Looking to make new friends in York? From the City Centre and the Shambles to Fulford, Heworth and Bishy Road, this page helps you meet local people for simple plans that suit York’s slower pace — coffee, river walks, markets and relaxed evenings. It’s a straightforward way to widen your circle without organised socials. York is perfect for low-key meet-ups where conversation comes first.
Established in 2005, Drinking Partners is one of the UK’s longest‑running platforms for meeting new people and building genuine friendships.
York is friendly and walkable, but it can feel settled. People have their routines, and it’s easy to stick with the same workmates, neighbours or long‑standing friends. If you’ve moved here, your circle has changed, or you’re simply craving more company, meeting new people doesn’t always happen by accident. That’s especially true if you’re not in a ready-made group through work, study or long-standing friends.
Drinking Partners is built for everyday connection. You message first, find people nearby with similar interests, and suggest an easy plan in a familiar part of town. Keeping it low‑pressure — and meeting again if you click — is what turns a first chat into a proper friendship in York. You stay in control of pace and location, so it feels comfortable even if you’re a bit out of practice meeting new people.
Making friends across York often starts with small, familiar plans rather than big introductions. A café chat near Bishy Road, a walk along the River Ouse, or a wander through the Shambles gives you natural conversation without overthinking it. Because York is compact, it’s realistic to meet again — and that second meet is usually where things begin to feel like a friendship. For a first meet, choose something public and time‑boxed so it stays relaxed. If you click, repeat what worked: the same café, a longer walk, or a market browse. Those repeat, normal plans are what build comfort and turn a new connection into a real part of your week in York. If you’re coming from Fulford or Heworth, meeting nearer the centre keeps it simple. Once you’ve met once, it’s easy to branch out to a quieter neighbourhood café or a longer riverside loop. Friendships here tend to grow through gentle momentum: a small plan, then another, until it feels normal.
Making friends as an adult can feel awkward — Drinking Partners makes it easier, more relaxed, and pressure-free, without meeting in large groups or organised events.
Take things at your own pace and connect in a way that feels right for you.
Whether you have just moved to York 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 York, follow these simple steps:
Share a short intro about yourself and what you enjoy around York. 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 York 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 York looking to make new friends right now:
37 years old
York, North Yorkshire
“Looking to meet real friends (single or couples)…”
65 years old
York, North Yorkshire
“Just enjoy going out...easy to talk to ...like…”
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.
Bishy Road is perfect for a first meet: independent cafés, a relaxed feel, and easy conversation. You can keep it short, see if you click, and if it’s going well extend it with a stroll towards the centre. It suits York’s pace and doesn’t feel like an ‘event’.
Explore →York’s river paths and the walls are ideal for walk-and-talk plans. It’s public, scenic, and gives you a natural route to follow. Walking also takes the pressure off eye contact and silences — you can just chat as you go and keep it as long or short as you like.
Explore →If you like doing something together, York is full of easy options: museums, markets, and wandering the historic streets. Shared curiosity makes conversation flow, and it’s a great way to meet people who enjoy exploring rather than just sitting somewhere for hours. It’s an easy plan to repeat if you get on.
Explore →York does ‘low-key’ well: cosy pubs, casual dinners and early evening plans. Pick somewhere central, keep it comfortable, and focus on conversation. It’s an easy way to meet after work without committing to a full night out — and it’s ideal for building friendships steadily. It’s an easy plan to repeat if you get on.
Explore →Answers to common questions about making friends and meeting people in York.
Yes — especially if you lean into York’s pace. Simple plans like coffee, walks by the Ouse, or a relaxed pub chat work well. Because the city is compact, it’s easy to meet again, which is what turns a first meet into a proper friendship. Repeat plans are easy in a compact city like York. Familiar places help everyone relax. Repeat plans are easy in a compact city like York.
Popular options include cafés around Bishy Road and the City Centre, riverside paths, and relaxed pubs across town. Many people start with something daytime or early evening, then build up to longer plans once they’re comfortable. Familiar places help everyone relax. Repeat plans are easy in a compact city like York. Familiar places help everyone relax. Repeat plans are easy in a compact city like York.
A café chat or a short walk works best — for example near the centre or along the river. It keeps things public, relaxed and time‑boxed. If it goes well, you can extend it naturally, but there’s no pressure to turn it into a long plan. Repeat plans are easy in a compact city like York. Familiar places help everyone relax.
It’s for meeting people and making friends. Many members just want local company for normal plans — coffee, walks, meals, days out — and prefer building connection gradually, without formal dating expectations. Familiar places help everyone relax. Repeat plans are easy in a compact city like York. Familiar places help everyone relax. Repeat plans are easy in a compact city like York.
Want more tips? Read How to make friends after moving to a new city.
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