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Our Health and Activity Team aims to support local people to get active through a range of entry level activities in green and open space.

The programme and opportunities are developing, so keep up to date by signing up for our Health and Activity e-newsletter and by following Health and Activity - Dorset Council on Facebook. 

If you have a question about an activity, would like some help to get started or would like to volunteer, get in touch or complete our online form and we will get back to you. Alternatively, come and have a chat with a member of the Health and Activity Team.  You can meet us on various dates and at many locations across Dorset this year.

You can also download the most recent Health and Activity brochure, to see what's on near you in the coming year.

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Dorset Health Walks

A health walk is a free, short and regular guided walk that lasts between ten to ninety minutes for people of all abilities.
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Nordic walking

An enhancement of walking, increasing the use of the upper body and enables you to work harder but it feels easier! 
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Dorset Health Cycle Rides

These fun and free cycle rides offer you the chance to ride with other like-minded people and feel the benefits that this fantastic exercise can offer. 
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Cycling

Opportunities to help you get back in the saddle and rediscover your love of cycling.
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Accessible cycling

Everyone can enjoy this fantastic sport regardless of age, health condition or impairment.  
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Orienteering

A great activity for families to enjoy. Practice your navigation and problem-solving skills whilst getting outdoors. 
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Get active outdoors

Get active outdoors with Fresh Air Fitness classes, Tai Chi and free outdoor circuits
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Get into golf

Beginners golf courses run over 4 consecutive weeks and take you from being a complete beginner to being on the course.
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Green gym

A great way to get some exercise and enjoy being outdoors by volunteering in conservation tasks within Dorset’s beautiful country parks.  
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Beginners running

With the support of a volunteer-run leader, you will be able to develop your running fitness over 9 weeks following the couch to 5k NHS app. 
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Country parks and visitor centres

Our country parks offer a great place to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors.
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Open water activities

Find out about water based activities and clubs that Dorset has to offer

Complete your Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ) 

If you are a new participant, a returning participant or if your health condition has changed, we ask that you complete an annual Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire before attending an activity. This should be updated once a year or if your health condition changes. If you are unable to complete the PARQ online, contact the Health and Activity team for assistance.

Make an online booking

See individual activities for booking requirements as some do not require reservations and you can just turn up.
You'll need an account to book an activity online. 

Active 4 Health lifestyle hub

The Active 4 Health Lifestyle Hub aims to help local people living with health conditions be more active and improve their health and wellbeing. 

Health and Activity newsletter

Stay up to date by receiving our monthly e-newsletter Health and Activity - get active in your greenspace

Active volunteering opportunities 

A number of physical activities are led by trained volunteers and without this team of volunteers some activities would simply not exist. If you would like to volunteer please do get in contact.

There are several active volunteering roles:
  • health walk leaders
  • health cycle leaders
  • accessible cycling volunteers
  • Moors Valley Golf Course support
  • Active buddies

Health and Activity Team

Email: healthandactivity@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01425 480811
Full contact details