Free yoga classes at Victoria Park

Ashford residents are invited to stretch and unwind with free weekly yoga classes now taking place every Sunday at Victoria Park, Ashford, Kent. They are already proving extremely popular, with over 100 people enjoying each class.

Hosted by Park Yoga Ashford, these community classes offer a perfect opportunity to embrace the benefits of yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting. Classes run from 9:30am to 10:30am each Sunday morning and will continue through to mid-September.

There is no need to book. Simply bring a yoga mat or towel and head to the green space near the Community Hub and Harper’s Café. Look out for the Park Yoga flag and join for a relaxing start to your Sunday.

These sessions have been funded through a collaboration between Ashford Borough Council and Park Yoga, a charity who provides free community yoga classes around the UK to improve people’s health and wellbeing, with the added benefit of being held in the natural environment.

Elise Everest, Park Yoga Ashford teacher, said: “I am equally humbled and thrilled by the number of people who have come to the classes so far. The feedback I’ve been receiving from them has been overwhelmingly positive and being able to practice yoga as a community, surrounded by green space is a joy.”

Alison, Park Yoga Ashford attendee, said: “I really enjoyed my first yoga lesson, it’s a great start to Sunday morning and helps with fitness too. I’m really looking forward to more yoga under the open sky.”

Cllr Kate Walder, Cabinet Member for Parks and Recreation, said: “Park Yoga Ashford is a brilliant complement to the park’s offering, providing those across the local community a chance to discover the benefits offered by yoga to body and mind in a welcoming, accessible environment.

“Along with both adult and junior Park Run, volunteering activities and all the many other reasons people visit our park, from walking the dog to catching up with friends and family, Victoria Park is a vital space for the Ashford community to enjoy the beautiful outdoors on their doorstep.”

Cllr Liz Wright, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “Yoga is an activity that can be enjoyed by all and is excellent both for physical exercise and for meditation and relaxation, especially when taking place in fresh air and green space.

“I am delighted that Ashford and Park Yoga is offering this valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of our community.”

To be kept up to date with the weekly classes, make sure you follow Park Yoga Ashford’s Facebook page.

Although there is a free car park at Victoria Park, spaces are limited and the car park can get busy at weekends. If you're not far from the park, are able and happy to, we'd suggest walking, cycling or taking public transport or allowing plenty of time before the class to find a parking space.

An alternative car park is on Victoria Road, less than a 10-minute walk from the class. However please note that this is not free, so you'll need to pay.

Victoria Park is Ashford’s largest park, with excellent facilities including a large children’s play area, a Multi-Use Games Area, café and community space, accessible toilets, pump track, sensory garden, seasonal wetland, community orchard, listed fountain and walking and cycling paths.

There are also many opportunities to volunteer at Victoria Park, including sowing wildflower seeds, completing amphibian surveys and foraging workshops. For the latest events and volunteer opportunities, visit the Victoria Park website.