In short
The best over-50 social options in Exeter are u3a Exeter for daytime learning groups, Men in Sheds for practical company, rambling and bowls clubs for gentle activity, and social dining — including Dinners With Friends tables — for evenings. Most cost little or nothing to try.
The Diary Gets Quieter. It Doesn't Have To Stay That Way.
There's a particular kind of loneliness that arrives in your fifties and sixties. It's not dramatic. It doesn't announce itself. It creeps in gradually — through retirement, redundancy, children leaving home, a partner's death, a move to a new area, or simply the slow drift that happens when the workplace that structured your social life for decades is no longer there.
For many people over 50, work was more than a job. It was where the conversations happened, where the friendships formed, where the daily rhythm of being around other humans kept isolation at bay. When that structure disappears — whether by choice or circumstance — it can leave a gap that's surprisingly difficult to fill.
The good news is that Exeter is one of the best cities in the South West for people who want to rebuild or expand their social life after 50. The city has an extraordinary range of groups, clubs, activities, and organisations specifically designed for older adults, alongside a wider community scene that welcomes everyone. You don't need to be retired to benefit from any of this — if you're semi-retired, working part-time, or simply finding that your social diary has thinned out, this guide is for you.
If you're navigating a transition — retirement, moving to Devon, adjusting to a quieter life — you might also find our guide on why making friends after 30 feels so hard relevant. The challenges it describes only intensify with age, but so do the rewards of addressing them.
Learning and Intellectual Stimulation
Exeter U3A (University of the Third Age)
The Exeter U3A is one of the city's most valuable resources for people who've finished full-time employment or raising a family. The concept is beautifully simple: members form interest groups where they learn from each other and engage in activities together. Membership is a modest annual subscription, and it's open to anyone who has finished full-time work or raising a family.
There are currently over 60 different interest groups running, covering an extraordinary breadth of subjects: sciences, languages (including Italian conversation, French conversation, and intermediate Latin), history, Devon and Exeter local history, mythology, drawing, economics, gardening, cycling, exercise, choir, keep-fit, mahjong, poetry, and more. Most groups meet weekly or fortnightly, and the atmosphere is friendly, informal, and completely non-competitive.
General meetings are usually held on the fourth Thursday of the month at Mint Methodist Church on Fore Street, with guest speakers covering a variety of topics. There's time to socialise over tea and coffee before the talk begins — and that social element is, for many members, the real draw.
If you've been thinking about learning something new — or picking up something you set aside decades ago — the U3A is a genuinely excellent starting point. The barriers to entry are practically non-existent, and the people you'll meet are engaged, curious, and welcoming.
The Exeter Forum
The Exeter Forum is a long-established social group for retired professionals. Members assemble from 10:15am with coffee and socialising, with a weekly talk starting at around 10:45am and typically ending at about noon. Speakers cover a wide range of topics — history, science, the arts, health, civic issues — and the standard is consistently high.
What makes the Forum particularly appealing is its sub-groups. Alongside the weekly talk, walking and music-appreciation groups run for members; other sub-groups have not all restarted since the pandemic, so check the current programme before joining for a particular one.
It's the kind of organisation that works precisely because it's consistent. You know where to be, when to be there, and that you'll find good company when you arrive.
The Devon and Exeter Institution
The Devon and Exeter Institution on Cathedral Close is a historic independent library and cultural centre with a Members' Book Group and a regular programme of talks, events, and exhibitions. It's a beautiful building with a particular atmosphere — quiet, intellectual, and slightly old-fashioned in the best possible way. If you're a reader, our comprehensive guide to book clubs and literary events in Exeter covers everything from Silent Book Club to the annual Book Market on Cathedral Green.
University of Exeter Retired Staff Association (UERSA)
If you worked at the university — in any capacity — UERSA organises a varied programme of social events throughout the year, including a Coffee Morning on the last Tuesday of most months and several special interest groups covering topics from local history to photography. It's a good option if you want to maintain connections with former colleagues while meeting people from different departments and disciplines.
The U3A alone could fill a social calendar. With more than sixty interest groups and a modest annual subscription, it's one of the most affordable and varied social resources in Exeter — and the people you'll meet are genuinely interesting.
Physical Activity and Outdoor Groups
Walking Groups
Exeter and the surrounding Devon countryside offer some of the finest walking in England, and there's no shortage of groups to enjoy it with.
The Exeter and District Ramblers run a full programme of walks throughout the year: longer walks of 8-12 miles on Sundays, shorter mid-walks of 5-7 miles on Thursdays, and occasional gentler ambles of up to 3 miles. You can try three walks without joining, and the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive.
The Exeter Rambling Club organises walks on most Sundays and some weekdays, covering Dartmoor, Exmoor, the South West Coast Path, and rural Devon. Again, you're welcome to attend two or three walks before deciding whether to join.
The U3A also runs its own walking group, and there's an easy-to-moderate walks Meetup group for the Exeter area, with walks generally between 3 and 8 miles.
