Best dating apps and services for a slow rural lifestyle


7 best dating apps and services for a slow, rural lifestyle
Highlights: 
7 best dating apps and services for a slow, rural lifestyle
Online dating might feel daunting, but thanks to apps and services like our very own Country Loving, it's never been easier for single country-dwellers to meet like-minded people in their local area.
Whether you're looking for a committed relationship, casual fun or companionship, there's a dating website out there that will help you meet someone special to share your slow, rural lifestyle with.
From bespoke dating agencies to websites tailored to outdoorsy types, here are seven to consider.
Tip: Once you've decided on the platform, read our guide on creating a profile you're pleased with.
Country Loving
Meet other country-loving singles through our Country Loving dating service. We might be biased, but this a good option for those who want to embrace slow dating and have fun getting to know like-minded people using our two-way matching system.
Our dedicated team at Country Loving have worked to create a safe and secure environment for you to explore the online dating world.
We've been using our matchmaking skills to bring couples together for over 16 years, with our award-winning Farmer Wants a Wife initiative back in 1999, and, more recently, we inspired the BBC Two series Love In the Countryside. (Missed it? You can catch up on iPlayer)
App highlights:

  
Free to join and look around
  
Search and view members quickly and easily
  
Genuine two-way compatibility matching
  
All photos and profiles are moderated
  
Date more safely using the private, on-site messaging tool
  
Read all your messages for free
  
Friendly, UK-based customer service team
  
Multi-device login for the same experience on your laptop or mobile.
  
Easy, private, in-app messaging platform
  
Control over who can message you

Subscription: From £10.50 per month
amriphoto // Getty Images
Muddy Matches
Muddy Matches was born in 2006, from a conversation in the pub between two sisters, Lucy and Emma. The pair were intrigued by the rise in popularity of online dating in urban areas, and wanted to bring the fun to the countryside, too. Since then, Muddy Matches has become popular in rural areas, and prides itself on matching country people.

Highlights: 

  
Exclusive dating tips and articles
  
New member profiles are vetted
  
Country-Townie quiz

Subscription: £26 for one month, £94 for 12 months
Real Country Dating
An online dating website from the team at Absolute Radio Country, Real Country Dating brings country-loving singles together to meet and form real connections. Every new profile is reviewed to ensure only genuine people are using the app. The two-way matching feature with help you find others with similar interests and values, while the in-app messaging platform allows you to chat privately.
Highlights:

  
Favourite matches that catch your eye
  
Verified profiles
  
In-app, private messaging platform

Subscription: From £12 per month
Westend61 // Getty Images
Match
Match.com is a popular dating app and website. The website has already matched 2.6M people, with 360,000 conversations starting every month on the app.
The algorithm cleverly shows you profiles that match your criteria, allowing you to meet like-minded people in your area. Safety is key when it comes to online dating so the team at Match moderate profile pictures and descriptions. Incognito Mode allows you to view other profiles discreetly, while Zen Mode limits the people who can message you to your specific criteria.
Highlights:

  
Huge data base of users
  
In-app messaging and video call
  
In-person singles events
  
Incognito Mode and Zen Mode
  
Available on desktop and as an app

Subscription: From £9.99 per month
Grounded
Grounded is a website for country-loving singles looking for matches that aren't afraid to get a little muddy. Grounded see themselves as a place to build a community and start conversations, whether you're looking for a relationship or companionship.
The Village feature provides you with an interactive home feed that allows you to see who is new to the app, who's online nearby and view image uploads and status updates.
Highlights: 

  
Community feel
  
Free to join and match with others
  
Large, global data base of users

Subscription: N/A
Westend61 // Getty Images
Elite Singles
Elite Singles is a dating app for those who are looking for a committed relationship. With over 155,000 new members a month and an intelligent matchmaking system, you are sure to meet others who share a love for slow, rural living.
The algorithm works to match you with compatible locals based on your location, relationship preferences and individual personality test answers. The personality quiz features over 200 questions that determine your openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.
Highlights:

  
Focus on those looking for serious relationships
  
Delivers 3-7 new matches a day
  
Desktop website and app
  
Personality questionnaire used to pair matches

Subscription: From £24.95 per month
Country Partners
While this isn't a dating app, if you want a more bespoke service, Country Partners dating agency is an option.
A dating agency is a great option for those who want a trusted matchmaker and friend to guide them through the dating landscape. Country Partners is a family-run business with over 40 years experience in matching rural singles throughout the UK.
A strict vetting procedure ensures you are only matched with approved individuals. Plus, your details, from your photographs to your profile description, are never published publicly and remain between you and your matchmaker. Your information is only shared with those your matchmaker feel could the one for you.
Highlights:

  
Bespoke service
  
Discreet and secure
  
Photography service available
  
Range of memberships to suit your needs

Subscriptions: N/A