In the ever-evolving landscape of leisure and wellbeing, Britons are embracing hobbies that nourish the mind, body, and soul. What’s trending now—from mindful crafts to wellness escapes—reveals a beautiful spectrum of pursuits that speak to renewed values: creativity, connection, and calm.
1. Walking & Hiking
Walking remains the UK’s most popular hobby, with around 30% of adults regularly strolling for pleasure or fitness. Especially popular are scenic walking trails and “hot girl walks,” with walking-holiday searches up 28%. Beyond its benefits to cardiovascular health, walking can reduce symptoms of depression by up to 36%.
2. Reading
Nothing says quintessentially British like a good book. Reading is cited by 35% of adults as their top de-stressor. Whether at the beach, café, or during a commute, reading as a hobby fosters mental clarity—cutting stress by over 60%—and enhances empathy.
3. Gardening
Britain literally blooms with hobby gardeners. Gardening has experienced a significant growth, with a 55% surge in online searches. It’s therapeutic, keeps you active, and connects you to traditions like the Chelsea Flower Show and community allotments.
4. Whirlpool Baths & Spa-Style Self-Care
While not a hobby in a traditional club sense, whirlpool baths and home spa routines have surged in popularity. The trend toward wellness-at-home—coupled with spa bathroom renovations—reflects a newfound appreciation of self-care. Relaxing in a whirlpool bath offers physical relief (muscle tension, circulation) and mental unwinding, especially after walking or gardening sessions. They’ve become a gentle ritual—an oasis of calm in a busy week.
5. Crafting & Creative Arts
Arts and crafts are surging—sales of paintbrushes (+145%), canvases (+104%), and scrapbooking materials (+167%) reflect an artistic renaissance. Sewing, knitting, candle-making, pottery, and scrapbooking all thrive, fueled by the rise of mindfulness and upcycling trends.
6. Knitting, Sewing & Pottery
Knitting isn’t just “for nanas” anymore—an estimated 6–7 million adults knit regularly, with yarn sales up 2.1%. Sewing and crocheting are also experiencing a rise in engagement (+17%). Meanwhile, pottery’s popularity jumped 45% online, thanks to influencers like “Pottery Boy”.
7. Geocaching & Outdoor Treasure Hunts
Thanks to GPS-powered exploration, geocaching searches skyrocketed 5,700% in the past few months. This hobby blends light exercise, curiosity, and the joy of discovery—perfect for adventurers of any age.
8. Rock Climbing & Adventure Sports
Rock climbing is one of the fastest-rising outdoor hobbies, with interest up by over 55%. It’s also popular in gyms, offering social connections and physical challenges. Padel tennis is also gaining traction, thanks to the introduction of new covered courts across the UK.
9. Digital & Tabletop Gaming
Online gaming and esports continue to thrive, while traditional tabletop gaming also remains a strong presence. The UK Games Expo, the nation’s largest hobby games event, draws around 72,000 attendees. Collectable card games, board games, and role-playing games attract players of all ages. Reddit users also cite geocaching, archiving, and collecting ways to get out of the house.
10. Wellness & Mindfulness Practices
Yoga, mindfulness sessions & tai chi are gaining popularity, especially since the pandemic, offering both mental relief and community.
The modern UK hobby landscape is eclectic, blending nostalgic crafts, active adventures, and spa-style relaxation like whirlpool baths. Whether it’s the quiet focus of knitting, the thrill of climbing, or the therapeutic embrace of your own whirlpool, the message is clear: hobbies are not just pastimes—they’re foundational to wellbeing, community, and joy.