For something different, Exe Nordic Walking offers group Nordic walking sessions in Exeter — a full-body workout that's easier on the joints than running and enormously social. The instructor has announced a break for 2027, so check the booking page before planning ahead.
Bowls
Bowls is thriving in Exeter, and it's one of the most sociable sports going. The city has several clubs that welcome new members of all abilities.
Exonia Bowls Club has been running since 1901 and is located close to the University and the city centre. Heavitree Bowls Club has an excellent social programme with events throughout the year and day trips to other clubs. St Thomas Bowling Club is friendly, welcoming, and always looking for new members. There are also over-60s league competitions during the summer season for anyone who fancies something a little more competitive.
If you've never tried bowls, most clubs will lend you equipment and show you the ropes. The learning curve is gentle, the social side is strong, and the pace is entirely manageable.
Parkrun
Exeter Riverside Parkrun is a free weekly 5k held every Saturday morning at 9am on the Quay. You can walk, jog, or run — there's no minimum pace, and the crowd genuinely spans all ages and abilities. Registration is free and takes two minutes online. It's one of the most inclusive community events in the city, and the post-run coffee is as important as the run itself.
Swimming
St Sidwell's Point leisure centre has a 25-metre pool, a learner pool, and a confidence pool — alongside a gym, group exercise classes, and a rooftop spa. Riverside Leisure Centre offers a similar setup. Both are well-maintained and welcoming for all ages.
Golf
Devon has some of the finest golf courses in the South West, and many of them have active social memberships that include competitions, society days, and clubhouse events alongside the golf itself. If you're looking for a sport that combines exercise, fresh air, and a reliable four hours of conversation, golf delivers. Our guide to the best golf courses in Devon covers the options in detail.
The Green Circle Walk
For something you can do any day of the week without joining anything, Exeter's Green Circle is a 12-mile urban nature trail that loops around the city through green spaces, river paths, and surprisingly rural stretches. It's divided into five manageable sections of roughly two to three miles each — Alphin Brook, Hoopern Valley, Ludwell Valley, Mincinglake and Redhills. Bring a friend, take it at your own pace, and stop for coffee along the way. Our free things to do in Exeter guide has more detail.
If you enjoy getting outdoors, our guide to the best walking routes in Exeter and Devon for socialising has detailed routes, distances, and pub stop recommendations for groups of all abilities.
Specifically for Men
Men in Sheds Exeter
Men in Sheds Exeter offers men over 50 the opportunity to meet regularly in a workshop environment — fixing, making, and adapting products while having a cup of tea and a conversation. The shed is now based at Hospiscare's warehouse on Trusham Road in Marsh Barton.
The Men's Shed movement exists because men, in particular, can struggle to maintain social connections after retirement. The workplace was often their primary social environment, and without it, many men find themselves increasingly isolated. Sheds address this directly: they give you a reason to show up, something to do with your hands, and people to talk to while you're doing it.
If this resonates with you, our piece on the men's friendship crisis explores the broader pattern — and why spaces like Men in Sheds matter so much.
Age UK Activities for Men
Age UK Devon runs low-impact activity sessions designed for older adults — slower-paced, low-pressure, and open to men and women. Check their current programme for what's running near you. The emphasis is on participation rather than competition, and the social element is as important as the exercise.
Specifically for Women
The WI (Women's Institute)
The Devon Federation of Women's Institutes has branches across the county, and you can search for your nearest group on their website. Each WI meets at least once a month, with many running several special interest sub-groups that also meet regularly. Meetings typically feature a speaker, demonstration, or activity, and the range is far broader than the "jam and Jerusalem" stereotype suggests.
The WI is particularly good at what it does: creating a reliable, welcoming space where women can meet other women in their local area. If you've moved to Devon recently, or if your social circle has contracted, it's worth trying.
Zest Singles
Zest Singles is designed specifically for singles over 50 who want a social life that doesn't revolve around dating apps. Founded and run by Sarah Briggs, the club runs a busy year-round programme across Exeter and the surrounding area — midweek suppers, weekend brunches, guided walks, cultural outings, and local experiences. Recent events have included summer suppers at Darts Farm and Il Grano, speed dating for the 50-65s at Browns, Red Coat guided walks, and cycle rides from Exeter Quay to Turf Locks.
Despite the name, the focus is social rather than romantic. It's one of the best-run social clubs in Devon for the over-50s.
Social Dining and Evening Groups
Dinners With Friends
We built Dinners With Friends because we believe that sitting down with a small group of interesting strangers over a good meal is one of the most natural and effective ways to form new connections. Our curated dinner events take place at some of Exeter's best restaurants, with groups of ten to twelve people who don't know each other. There's a host to make introductions and keep things flowing, and the format is deliberately relaxed — no name badges, no networking, no pressure.
It works because shared meals have always been how humans bond. The table is the great equaliser. Age, background, and profession fade into the background when the food arrives and the conversation starts flowing. If you've been looking for a way to meet new people that doesn't involve standing in a room full of strangers or committing to a weekly club, this might be exactly what you need.
