Richmond upon Thames has emerged as the borough with the highest exercise rates in London. According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, nearly four in five adults in Richmond exercised for 150 minutes or more per week, placing it not only at the top in London but third nationwide, only behind Oxford and Cambridge.
This achievement underscores Richmond's commitment to physical activity, enhanced by its extensive sports facilities. With 12.2 sports facilities per 10,000 people, Richmond surpasses the average of 7.7 sports facilities per 10,000 in London. The only local authority in London with more sports facilities is Westminster, which boasts 13.9 facilities per 10,000.
Men in Richmond appear especially active, with 82% exercising for recommended time levels, the highest rate in the country. Additionally, the borough leads in the UK with 85% of residents believing they have the opportunity to stay active, reflecting an encouraging environment for physical well-being.
For women, 82% also feel they can engage in physical activities. Men aren't far behind; they reportedly rank second in London, with 88% expressing similar sentiments, second only to Wandsworth.
Michael Collins, the Assistant Head of Sport Development at St Mary’s University, acknowledged the importance of these facilities, stating, “Sport has a huge role in my life and for me distance running has been my lifelong passion. Simply, the quality of my training and performance would suffer as would my overall sense of well-being.” He emphasized how essential access to sport is, especially in the aftermath of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We all experienced during Covid what happens when we can’t access sport facilities and as an endurance runner, I probably suffered far less than many. That serves as a reminder of life without access to sports and sport facilities which is something none of us want to repeat.”
Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee of Richmond Council, proudly shared how the borough's initiatives are yielding positive results. “Richmond upon Thames champions physical activity, with an extensive network of parks, riverside, and sports facilities that provide opportunities for everyone to get moving,” she said.
The local council is keen on sustaining this momentum by investing in leisure infrastructure. A recent plan was announced with nearly £9 million allocated to protect and improve existing facilities. Neden-Watts highlighted the importance of accessibility: “Through targeted programmes, improved accessibility, and partnerships with local clubs and organisations, we want to ensure that every resident can enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle and a healthier future.”
Under their new strategy, Richmond Moves was launched to enhance participation in physical activities, aiming to remove barriers for residents. This includes fairer pricing at leisure centres, increasing opportunities for women and girls, and developing an online local activity finder.
The borough also holds a variety of sports events and teams, including Twickenham Stadium, the home of England Rugby, and various other clubs. This rich sporting culture allows Richmond to boast the second-highest sports attendance in London, with 19% of residents participating in sports events.
The strong community spirit and resources available help establish Richmond upon Thames not just as a borough with facilities but as a place where being active is part of daily life. As Richmond continues to strengthen its investments and initiatives, the borough paves the way for an even healthier, happier society.
