Looking to make new friends in Bath? Connect with friendly locals for relaxed meet-ups, walks, coffee chats and easy plans that fit around your week.

Established in 2005, Drinking Partners is one of the UK’s longest-running platforms for meeting new people and making genuine friendships.
Bath is a beautiful, walkable city with plenty going on — but it can still feel surprisingly hard to meet new people once you’re out of student life or settled into work and routine. Drinking Partners helps you connect with people nearby who are also open to new friendships.
It’s built for socialising, not dating. Say hello, start a conversation, and meet up in a relaxed way when it suits you — whether that’s a coffee, a stroll, or a simple plan in town.
Bath is a small, welcoming city, but once people settle into routines it can still feel surprisingly hard to meet new people as an adult. Social life here tends to be calm and familiar, which means new friendships often need a gentle nudge rather than a big social event. Whether you’re based in the City Centre, around Widcombe or Oldfield Park, or up towards Lansdown and Bathwick, it’s easy to connect with people nearby who are also open to making new friends. Many connections start with simple plans — a coffee in town, a relaxed walk, or a low-key catch-up after work. Bath also draws people from nearby places like Bristol, Wells, Salisbury and Gloucester, so it’s common to meet people who live just outside the city but spend time here. Drinking Partners helps you meet people locally and take things one step at a time — no pressure to join groups, no expectations, just comfortable, everyday connections.
Making friends as an adult can feel awkward — especially in a city like Bath, where people often fall into established routines. Drinking Partners keeps things simple, relaxed and pressure-free, without the need for large groups or organised events.
Take things at your own pace and connect in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Whether you have just moved to Bath or want to widen your circle, it is straightforward to meet local people here.
Follow these steps to connect over shared interests, message freely and plan meet that feel comfortable.
It only takes a few minutes to get started:
To get the most out of Drinking Partners and begin to meet new people in Bath, follow these simple steps:

Share a short intro about yourself and what you enjoy around Bath. Pick your interests so locals know how to start the conversation.

Add a recent photo to help people recognise you. Profiles with clear photos get more replies and appear higher in local results.

Use GPS search or filter by neighbourhoods across Bath to find people nearby. Save your favourite profiles and searches for quick access.

Messaging is free, so say hello to people with similar interests. Swap a few messages to see if you get on and keep the pace relaxed.

Set alerts for new people near you, message reads and profile views. Pause notifications or hide your profile whenever you need a break.

When you are ready, suggest meeting in a cafe, park or another public place. Group settings, activities and daytime meet keep things relaxed and safe.
A quick call or video chat first can help break the ice and make meeting up feel natural. You’re always in control — choose who you talk to, take things at your own pace, and only meet when you’re comfortable.
Short, practical guides to help you meet people and make new friends without the pressure.
Real people in Bath looking to make new friends right now:
44 years old
Bath, Somerset
“Hardworking, fun, girlie and independent. I’m looking to…”
There’s no single way to make friends — people connect in all sorts of everyday ways.
Pick an idea and start a conversation that suits you.
A relaxed coffee is a popular first meet in Bath — simple, public and easy to keep pressure-free. Many friendships here start with an easy chat and turn into regular catch-ups.
Explore →Bath suits calm, low-key plans. A gentle walk is a natural way to talk without the pressure of sitting face-to-face — ideal if you prefer something unstructured.
Explore →Gym sessions, yoga classes and beginner-friendly activities help people connect through shared routines — a great fit for Bath’s relaxed pace of life.
Explore →Bath has plenty going on culturally, which makes first meet-ups feel easier. A cinema night, exhibition or local event gives you a shared focus and easy conversation.
Explore →Answers to common questions about making friends and meeting people in Bath.
Yes — but it can take a little time once routines are established. Lots of people in Bath are open to meeting new faces after moving, changing jobs, or wanting more connection. Starting with a simple first meet (like a coffee or short walk) usually feels most natural.
Common options include casual coffee catch-ups, relaxed walks, beginner-friendly classes and shared interests. Many people prefer chatting online first, then meeting somewhere public and comfortable.
Absolutely. Drinking Partners is designed for friendship and socialising, not dating. You can connect with locals over shared interests and take things at your own pace.
You’re not alone — many members join for that reason. Keep it simple: introduce yourself, mention what you like doing, and suggest an easy first plan like coffee or a short walk so it feels comfortable.
Want more tips? Read How to make friends after moving to a new city.
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