Lonely in London? Make New Friends at a London Meetup Group

Meetup Groups are just that – groups of people who meet regularly, sporadically or just as a one-off,  in all the major towns and cities of the United Kingdom (and the globe). They are united by their special interests or attractions – or maybe just the desire to do something different.

Whilst it is possible to feel alone in any city, in London the choices are so overwhelming that you can feel completely at a loss. This is where a Meetup Group can be a real source of inspiration.

I enjoy visiting places of interest, so my Meetup Group, The London Cultureseekers, (not at all pretentious, despite the name!)  is devoted to  this type of activity. So the photographs on here represent my interests.

But what’s your passion?

Is it hiking, the theatre, chess, dancing, opera, philosophy, languages, exploring cultural sites, business, spirituality, knitting, crafts, stamp collecting, single dating, films, naturism, drinking, dog walking …you get the picture! 

Or, maybe, you just do something on your own on a regular basis (like the dog walking) and feel it would be nice to join up with others and push your pooch to the limit with a five-mile walk rather than a quick trot round the local park!

And, sure, you enjoy going round the National Gallery every Sunday, but wouldn’t it be nice to discuss Seurat with someone else afterwards, over a pint?  

Each Meetup Group was started on the internet by an enthusiast. You will find a link for London Meetup Groups at the end of this article. Browse through all the groups you find interesting (and even the ones you don’t – something might ring your bell!). There will be a link where you can see what each group gets up to, where they meet up and how often. If something grabs you, then join up!

Some Meetup Groups are quite small, whilst others are huge. However, don’t feel intimidated when you turn up the first time. Everyone will be friendly, but at the same time you won’t be overwhelmed. Depending on the nature of the group you don't have to interact particularly. Other groups are more team-spirit orientated. 

Also, there is no pressure to turn up for every Meetup. It’s entirely up to you whether you attend or not. After a couple of trial events you may want to commit and become a Full Member, in which case you can expect to pay a small annual fee - although some groups are entirely free to join. But, even then, you are under no pressure to attend every event.

And you don't even have to go to the pub afterwards if you don't want to...

You can join as many Meetup Groups as you want. Many members go to an event on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon –  in my Meetup Group it could be a walk along the Embankment or a visit to the British Museum – then on to another completely different Meetup Group in the evening  which might involve languages, knitting, the theatre or the pub, an evening walk around haunted Whitechapel or a choral group!

On the other hand, some people only attend a Meetup once a month or less.  If you are in town just for a couple of days then of course, you won't be a regular.

Please don’t let age deter you.

Many groups attract a variety of ages. It’s up to you to choose the best groups for your situation.Obviously those with arthritic feet won’t be joining a rambling group, but there’s plenty of less energetic events available – eating out, card playing, music, ballroom dancing, etc.

If you can’t find a group to suit you, then consider starting your own! There's a link on the Meetup Groups  site and you will get plenty of help and support.

After your first Meetup event, you will find a whole new London world opening up.

Suddenly this wonderful city won’t be a place where you feel excluded, alienated and lost. Instead, it can be the beginning of a wonderful relationship with one of the most culturally diverse, tolerant and interesting cities in the world.

Further Information:

Here is the link to the main Meetup Group Website, with reference to London Groups.

But there are Meetup Groups in most towns and cities all over the United Kingdom.  There are also Meetup Groups worldwide.

To find a Meetup Group near you, simply fill in the boxes on the main page.