Exeter Social Group (Devon Social Group)
The Exeter Social Group — the same organisation that trades as Devon Social Group — organises dining events, themed dinner and disco nights, weekend breaks, and days out across Exeter and wider Devon. Membership is affordable, and all events are designed so that people can attend alone and feel immediately included.
Exeter Socials
Exeter Socials on Meetup is one of the most active social groups in the South West, with an impressive range of events: dining out, film and theatre nights, comedy shows, concerts, walks, exhibitions, card and games nights, pub quizzes, and more. The group is open to all ages and runs events throughout the year.
Dance and Creative Arts
Dance AM
Dance AM runs ballroom, Latin and sequence classes on Thursday mornings, 10:15am to 12.30pm, at Alphington Village Hall on Ide Lane, with a second class on Wednesday mornings at The America Hall in Pinhoe. Tea and coffee are included. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and no partner or experience is needed.
Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix runs creative classes and workshops open to all ages. The arts centre also hosts cinema screenings, exhibitions, and live events that make for excellent social outings — particularly if you prefer something a bit more culturally stimulating than a pub quiz.
Book Clubs
The Exeter Book Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month, but has been closed to new members since 2025 and remains at capacity — its own site points newcomers to Silent Book Club instead. The Chapter 25 Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 7:30pm at Browns Exeter on Haven Road, and is a better bet if you want to join something now.
Exeter's Cultural Calendar
Beyond organised clubs, Exeter has a rich cultural calendar that's worth building into your diary. The theatres and comedy venues run regular matinee performances that are perfect for daytime outings. RAMM (the Royal Albert Memorial Museum) on Queen Street is free to enter and runs changing exhibitions throughout the year. And the Red Coat Guided Tours — free walking tours led by passionate local historians — run daily and are one of the city's finest offerings for anyone who enjoys Exeter's extraordinary history.
For a proper day out beyond the city, our guides to Topsham, Budleigh Salterton, and Sidmouth cover some of the loveliest spots within easy reach. The Exe Estuary Trail is particularly popular with older adults — flat, scenic, and with plenty of stops for refreshments along the way.
Lunch Clubs and Community Dining
Age UK Exeter runs lunch clubs that meet weekly or monthly — a chance to go out and enjoy a hot meal with others in a hall or community centre. Some clubs offer transport to and from the venue, and the format often includes guest speakers, games, or music alongside the meal. You pay in advance and simply show up.
The Filo Project is another excellent option — it gives older people the chance to spend a day socialising and having lunch with a small group of others, and it runs across Devon, including in and around Exeter.
These aren't glamorous, but they serve a vital purpose. For people who live alone, a regular lunch club can be the anchor of the week — a guaranteed reason to get dressed, leave the house, and spend time in the company of other people.
If money is a concern, most of the groups and activities in this guide are free or very affordable. Our guide to socialising through the cost of living crisis has practical strategies for maintaining a social life without stretching the budget.
Frequently asked questions
- What social groups exist for over-50s in Exeter?
- u3a Exeter runs dozens of interest groups, Men in Sheds offers practical workshop company, there are walking groups, bowls clubs, dance classes, lunch clubs, and evening social dining like Dinners With Friends.
- What is u3a and how do I join in Exeter?
- The u3a (University of the Third Age) is a national network of learning and interest groups for people no longer in full-time work — Exeter's branch runs everything from languages to walking groups for a small annual fee.
- Are there groups specifically for older men in Exeter?
- Yes — Men in Sheds provides workshop space and company built around practical projects, and the city's bowls clubs offer sport at a manageable pace with a strong social side.
- How do I start being social again after 50?
- Pick one recurring commitment — a weekly group beats a one-off event — and give it three visits before judging. Regularity is what turns acquaintances into friends.
Making the First Move
The hardest part of any of this is the first visit. Walking into a room where you don't know anyone, at any age, takes courage. At 55 or 65 or 75, when your confidence might have taken a few knocks and the world feels like it's designed for younger, busier people, it can feel even harder.
But here's what everyone who's done it will tell you: the people in these groups were in exactly the same position before they joined. They understand the awkwardness of a first visit because they've been through it themselves. And almost without exception, these organisations go out of their way to make newcomers feel welcome — because they know that the person standing nervously at the door today could be the person who brings something wonderful to the group tomorrow.
Start with one thing. Just one. Pick the group that interests you most, check when they next meet, and go. You don't need to commit to anything beyond a single visit. Most groups offer a trial period — the U3A, the Ramblers, the Forum, the bowling clubs — so there's no pressure to sign up before you've had a chance to see whether it's right for you.
And if the first thing you try doesn't click, try something else. Exeter has enough options that you'll find your people. It might just take a couple of attempts.
Social life after 50 isn't about recreating what you had before. It's about building something new — something that fits the person you are now, with the time and energy you actually have. Exeter is a city that makes that possible. If you're looking for broader social options, our complete guide to social clubs in Exeter covers groups for all ages. And if you're single and open to dating, our honest guide to dating in Exeter covers speed dating events specifically for the over-50s, alongside practical advice for navigating romance in a small city.