Staying active at Harper - it's not just a walk in the park!

A golfing website’s survey has declared Harper Adams the worst university in the UK for active students – massively overlooking the vast benefits our countryside location has for sporting pursuits.

Based on the “number of parks and gyms within a half-hour walk” the research immediately favoured city-based education providers.

But Harper Adams does not need a park – we have a 635-hectare estate, 627 hectares of which is farmland - with a network of roads and paths providing extensive opportunities for running, cycling and horse riding.

Our campus has a gym, swimming pool, dance studio, squash courts and multiple sports pitches – all less than five minutes’ walk from our on-campus accommodation and all offering all kinds of opportunities for sports and social life!

And in the local town of Newport, where many students reside from second year onwards, there is another swimming pool, several gyms and a climbing centre. Newport is also home to the Nocturne cycling race. And a few miles up the road is Market Drayton – home to what has been voted the UK’s best 10k road race several times.

At Lilleshall, we have the National Sports Centre, home to British Gymnastics and Archery GB. And students can tee off at The Shropshire Golf Centre, close to Lilleshall, which offers two courses (27 holes and 18 holes) - with further courses available throughout Telford and Shropshire.

Telford boasts an ice rink – home to the Telford Tigers Ice Hockey team, a snowboard and ski centre, and many more gyms, pools and leisure centres.

Our shooting team uses the West Midlands Shooting Ground to hit clays, and our Rowing team is based at Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury.

Travel further east for the Mountain Biking heaven that is Cannock Chase, or go west for stunning Wales to cycle, canoe, climb and more.

Yet, apparently, our students are not very active!

Check out the full list of Sports Clubs at Harper Adams here – we’re sure you’ll find something for you!