30pm
Sunday 28^th Dec: 7am – 6.30pm
Monday 29^th Dec: 7am – 6.30pm
Tuesday 30^th Dec: 7am – 6.30pm
Wednesday 31^st Dec: 7am – 4.30pm
Thursday 1^st Jan: 7am – 4.30pm
Friday 2^nd Jan: 7am – 9.30pm

Season's Greetings

Panathlon SEND Schools Competition Brings Energy and Inclusion to Moberly Sports Centre

21 November 2025 by Sheena Kotecha

News
November 21, 2025

Panathlon SEND Schools Competition Brings Energy and Inclusion to Moberly Sports Centre

Moberly Sports Centre was full of energy on Thursday, 13 November as the annual Panathlon SEND Schools Multi-Sports Competition returned, bringing together pupils from across Westminster for a full day of inclusive sport.

Across morning and afternoon sessions, 64 young people took part: 38 primary pupils from five schools and 26 secondary pupils from four schools. With more schools keen to join next time, the event continues to grow as a key fixture for SEND engagement in the borough.

The competition featured a wide range of accessible and highly interactive activities, all designed to encourage teamwork, confidence-building and fundamental movement skills. Corporate volunteers from Aspen partnered with Panathlon to support each challenge, helping pupils rotate through stations, track scores and keep the momentum high throughout the day.

Everyone Active provided the space and coaching support, creating a dynamic environment where pupils could try new activities, compete with enthusiasm, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Representatives from London Marathon Events were also on-site, allowing schools to secure places in the Mini London Marathon 2026 – a highlight that captured the imagination of many pupils and teachers.

Both the primary and secondary school competitions were closely contested, with strong performances and evident team spirit across all participating schools. Edward Wilson Primary School emerged as the morning winners, and in the afternoon, our champions were Abingdon House School.

This event serves as a fantastic lead-in to UK Disability History Month (20th November – 20th December), highlighting the achievements of disabled people and the importance of inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND.

ActiveWestminster continues to champion inclusive sport, ensuring children and young people with SEND have the chance to participate, grow and thrive through physical activity. Looking for more inclusive physical activity opportunities across the borough? Explore our full range of programmes by clicking on the button below

This year, we captured some of the thoughts of teachers, volunteers, partners, and participants on film. They shared their reflections on what inclusive sporting opportunities mean for their school communities.

Watch this space for a deeper look into what makes this event so valued across Westminster.

Temporary Car Park Closures At Paddington Recreation Ground

21 November 2025 by Sheena Kotecha

News
November 21, 2025

Temporary Car Park Closure At Paddington Recreation Ground

We would like to inform all visitors of scheduled temporary car park closures at Paddington Recreation Ground over the coming weeks. These closures are required to support planned operational activity on site and ensure the space can be managed safely and efficiently.

Closure dates and times

Thursday 27 November 2025: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm
Friday 28 November 2025: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday 6 December 2025: 6:30 am – 8:30 pm

During these periods, no vehicle access or parking will be available. All other areas of the park will remain open as usual.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation while these arrangements are in place. Please plan your visit accordingly and allow extra time for travel where needed.

If you require further information, please contact the site team.

Westminster Strikes Gold At Parliament Hill

18 November 2025 by Sheena Kotecha

News
November 18, 2025

Westminster Strikes Gold At Parliament Hill

Westminster has kicked off the London Youth Games 2025/26 season in outstanding style, claiming Gold in the U17 Girls race at the iconic Cross Country opener at Parliament Hill.

Delivering a commanding run, Sonny Allen took the top spot with a rapid 11:04 over the 3km course, outperforming athletes from 32 London boroughs. More than 1,500 young runners filled Hampstead Heath on Saturday 8 November, creating a vibrant atmosphere for one of the most anticipated fixtures in the LYG calendar

"It feels amazing. I've been running for quite a while and I've done London Youth Games here a few times, but I never thought I'd win it, so it's a surreal experience and I'm so happy. It's a huge thing because it's one of the biggest competitions that I've won so far. London Youth Games is just an amazing atmosphere, amazing community."

Sonny Allen

The London Youth Games has launched the careers of some of Britain’s biggest sporting names — including Sir Mo Farah, Alex Yee, and Sam Reardon, all of whom once raced this same course.

“Sport has the power to bring people together… hopefully there is some talent competing this year who can go on to great success.”

Sonny Allen

The London Youth Games has launched the careers of some of Britain’s biggest sporting names, including Sir Mo Farah, Alex Yee, and Sam Reardon, all of whom once raced this same course. Sir Mo Farah said:

ActiveWestminster extends its thanks to the City of London Corporation, the South of England Athletics Association, and all Borough Team Organisers for delivering another inspirational London Youth Games event.

Supporters inspired by Westminster’s success can help make a difference by running for the London Youth Games Foundation at a future Half Marathon, raising funds to create more life-changing opportunities for young Londoners.

ActiveWestminster Awards 2025: Celebrating 16 Years of Inspiring Local Champions

17 November 2025 by Sheena Kotecha

News
November 17, 2025

ActiveWestminster Awards 2025: Celebrating 16 Years of Inspiring Local Champions

The ActiveWestminster Awards returned for its 16th year with an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, programmes, and partnerships that make Westminster an active, inclusive, and connected community. Held at the historic Porchester Hall on Friday 14 November, the 2025 edition once again highlighted the remarkable individuals, clubs, and organisations who bring physical activity, leisure, and sport to life across our city.

A huge thank you to our brilliant host, Qasa Alom, and to our special guest, sprinter and Champion of the Future Athlete, Ricardo Dos Santos, for joining us to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners. The evening opened with an outstanding performance from Daniel, winner of Dance Westminster 2025, who lit up the stage alongside Liam from Step Change Studios. The energy continued to build with incredible entertainment from The Gold Vocal Collective, who had the audience moving and singing along, and the much-loved Magician Trixy, who left everyone amazed with his jaw-dropping tricks.

The Winners of the ActiveWestminster Awards 2025 are:

A massive well done to all our winners, finalists, and nominees. Your dedication, passion, and commitment continue to make Westminster a place where everyone can be active and thrive. It was an energising and uplifting night, and we are proud to celebrate every single one of you.

Stay tuned for highlights and stories from the night as we continue to shine a light on the people powering our ActiveWestminster community.