According to the Office for National Statistics, Kensington and Chelsea has the highest life expectancy in the UK based on data from 2004-2006 and 2008-2010. And what makes people happy, which allows them live long and contented lives? Endorphins from exercise! Okay, there might be a few other factors too... But Kensington and Chelsea have a great deal to offer in terms of sports and recreation, which we believe keeps our residents happy and heart healthy.
With indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gyms on every other corner, the Chelsea Sports Centre, council-run and privately owned tennis courts, football pitches, bowls greens and outdoor fitness programmes – there’s always something available to keep fit and enjoy doing it. And, let's not forget the beautiful green spaces! Parks in Kensington and Chelsea, such as Kensington Gardens and Holland Park, are some of the most beautiful retreats in London.
Bowling Greens
During an English summer, it is often advisable to sit on a grass lawn, whilst drinking Pims and enjoying a good old fashioned game of lawn bowls. What could be more English? Here's a guide to bowls greens in K&C, including the Battersea Park Bowling Green, the West London Bowling Club and the Hyde Park Tennis & Sports Club.
Football Pitches
If you’re feeling lazy from sitting inside all weekend cheering on Chelsea FC from your couch, then perhaps you should get up and play some football instead. The K&C council offers 5 football pitch locations scattered throughout the borough, including: Avondale Park, Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance, Holland Park, Kensington Memorial Park and St. Lukes.
Gyms
With trusted brands, such as David Lloyd, Virgin Active, Fitness First and Soho Gyms to smaller brands and independent gyms, there are plenty of fitness options within Kensington & Chelsea. Swimming pools, workout classes, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas, treatment rooms, wall climbing and tennis courts are just some of the activities you will find in your local gyms.
Outdoor Fitness Classes
Outdoor fitness is a great way to get in shape, whilst making new friends and enjoying the outdoors. There are plenty of outdoor fitness groups within the Kensington and Chelsea borough. Here we take a closer look at one of the most popular fitness groups – British Military Fitness. BMF is available for K&C residents in both Hyde Park and Battersea Park.
Parks
There are many beautiful parks in and around Kensington and Chelsea. These include: Holland Park, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Battersea Park, as well as the Brompton Cemetery. Whether your beagle needs some exercise or you fancy doing a bit of yoga in the great outdoors – there are plenty of green retreats in K&C.
Swimming Pools
The Chelsea Sports Centre and the Serpentine Lido are great options for swimming in the borough without having to have an expensive gym membership. The indoor pool in the Chelsea Sports Centre can be used year-round, while the outdoor pool at the Serpentine Lido is available from the May Day bank holiday weekend through to September.
Tennis Courts
Residents can hire tennis courts from one of the 4 locations offered through the borough: Holland Park, Avondale Park, Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance and Kensington Memorial Park. Other locations include the Hyde Park Tennis Centre or the courts at St. Lukes. While love may mean nothing in a game of tennis, you’ll absolutely love playing tennis in K&C!