Over 50s Singles Nights, Clubs, Groups and Holidays: What They're Really Like
Singles events for the over 50s have never been more popular. Across the UK there are singles nights in hotels and bars, supper clubs, walking groups, dance classes, speed dating evenings and whole holidays designed for people travelling on their own. For anyone who'd rather meet face to face than spend evenings on a screen, they're a wonderful option.
They can also be daunting. Walking into a room full of strangers on your own takes nerve at any age, and it's hard to know in advance whether an event will suit you. This guide explains what each kind of over 50s singles event is really like, who tends to go, and how to get the most from it. It also explains a trick many of our members use: meeting someone online first, so you never have to walk in alone.
Singles Nights for the Over 50s
Over 50s singles nights usually take place in a hotel function room, a bar with a private area or a local club. Some are simply a social evening with music; others add a little structure, like an icebreaker game or a host who makes introductions. Numbers vary from a dozen to a hundred or more.
What they're good for: meeting lots of people in one evening, getting a feel for the local single scene, and having a night out. Many people go with a friend and treat it as a sociable evening rather than a hunt for a partner, which takes the pressure off.
What to watch for: women often outnumber men, sometimes by quite a margin, and regulars can know each other well, which can feel cliquey on your first visit. Go more than once before you decide.
Over 50s Singles Clubs and Groups
Singles clubs for the over 50s run a regular programme of activities: meals out, quiz nights, theatre trips, walks and weekends away. You join, keep an eye on the events list, and go to the ones that appeal. Single groups for over 50s often grow out of a shared interest too, such as walking, cycling, dancing or photography.
What they're good for: friendship first, romance sometimes. Because you see the same faces regularly, relationships have time to develop naturally. Many members say they joined for company and stayed for the friendships.
What to watch for: clubs vary enormously in size, age range and atmosphere. Ask about the typical age of members and go to an introductory event before committing to a programme.
Speed Dating Over 50 and Over 60
Speed dating for over 50s works the same way as it does for younger people. You have a few minutes with each person, a bell rings, and you move on. At the end, you tick the people you'd like to see again, and if they've ticked you, the organiser puts you in touch.
What it's good for: meeting a lot of people quickly, and it's surprisingly good fun once you relax. It also forces a decision, which some people find helpful.
What to watch for: four minutes isn't long, and some lovely people come across as nervous. If you're unsure about someone, it's worth ticking them anyway.
Singles Holidays for Over 50s
Singles holidays for the over 50s have become hugely popular, from short breaks in the UK to coach tours, walking holidays, cruises and activity weeks abroad. They're designed for people travelling on their own, so you're never the odd one out at dinner.
What they're good for: company, adventure and a ready-made group of people to explore with. Many people book a singles holiday for the travel and the friendships, and find romance is a happy bonus rather than the point.
What to watch for: most groups have more women than men, and holidays are about the group rather than pairing off. If finding a partner is your main aim, use the holiday to enjoy yourself and keep meeting people at home too. Short breaks for singles over 50 are a good way to try the idea before committing to a longer trip.
How to Walk In Already Knowing Someone
Here's the thing that makes the biggest difference: you don't have to go to any of these events alone. Many Older Hearts members meet someone online, chat for a while, and then suggest going to a singles night, a walk or a supper club together. It's a relaxed first date with built-in conversation, other people around, and an easy way to see how you get on.
Others use the group chat room to find a few people who are going to the same kind of events locally, and arrange to meet there. Walking into a room where you already know a friendly face changes everything.
On Older Hearts you can search by location to find members near you, message them in your own time, chat in the group room or one-to-one, and arrange to meet when you're ready, all from your laptop or phone with nothing to install. If you're in your sixties, our guide to over 60s dating in the UK has more ideas for where to meet people. And for a sense of who you might meet, have a look at our page on where single women over 50 meet people now.
Making the Most of Any Singles Event
Go more than once. First visits are always the most awkward. By the third, you'll recognise faces and feel at home.
Say yes to the activities. Quizzes, dancing and icebreakers feel silly for about five minutes, then they're the easiest way to start a conversation.
Ask questions. People love to talk about their travels, families and hobbies. Showing interest is the quickest way to be good company.
Don't decide too fast. Some of the best relationships start with "I wasn't sure about him at first." Give people a second conversation.
Keep safety in mind. Make your own way there and back, keep your drink with you, and don't share your address until you know someone well.
You can find all the basics of getting started on our older dating homepage.
Over 50s Singles Events: Questions
What are over 50s singles nights like?
Most over 50s singles nights are relaxed social evenings in a hotel, bar or club, with music, drinks and sometimes a host or icebreaker to get people talking. They attract anything from a dozen to over a hundred people, often with more women than men. Many people go with a friend and treat it as a night out. They're a good way to meet lots of people at once, though it can take a couple of visits before you feel at home.
Are singles holidays for over 50s good for meeting a partner?
They're excellent for company, travel and friendship, and some people do meet a partner on one. But most singles holidays are about the group rather than pairing off, and women often outnumber men. The best approach is to book one because you'll enjoy the trip, and see romance as a bonus. If finding a partner is your main aim, combine holidays with meeting people online and locally at home.
How do I find singles clubs for over 50s near me?
Search for over 50s singles clubs and social groups in your area, ask at your local library or community centre, and look at clubs built around interests you enjoy, such as walking, dancing or theatre. Another route is to meet people online first and ask what they go to locally. On Older Hearts, the group chat room is a good place to find members near you who enjoy the same kinds of events.
Is speed dating worth trying over 60?
Yes, if you go with a sense of humour. Speed dating over 60 is a quick way to meet a lot of people in one evening, and many people enjoy it far more than they expected. A few minutes isn't long to judge someone, so be generous with your ticks and give nervous people the benefit of the doubt. It works well alongside online dating, where you can get to know people at a gentler pace.
I'm nervous about going alone. What can I do?
You're far from the only one. Take a friend, or meet someone online first and go together, which turns the event into an easy first date. Arrive near the start, when everyone is still finding their feet, and say yes to any icebreakers. Most people at these events feel just as nervous, and are delighted when someone friendly says hello.