One of the questions we see pop up time and time again on local Facebook and Reddit forums is: how do you meet people in Tonbridge as an adult?
With increasing numbers of us working from home, it’s easy to suddenly find ourselves lacking social connection. Or maybe you’ve recently moved to town and are looking to build your local circle.
Whatever your situation, Tonbridge has a thriving community scene if you know where to look. Here are 21 great ways to get out, meet people, and socialise right on your doorstep.
1/ Book Clubs
There are so many book clubs in Tonbridge that I definitely won’t have listed them all. But here are a few examples:
- Silent Book Club – once a month on a Monday evening at The Nelson Arms;
- Adventure Book Club – hosted by Stand Up Paddle with Ana in winter months
- U3A book club – part of the U3A community (for the retired and semi-retired community)
2/ Arts & Crafts
For art lovers, Tonbridge Art Group might be a great place for you to meet new people and enjoy a hobby. The group hosts regular Monday Art Club sessions and other events.
Craft enthusiasts should keep an eye out on listings for The Market House, which regularly hosts one-off crafting events, like pottery painting.
Knitters can join in with the regular Knit & Natter free events at Tonbridge Library – Mondays from 10:00 to 12:00. There are also regular knitting meet ups at The Market House or outside in summer months – follow Yarns of Anarchy for info.
3/ Amateur Dramatics
The Oast is a member-run community theatre with around ten major productions a year, alongside youth productions and an arts community. You can get involved on stage or backstage, which is useful for people who love theatre but don’t necessarily want to act.
Great for: acting, directing, costumes, lighting, set-building, stage management and meeting a ready-made community of people.
LAMPS is another local theatre group in Tonbridge – find the full details here.
4/ Running Clubs & Park Run
Tonbridge Athletic Club
A large, volunteer-run athletics club based at Tonbridge School, with adult and veteran athletes as well as younger members.
Here Comes The Girls / Run & Talk
A women-focused social running group with an emphasis on social and mental wellbeing. Sessions are listed from Tonbridge Swimming Pool on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Fordy Runs & Scrambled Leggs
Fordy Runs is a group designed for beginner runners, that meets every Wednesday in Tonbridge. Once a month, Scrambled Leggs running club and Fordy Runs meet at Fuggles bar for a 5km run followed by a free drink.
Find our full guide to Tonbridge local running clubs here.
Park Run
A regular Saturday morning fixture in Tonbridge – it’s very well attended and there’s always a chance to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
5/ U3A
If you are retired or semi-retired, Tonbridge u3a is an incredible social hub and has over 1,200 members. Activities include walking, cycling, book circles, chess, creative writing, kayaking, singing, art, languages, photography, gardening, croquet, bridge and much more.
6/ Women’s Institute (WI)
If you’ve always thought the WI was just about jam and cake, think again. Local WI groups combine talks, activities, campaigns, outings and plenty of tea and conversation. Get in touch with South Tonbridge WI for more info.
7/ Poetry & Creative Writing
For poets, consider joining Roundel Poetry Society for one of their regular meet ups in central Tonbridge.
Elsewhere, regular creative writing classes are held at the Angel Centre (see Jeremy Robinson info here) and at the Adult Education Centre too.
8/ Remote working spaces
If you’re craving the chance to network whilst you work, why not try a co-working space? In Tonbridge, Castle Lodge offers the chance to rent a dedicated desk space.
There are also more informal options – many remote workers visit The Market House, 65mm and other coffee shops around town.
9/ Sports Clubs
Tonbridge is lucky to have lots of different sports clubs – you could try Volleyball, Baseball, Netball, or Boxing, to name just a few.
10/ Tonbridge Free Social Events
Tonbridge has lots of wonderful social events, that are often free. Throughout the summer, River Walk Music festival is a regular Friday night fixture, Tonbridge Pride tends to take place in August and there are many other events held at the castle too.
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11/ Walk Tonbridge Events & Walking Clubs
Walk Tonbridge runs relaxed social walks around Tonbridge and beyond, explicitly positioning itself as a way to meet people. Recent events have included walks around Hildenborough, Penshurst and social evening walks ending with an optional drink. Check out the website for the latest listings.
Aside from Walk Tonbridge, there are also walking clubs that regularly host events in and around town. You can find our full guide to local walking groups here.
12/ Yoga & Pilates
Yoga and Pilates can be a really great chance to meet people locally. Candice Machtus is a local instructor who hosts friendly classes. As are Two Wandering Yogis. For pregnant ladies or mothers with babies, Hannah Applegreen hosts regular classes.
There are also some great options for pilates in Tonbridge. Ismini hosts a range of different pilates classes in central Tonbridge, including barre classes too. Whilst the new Reformer Pilates studio offers the chance to join a small group class.
13/ Quiz Nights
Tonbridge has a number of quiz nights hosted regularly at pubs throughout town. You can find our guide to quizzing locally here.
14/ JJ Geekery & Gaming Activities
Gaming is becoming more and more popular with a wide range of people. Whether it’s board games or card collecting – start with JJ Geekery. It’s a fantastic social hub and guaranteed to point you in the direction of more events.
15/ Church & Spiritual Meetings
Local faith communities offer welcoming social groups, coffee mornings, and community support networks.
- Tonbridge Parish Church (St Peter & St Paul)
- Tonbridge Baptist Church
- St Stephen’s Tonbridge
- Tonbridge Spiritualist Centre
16/ Singing
If you’re keen of voice, a singing group may a great way for you to meet people locally. Soul Choirs meets regularly on a Tuesday, Tuneless Choir is an option for people who “wouldn’t dream of joining a normal choir”, Tonbridge Philharmonic rehearse on Wednesdays and the Rock Choir rehearse on Thursdays.
17/ Volunteering
Volunteering can be a great way to meet people locally. There are foodbanks, like Sustain or FEAST, which are often looking for volunteers. On the high street, many of the charity shops need new staff. Check out the Kent Volunteers page for more information.
18/ Niche Interest Groups
There are also lots of wonderful niche interest groups in Tonbridge – for example, investment groups, business owner networks, chess groups. Just search on Facebook or Google to find more info for your particular passion.
19/ Paddle Boarding & Canoeing
With the River Medway running right through town, water sports are ever popular. Both paddle boarding and canoeing are sociable sports, offering the chance to meet new people and mingle in a casual setting.
Check out Epic Life, who do regular social paddle nights throughout summer – these are no pressure paddles, a chance to chat if you want to. Stand up paddle board with Ana runs various events, including a Friday “Ladies who launch” regular event.
The Tonbridge Canoe Club is also a great option, members can take part in regular training events and get-togethers.
20/ Gym & Workout Sessions
Gyms in Tonbridge are great social spaces. Definition is a popular choice with classes and workout space, Snap Fitness is also known for having a good social atmosphere, Anatomy Gym is also a popular choice – just to name a few. The Angel Centre also offers more affordable classes and gym membership and is welcoming to newcomers.
21/ Bowls Clubs
Tonbridge has a few options for bowling enthusiasts. Angel Indoor Bowls offers the chance to play inside, whatever the weather. Whilst Tonbridge Bowling Club offers outdoor sessions near to Longmead. Both clubs invite new members and often have trial sessions.
Run a club, group, class or social event in Tonbridge?
If your activity helps adults get out, meet people and make new connections, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with The Tonbridge Bean and we’ll look at adding it to our growing list.
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