- Women only
- Friendship, not dating
- Free to join
- Local guide
- October 19, 2026
Make Friends on the Isle of Wight, from Ryde Pier to Cowes
Almost 30% of Isle of Wight residents are aged 65 and over, well beyond the regional share, and Ryde Pier has welcomed visitors since 1814.
140,700+
Isle of Wight residents, mid-2025 population estimate (ONS)
29%
of islanders are 65 or over, against 19% across the South East (ONS, Census 2021)
44%
of island households own their home outright, against 34% for the wider region (ONS, 2021)
Island libraries keep a busy diary
Knit and Natter at Lord Louis Library in Newport, on the first and third Thursdays, is a friendly way to make friends on the Isle of Wight. Ryde Library has a colouring club on Wednesday afternoons, Cowes Library runs an adult games club on Mondays, and Medina parkrun sets off from Seaclose Park in Newport at 9am on Saturdays. Gofrendly gives island women another way to meet.
Isle of Wight questions, Newport to Ryde
When does Knit and Natter meet at Lord Louis Library?
Knit and Natter meets at Lord Louis Library on Orchard Street in Newport on the month’s first Thursday from 10am to noon and its third Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. The library is closed on Wednesdays, so check before travelling across the Isle of Wight.
Is there a parkrun on the Isle of Wight?
Yes. Medina parkrun takes place in Seaclose Park in Newport every Saturday at 9am, with runners meeting at Medina Leisure Centre. It is the only 5k parkrun on the Isle of Wight, and walkers and volunteers are welcome to join the Newport start line.
Which Isle of Wight libraries close midweek?
Lord Louis Library in Newport closes on Wednesdays, Ryde Library on Thursdays and Cowes Library on both Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ryde opens late, until 7pm, on Wednesdays, which suits anyone working on the Isle of Wight who wants an evening group.
How can women on the Isle of Wight find friends?
Gofrendly, a women-only friendship app, helps women on the Isle of Wight see who lives nearby, whether in Newport, Ryde or Cowes, and message before meeting. A coffee at the Quay Café or a library group is an easy first plan.
Life on the Isle of Wight, town by town
The Isle of Wight sits across the Solent from Portsmouth and Southampton, with Newport at its centre, Ryde on the north-east coast and Cowes at the mouth of the Medina. Almost 30% of islanders are 65 and over and around 44% of homes are owned outright, each far higher than the regional figures. If you have moved here, come back after time away or simply see less of old friends, joining something regular is the fastest way to build a circle on the island.
Island life can feel lonely in winter, when the visitors have gone and the evenings draw in. Quay Arts on Sea Street in Newport runs adult pottery, stained glass and life drawing courses this autumn, and its café hosts folk and Irish music sessions. 1Leisure Medina on Fairlee Road has an indoor pool, and Northwood Cemetery in Cowes, cared for by its Friends group, holds a 2026 Green Flag. Where to start:
1
Lord Louis Library on Orchard Street in Newport, where Knit and Natter meets twice a month and readers gather monthly.
2
Ryde Library on George Street, home of a Wednesday colouring club.
3
Quay Arts in Newport, with autumn classes and the Quay Café.
4
1Leisure Medina on Fairlee Road, with an indoor pool and gym.
5
Seaclose Park in Newport, where Medina parkrun is held.
LOCAL TIP
Choose your nearest library group and go back the following month.
How to
How to meet people across the Isle of Wight
1
Sign up for a pottery or life drawing course at Quay Arts in Newport.
2
Walk or run Medina parkrun on a Saturday and stay to help pack up.
3
Suggest the Quay Café to Isle of Wight women you meet through Gofrendly.
4
Volunteer with the Friends of Northwood Cemetery in Cowes.
One friendship story, plus a month to celebrate
Who wrote our Isle of Wight guide
Gofrendly founders Claudia Gård and Ulrika Lilja wrote the Isle of Wight guide together with our editorial team for island women who have retired here, grown up here or would like more company between Newport, Ryde and Cowes.
Friendship looks different at every stage
More guides for women in this area – each with its own local advice.
Friendship looks different at every stage
More guides for women in this area – each with its own local advice.
Find women near you
See who’s nearby and say hi — it’s free to start.