Free Commonwealth Games weekend at Cornwall leisure centres

Fancy trying a sport you have never played, for nothing? Better leisure centres across Cornwall are opening their doors for a free weekend this July, and you do not need to be a member to take part.

People across Cornwall are being invited to get active and celebrate the 2026 Commonwealth Games during two days of free activities on 18 and 19 July. Better has teamed up with Team England for a Commonwealth Games-inspired Open Weekend, giving all ages the chance to try a range of sports and fitness sessions at no cost.

The weekend is open to both members and non-members, so families, friends and anyone who fancies a go can turn up and see what their local centre has to offer.

What’s on and where

The line-up varies by centre, so it is worth checking what is running near you:

• Bude: gym activities, group cycling and aquarobics
• Helston: swim school tasters and aqua splash
• Newquay: pickleball, table tennis and a group fitness masterclass
• Saltash: aqua classes
• St Austell: walking netball, Boxfit and foundation judo
• St Ives: women’s weightlifting, junior gym tasters and a biathlon fitness challenge
• Truro: aquafit and swim school tasters
• Bodmin: tennis, badminton and yoga

Something for everyone

Karen Edmond, GLL Community Sports Manager for Cornwall, said:

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Team England to celebrate the 2026 Commonwealth Games by giving local people the chance to try something new for free. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn a new sport, get back into exercise or simply enjoy an active day out with family and friends, there’s something for everyone across the weekend. We hope as many local residents as possible will come along, have a go and discover what’s available at their local Better leisure centre.”

Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the charitable social enterprise and workers’ cooperative that runs nine leisure centres in Cornwall on behalf of the council.

Every activity is free, though some sessions have limited spaces and need to be booked ahead. The full programme and booking details are on the Better website or at your local Better leisure centre.