From gardening to gaming, the nation is home to a vast array of hobbies that people take up as a way of escaping the stresses of daily life. In this article, we'll explore the 10 most popular hobbies in the UK and what benefits they may bring you.
How To Find A Hobby That Suits You
Have you been struggling to think of enjoyable ways to spend your spare time productively? Sure, we all like to veg out in front of the TV from time to time, but down time doesn’t have to mean ‘do nothing’ time. Finding ways to fill the hours is not, generally, a problem we are born with. As children, we managed to be imaginatively engaged with games (typically self-invented) during the hours that weren’t spent variously learning an instrument, going to dance classes, playing a sport or taking a drama class amongst a whole host of other pastimes. As adults, we tend to lose the impulse to try new things – or we simply decide that, out of work hours, we simply want to do as little as possible.
But while that attitude is, of course, both fine and very understandable, there is concrete science behind the notion that fostering a favourite pastime is actually good for our health. As this article in the New York Times points out, there are many well-researched benefits to committing to a fun regular activity outside of our remunerated work or domesticity. This is not simply a vague idea that hobbies are good for you; it is scientific fact.
In 2010, a team of researchers from universities in Kansas, Pittsburgh and Texas published the results of four major studies that had looked into the effect of enjoyable hobbies on some 1,399 people with serious health problems (these included those with respiratory problems, breast cancer and arthritis). The results were inarguable.
As The New York Times reports, it showed that hobbies helped with physical health in a number of ways. They say, ‘People who scored higher on the enjoyable activities test had lower body mass index, smaller waists, lower blood pressure, lower stress hormones and better overall physical function.’ It also showed that such pastimes tended to aid sleep, lower stress and spark a greater sense of happiness. Plus, participants with hobbies tended to enjoy a wider social circle, and – far from detracting from productivity – perform better at work too.
Time to get a passion for a pastime then. These are the most popular hobbies in the UK right now.
Golf
Golf is often associated with leisurely afternoons spent on sprawling greens and well-manicured fairways. But what many don’t know is that this classic pastime is so much more than a casual hobby. From improving physical and mental health to promoting social and professional relationships, golf offers a wealth of benefits for those who take it up as a hobby.
One of the most immediately noticeable benefits of golf is its physical effects. The sport is a great form of low-impact exercise, providing a full-body workout as you walk the course and use your clubs. Studies have shown that playing golf regularly can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and improve balance and coordination, and develop your fine motor skills.
In addition to its physical benefits, golf can also help improve your mental well-being. The game requires a great deal of focus and concentration, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Furthermore, spending time outdoors in nature can have a positive impact on your mood, helping you to feel more relaxed and refreshed.
Another great aspect of golf is the social and professional opportunities it provides. The sport is often played in a group setting, providing an opportunity to connect with others, build relationships, and network. Whether you’re playing a friendly round with friends or participating in a corporate tournament, golf is a great way to meet new people and build professional relationships.
Weston Turville Golf Club clearly sets out the benefits of taking up golf and why it is one of the most hobbies UK. According to this handy article, the fact that it is low-strain and low-intensity opens it up to all ages and fitness levels. It increases mental alertness and concentration. It reduces anxiety and stress. And it helps you to spend more time outdoors, enabling you to meet like-minded people. If you’re serious about taking up golf, it also sets out all the equipment you will need: do read the full article here.
Trainspotting
Mention the word trainspotting, and most people think of one of two things: a gritty film from the 1990s about addiction; or people in anoraks noting down the most unusual locomotives in their journals.
For many, trains are just a means of transportation, but for trainspotters, they are so much more. Trainspotting is a fascinating hobby that has captured the imagination of people all over the world. From the youngest children to the oldest seniors, trainspotting is a hobby that appeals to people of all ages and abilities – and best of all, it’s totally free. Beyond a note pad and pen, all you need is a railway station, and a willingness to spend some time observing and recording. Whether you're a seasoned train spotter or just starting out, there's no need for any special equipment or skills.
For younger people, trainspotting can be an excellent route into a wider enthusiasm for learning. After all, devotees tend to bone up not just on the technology, but also on the history and stories behind each train, thus bridging science with humanities. It can be social too; while for some it remains niche, practicing trainspotters (or Railfans as they are sometimes known) tend to really love it as a pastime and are thus likely to meet like-minded fellow enthusiasts.
According to an article on All Pastimes, the hobby is said to have originated in 1942 with a man called Ian Allen, who worked in the public relations department at Waterloo Station. As it explains, he ‘set up a club named ‘Loco-Spotters’ and by the 1950s, the hobby was a major hit, selling over one million locomotive guides. Trainspotting grew so big it expanded to America where it grew even more.’
