Parks and Open Spaces

Get moving with AC-TI-VATE at Churchill Gardens!

Get moving with AC-TI-VATE at Churchill Gardens!

We’re excited to introduce AC-TI-VATE, a new project designed to bring young people and families together through fun, active, and healthy experiences and delivered by our partners Sportwest.

Every Wednesday from 4–5pm at Churchill Gardens, AC-TI-VATE offers a space for the community to get moving, try out enjoyable physical activities, and build confidence in leading a more active lifestyle.

But AC-TI-VATE is about more than just exercise. It’s about:

  • Ownership and involvement – young people and families are encouraged to help shape the programme and make it their own.

  • Community connection – providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can come together, meet new friends, and feel part of something positive.

  • Healthy living – fresh fruit is provided each week, reinforcing the importance of healthy eating and balanced habits.

Whether you’re coming along for fitness, fun, or simply to connect with others, AC-TI-VATE is here to support you. Bring your family, friends, and energy – and let’s build a healthier, more connected community together.

join activate

Vitality Westminster Mile – A brilliant celebration of community and activity

Vitality Westminster Mile - A brilliant celebration of community and activity

What a day! 

The Vitality Westminster Mile took place on Saturday 27 September and it was a joyful, inclusive celebration – a wonderful sunny day with people of all ages and abilities coming together to move, cheer and connect.

The 2025 Vitality Westminster Mile saw more than 6,000 people take in the iconic one-mile route around St James’s Park, starting on The Mall and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. This included almost 400 in the Westminster Community Wave, featuring families from across Westminster’s diverse communities.

The participants also enjoyed the Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park, which featured free activities for friends and family, as well as the general public. It was a record-breaking edition of the event, with a new Guinness World Record set and a new record for the oldest-ever participant, aged 99! Recognisable names taking part on the day included former England Cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook, TV personality Rachel Riley and The Body Coach Joe Wicks. What a brilliant day. 

Huge thanks to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers and every single participant. It was a soul warming fun day for everyone. 

Sports, Smiles & Community Spirit: ActiveWestminster Weekend Highlights

Sports, Smiles & Community Spirit: ActiveWestminster Weekend Highlights

On the weekend of 30 and 31 August 2025, Westminster City Council, in partnership with Everyone Active, proudly hosted the ActiveWestminster Weekend where residents of all ages came together to explore our Westminster Leisure Centres.

Residents of all ages enjoyed an action-packed ActiveWestminster Weekend, with opportunities to explore local sport and leisure facilities and take part in a wide range of activities.

With over 10 sessions on offer—including badminton, swimming, tag rugby, children’s bouncy castle sessions and gym inductions—the weekend was designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active, try something new, or revisit an old favourite.

A highlight of the weekend was the Unity in the Community tournament, which brought together around 110 children and young people across 14 teams and 4 age groups. For the first time, the tournament proudly welcomed an all-girls team, marking an exciting milestone for the event.

The atmosphere was made even more special with the attendance of the Lord Mayor of Westminster, who presented medals and trophies to the winning U14 and U16 teams.

Well done to all participants for an inspiring tournament and very well-deserved congratulations to the winners of each category:
  • 16s – London Capitol 
  • Under 14s – Warsa FC 
  • Under 12s – London Tigers 
  • Under 10s – Warsa FC

The ActiveWestminster Weekend is a bi-annual event, fast becoming a highlight in the local calendar that everyone looks forward to. We can’t wait to welcome the community back for the next edition in spring 2026.

ActiveWestminster and City of Westminster logos
Everyone Active Logo

Two More New Play Streets Are Coming Too Westminster This September!

Two More New Play Streets Are Coming to Westminster This September!

We’re delighted to announce the launch of two more Play Streets this September, creating safe and welcoming spaces for children to play outside their homes, get active, and connect with their community.

Play Streets are designed to increase opportunities for play and physical activity, reduce traffic, and strengthen neighbourhood connections. These two new Play Streets are just the start, with more due to open across Westminster in the future.

Family Fun at the Play Street Openings

We’d love you to join us as we celebrate the launch of Westminster’s newest Play Streets with fun activities for the whole family.

There’ll be active games and sessions with Everyone Active, plus the chance for children to build their confidence on two wheels with Cycle Confident and keep their bikes in top shape with Dr Bike.

  • Kilravock Street, W10 4HX, on Friday 5th September between 4pm – 6pm
  • Ashmore Road (North), W9 3DD on Saturday 6th September between 1pm – 4pm

Bring your family, friends, and neighbours along to play, ride, and celebrate the start of even more Play Streets across Westminster!

Want to bring a Play Street to your neighbourhood? Click the button below to find out how!

Turn Off The Engine, Turn Up The Play! Barnsdale Road Becomes A Play Street This Summer

Turn Off The Engine, Turn Up The Play! Barnsdale Road Becomes A Play Street This Summer

Barnsdale Road W9 is swapping cars for community and fun this summer and you’re all invited! Sessions start on Tuesday 10th June.

Thanks to Happy Lizzy Event Planning (HLEP!), the street will be transformed into a safe, car-free zone where kills where kids rule the road and neighbours and community folks can come together and connect. It’s all part of our Play Street Sessions, designed to give children the freedom they deserve to play and explore with no fear on their doorstep.

Ready, Set, Play!

Here’s the Plan:
  • Kids reclaim their street for safe, free play on: Tuesdays: 10, 17 & 24 June and 15 & 22 July between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Facilitated by the trusty team at Happy Lizzy
  • Parents hang back and relax responsible while little ones run the show and have some fun
  • Absolutely no traffic during sessions – play first, cars later!
  • Resident and delivery access is still allowed, with more care
  • A small request: Please help us clear the space you can and move your car during the session times if possible 

Let’s bring play back to the street. Whether you want to toss a ball around, jump rope, or just cheer, everyone is welcome!

 

For more info call: 07867 803 081

Bring Your Community Together with Westminster’s Community Events Fund

Bring Your Community Together with Westminster’s Community Events Fund

Westminster City Council is offering grants of up to £2,500 or £5,000 for collaborative projects to support community-led events that celebrate culture, promote cohesion, and encourage collective reflection. 

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include registered charities, CICs, and individuals affiliated with Westminster-based groups. Funding can cover venue hire, event staffing, refreshments, and other related costs.

girls enjoying a fun community event

Qualification criteria

To qualify, events must be:

  • Free
  • Running on single-day and most importantly
  • Inclusive – Private parties, political activities, and profit-making events are not eligible.
Get the full fund details and eligibility criteria on Community Events Fund on the Westminster City Council website.
 

Apply now and make your event happen!