Over 60s dating in the East of England

The East of England at a glance

Nearly nine in ten men on Single 60s in the East of England are 55 or older, and three quarters of those are 65 or more, which puts the region alongside the West Midlands for the oldest men on the site. Close to three women in ten are over 55. Among the over-55s, women make up about four in ten, so women in their sixties and seventies will find a good choice of men their own age, and men will find the women's side a little smaller.

Members are not concentrated in one big city. Cambridge, Norwich and Peterborough are the towns named most often, along with Luton in Bedfordshire and London Colney near St Albans in Hertfordshire. Essex and Suffolk have members spread through their market towns.

Two very different halves

The southern half of the region, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and south Essex, is commuter country, with quick trains into London and plenty of members within twenty miles of each other. If you live there, the London page is worth a look too, since many London members are happy to travel out.

The northern half, Norfolk, Suffolk and the Fens, is rural and spacious, and much of it is a long way from a motorway. Members there tend to set wider search distances, often forty miles or more. It helps to say on your profile whether you drive and how far you are happy to go. Market days, a village fete or a quiet pub with a garden all make natural, low-key places to meet once you have chatted for a while.

Calm, easy first dates

The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is free and a short walk from the Backs, where you can watch the punts go by. Norwich Cathedral welcomes visitors and has a refectory café, and the city's lanes are made for wandering. Ely and Peterborough both have cathedrals with tea rooms close by.

For something outdoors, a Broads boat trip from Wroxham or Horning, a walk along the front at Cromer or Southwold, or Constable Country at Flatford on the Essex and Suffolk border all make a gentle afternoon. In Hertfordshire, Verulamium Park in St Albans has a lake, Roman remains and a café.

Whatever you choose, meet in daylight somewhere public, and read our safety advice first. More ideas are in first date ideas for over 60s.