Have you done an activity or hobby where you've made new friends?

[hedgehogsinthehedgerow]

And if so, what please. I would love to make some new friends this year. I have tried evening classes before a while back which was nice, but then when the course ended (8 weeks) nobody stayed in touch. I have tried the gym too but not met anyone there. I'm willing to give anything a try really except running or cycling! Any ideas?

Every sport I've done, I've made friends. None of them were running or cycling 😁

Sorry no help as made a lot of friends from running!

I also made friends in amateur dramatics.

Choir

The gym, but not for the first few years!

An evening class (sewing). The trick was to set up a glass WhatsApp group.

Book club, but I was invited by a friend so that might be cheating...

Good luck!

I go open water swimming and I’ve never encountered a friendlier happier bunch of people in my life.
There’s a huge amount of people who hang around after for tea and cake by the fire post swim, lots of people have made friends there. I don’t hang around myself (always need to come home to warm up!) but when I go on my own I always end up nattering to someone once I get in, sometimes I’ll see them again and we give a cheery hello and other times I’ve never seen them again but enjoyed the pleasure of their company.
It’s not for everyone and if you don’t already do it I’d suggest waiting for warmer water temps but if you have anything local I can’t recommend it enough. It’s my feel good place, I love going - the sense of supportive community feeling is so strong and encouraging.

Cycling...

Sorry.

parkrun! No need to run, just volunteer! Or walk it...that is absolutely fine too.

Bridge. It's great fun. Good for the brain and very sociable.

Horse riding? Bit different as I've got my own but majority of my friends are from the horsey world

Wild swimming / open water. Such comeraderie, great endorphins... I've made fabulous friends through it. We have weekends away and loads of fun. If you look on Facebook you'll find a local group to tag along with. I've never come across a more inclusive community - no-one cares about wobbly bits or hairy legs. It's just about getting together and having a dip. It's great for your wellbeing too.

I got a dog! I joined an obedience class and local facebook dog groups - I met a group of women looking for dog walking pals and made a number of new friends that way.

Same, although I’m out of the loop because I lost my horse, but it’s very immersive (and expensive!)

Girl guiding voluntaring helped me settled then we moved. So much fun and new friends.

My husband went rugby and football practise and found new friends.

I'd second parkrun. I've become friendly with all the people who run at the same (slow) time as me. Everyone is always really grateful to the volunteers if you don't want run and most parkruns have a nominated cafe that people go to afterwards.

The gym (although as a PP said it can take a while) & volunteering for my local cat rescue.

Rock and roll dance lessons. My cousin dragged me along. She is now married to someone she met through the group and we still have close friends from those days.

This was abroad, but our local area ran various, short courses. 1 night a week for about 8 weeks. Language classes, various cookery classes, fitness etc. 1 did an intro to massage therapy and was friendly with another woman in the group for years, until I moved to the UK. I also did cooking classes and pilates for many weeks, but never made any long term friends from those.

What are you into OP? You might find a walking group, gardening group, craft activity in your area.

Choir
set up my own bookclub ( 17 yrs old this month)

Fishing! Albeit it's my sons club, but the parents and coaches are all really friendly. It's the only kids activity I actually look forward to.

Also I now go fishing myself and have joined a club in my own right. Absolutely love it. 🥰

Another vote for choir

Me too, stayed friends with lots of different people, married one of them too. Book group also great for making friends.

Yes, I went to a general craft group in the local community hub. Made a few friends there.

Joined a tennis club. I went to an open day, took out a membership and started having lessons. A year later, my coach put together a new ladies doubles team and we’ve all become really good friends, we have regular nights out together as well as our weekly lessons and league matches.

A friend did Morris dancing and said everyone was so friendly. She said it was great for her mental health too as she'd come away laughing every time as she felt silly doing it but she said it made her feel great.

I think it's possible anywhere, but you have to be proactive.

I find anything where working together is imperative is easier (so not evening classes generally), things like team sports, choir, amature dramatics, improv etc.