
Looking to expand your social circle in London but struggling to make connections with work colleagues or housemates? Below are seven activities guaranteed to help you connect with like-minded people - no forced smiles at boring mixers required! And, of course, Dungeons & Dragons nabs the top spot for a reason.
7. Join a Run Club (London City Runners)
Ok, so this one’s coming in 7th place because we know it’s not for everyone, this author, in particular, can’t abide cardio in any form, but it made the list because I genuinely know people who’ve made friends for life (and even formed romantic relationships) from run clubs.
Why It’s Fun
Great for Fitness: Combine socialising with your daily workout.
Steady Routine: You’ll see the same group weekly, making it easier to develop friendships over time.
Shared Achievement: Nothing like crossing a finish line together to bond new pals.
Where To Do It
London City Runners is a great option if you’re looking for activities in Southwark, London.
Potential Downside
LCR suggests you should be able to run 5k without stopping. If you’re not at that level yet, you’ll need to train solo first. But hey, it’s something to aim for!
6. Take a Creative Writing Class
This is in at number 6 because at RPG Taverns, we love to celebrate creativity in any form and there’s nothing quite like learning something new as an adult. It just hits different to when you wanted nothing more than to be on summer holidays as a child.
Why It’s Fun
Unlock Your Creativity: Writing classes offer a structured way to unleash ideas swirling in your head.
Steady Social Circle: You’ll see the same faces each week, making it easier to form genuine friendships.
Real Success Stories: Many participants come away with lifelong pals; one of our team’s relatives met loads of new friends this way.
Where To Do It
Morely College is a great, affordable option in SE1 London.
Potential Downsides
Time Investment: Classes often run for 10 weeks or more, so it’s not a casual drop-in.
Constructive Criticism: You’ll have to share your work and get feedback—which can be nerve-racking but also hugely rewarding.
5. Join a Bookclub
As a self-confessed bookworm, I had to include an option that allowed for reading AND making friends. In at number 5 is one that’s not an idea often brought up in lists of this kind.
Why It’s Fun
Stimulating Conversations: If you enjoy reading, joining a book club is a chance to share opinions and gain fresh perspectives on your favourite (or least favourite) novels.
Meet Fellow Bookworms: Everyone’s there for the same reason: a love of stories. Bonding over literary obsessions is surprisingly easy.
Atmospheric Setting: There’s something cosy and creative about discussing books in a bookshop, away from the city bustle.
Where To Do It
Morocco Bound in Bermondsey would be my venue of choice.
Potential Downside
Love-Hate Debates: If you adored a novel and others rip it to shreds, it can feel personal. Embrace the debate—it might just open your eyes to new viewpoints!
4. Volunteer with GoodGym
As I was browsing Reddit for new hobbies over the Christmas break, I stumbled across something I’d never heard of before: a way of doing something good for the local community and meeting new people, so, in at number 4 is GoodGym.
Why It’s Fun
Fitness Meets Community Service: At GoodGym, you’ll do short runs to help local initiatives—gardening, sorting donations, you name it.
Positive Vibes: It feels brilliant to support your community while staying active.
Easy Conversation Starter: When you’re planting flowers or organising charity clothing, you’re bound to chat and connect.
Where To Do It
All over the place! You just need to search your postcode on their site, and you’ll find initiatives close to you.
Potential Downsides
Honestly, it’s hard to find any. Even if you’re not much of a runner, there are loads of other ways to help out. I guess the only “downside” (if you could call it that) is that the focus is more on helping other than making friends.
3. Board Game Events (Because Monopoly at Home Doesn’t Count)
We couldn’t not include boardgames now, could we? Whilst we don’t offer these sorts of games in our venue, they’ll always hold a special place in our hearts as they’re essentially a gateway to D&D for many people. So, taking the bronze medal and in at number 3 is boardgame cafes…
Why It’s Fun
Instant Ice-Breakers: Sit down with a group of strangers and learn a new game together—zero awkward small talk needed.
Huge Variety: There’s a board game for every taste: strategic war games, quick-fire party games, cooperative mysteries, and more.
Like-Minded Crowd: Board game meetups attract friendly enthusiasts of all ages, so you’ll find new pals who love games as much as you do.
Where To Do It
All Over London - There are boardgame cafes popping up regularly, a lot of them you do need to take a group along with you, but there are plenty of ways to find groups through Facebook or Reddit but probably the best place is our 2nd place entry (no spoilers, you’ll have to scroll to find out!)
Potential Downside
It’s Competitive: Nobody wants to see you flip the table if you lose! Jokes aside, tension can run high in a cutthroat game of, say, “Ticket to Ride.” If you prefer a less competitive vibe, D&D’s cooperative nature might suit you better.
2. Use Meetup.com
This one had to take the Silver Medal simply for the fact that it’s literally designed as a way to make new like-minded friends.
Why It’s Helpful
Huge Variety: From language exchanges to pub quizzes, you’ll find a group for any niche interest.
Easy Browsing: Filter by date, category, or location to find an event that fits your schedule.
Casual Vibe: Many events are free or low-cost, so you can dip in and out as you fancy.
Where To Do It
Meetup.com - and it’s not just limited to London, you can find events all over the world.
Just Don’t Overdo It
Too Many Choices: You might fall into a cycle of attending random events without forming solid friendships. Use Meetup as a springboard, not the entire plan.
1. Play Dungeons & Dragons (Collaborative, Creative, and Ridiculously Fun)
Come on now, we were hardly going to place our beloved D&D in any place other than the Gold-winning number one spot.
Why It’s Fun
It’s Collaborative: Unlike board games where you’re pitted against each other, D&D is all about working together to slay the dragon, outwit the villain, or find the hidden treasure. That spirit of teamwork naturally forges friendships.
You Can Be Yourself—and Someone Else: Role-play a daring rogue or a wise wizard, all while still being you. It creates a comfortable environment to connect with others.
Make Friends Fast: You’d be amazed how quickly rolling dice together turns strangers into best mates.
Flexible Attendance: With venues like RPG Taverns offering drop-in D&D sessions, you can come alone or bring your buddies, play once a week or once a month—no long-term commitment required.
Potential Downsides
There really aren’t any. If you’re worried about feeling “nerdy,” trust us: D&D has gone mainstream, especially in London. It’s a hobby that appeals to all sorts of people looking for a social, imaginative outlet.
Ready to Roll?
Check out RPG Taverns for Dungeons & Dragons in London. From total newbies to seasoned adventurers, everyone’s welcome.
Final Thoughts: Why Dungeons & Dragons Tops the List
Out of all these ways to meet new people in London, Dungeons & Dragons truly stands out. It’s collaborative, imaginative, and tailor-made for building genuine friendships. If you’re keen to jump into a ready-made group and don’t fancy the pressure of one-on-one meetups, book a session at RPG Taverns. You’ll be rolling dice, telling stories, and forging alliances in no time—and might just walk away with a handful of new friends (and a few epic tales to tell).
Looking for Your Next Social Adventure?
Whether you’re picking up a dice bag for Dungeons & Dragons in London, trying your hand at creative writing, or sprinting through the city with GoodGym, remember this: the best way to meet new people is to do something you love (or have always wanted to try). And if you find you don’t love it? Well, at least you’ll come away with a good story—and hopefully a few new mates—along the way.
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