So what does a trainspotter actually do? According to All Pastimes, ‘The Trainspotter collects everything from train tickets, brands and any other item related to training, they make notations about different rail companies, their timing and everything else related to it. This hobby is perfect for a peaceful patient soul since a lot of sitting around on Train Stations is involved. They are notorious connoisseurs of the Trains they have an interest in, even arrivals and departures. They even have their own jargon when exchanging information (as if they were CIA operatives conveying information about terrorist attacks).’
If you love trains, this is the ideal way to spend a peaceful afternoon in the company of other Railfans. No wonder it is one of the most popular hobbies in Britain.
Gardening
Ask anyone what they imagine might be one of the nation’s most popular hobbies and the word ‘gardening’ is likely to crop up pretty quickly. Indeed, getting busy with a trowel is a beloved pastime in the UK, and it's no wonder why. With its tranquil setting, the ability to watch things grow, and the satisfaction of producing something beautiful, it's easy to see why so many people are drawn to this hobby. Whether it's tending to a small balcony garden or cultivating a sprawling back yard, gardening provides a sense of peace and contentment that is hard to find elsewhere.
There are really no down sides to gardening as a hobby. As an article in The Nation’s Health points out, ‘Gardening is an activity that’s good for both the mind and body, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Plus, you get to eat the delicious fruits, vegetables and herbs that you grow. So, grab your tools and get in the dirt!’
Although you may not think of it as exercise, you can work up quite a sweat amongst the veg patch and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just two and a half hours of moderate exercise each week can mitigate the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure by half. Gardening requires a range of physical activities, from digging and planting to weeding and pruning. This can help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination, making it a great way to stay active and healthy.
Meanwhile, your mental health benefits too, thanks to the de-stressing power of time spent outside, which has been shown to reduce depression. Throw into the mix the supreme satisfaction and delight in having successfully grown something – whether flowers or food – and it can elevate our mood even further.
Gardening is also an opportunity for lifelong learning. There's always something new to learn about plants, from their growth habits to their care requirements. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, there's always room to improve your skills and knowledge.
And finally, tending a patch of land, whether big or small, is good for the environment too. A win all round.
Gaming
Another popular hobby in the UK is gaming. Whether it's playing online or in person with friends, the gaming community is thriving in the UK. From console gaming to tabletop gaming, there's something for everyone, and it's a great way to socialise and engage in friendly competition. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, the UK is the place to be for all things gaming.
However, as an article in Nerdy Naut underlines, gaming is often given a bad rep, with those who are not always in possession of the all the facts decrying it for being violent or, simply, a waste of time. But, as the article argues, used the right way, there can be many benefits to gaming as a pastime.
Firstly, gaming can foster creativity thanks to the rich worlds it builds and the fact that it often asks players to solve problems in innovative and creative ways. Second, in a world in which we are beset by distractions, it can really help us to focus, since it requires full immersion into the game’s setting. Third, it sharpens our problem-solving skills. Fourth, it does the same for our co-ordination and reflexes. And fifth and finally, it increases cognitive flexibility; after all, exercising our brains is just as important as exercising any other part of our bodies.
We’ll say it loud and proud: gaming is for everyone, not just for kids.
Rock climbing
To the novice, rock climbing may seem to be at the serious end of the sports world; something, perhaps, that you can only do if you have the weight of years’ experience behind you. But, like with anything, everyone starts somewhere – and for those who want a side helping of adventure with their hobby, this is a great way to get it.
Rock Climbing Central lays out all the ways in which the pastime can be beneficial. You can do it pretty much anywhere, since rock climbing centres have increased exponentially in popularity, thus making this an all-year-round sport. Plus, it gives you a full body work out, as well as a whole new community of people to meet.
There is also an inbuilt sense of achievement that accompanies rock-climbing. As they write, ‘Reaching the top of a wall after climbing every inch of it yourself has a way of instantly boosting your confidence in yourself and your abilities. If you routinely suffer from a lack of self-esteem or self-confidence, then this sport is an excellent way to get it back. It is also an excellent source of emotion regulation (i.e., the ability to control your feelings). Scientific researchers in Germany and New Zealand discovered that ‘rock climbing is associated with acute emotion regulatory effects,’ which makes it ideal for anyone experiencing depression or anxiety.’
It also aids focus (believe us, you won’t get distracted thinking about work or relationship problems when you need to make sure your footing is correct) and, as previously mentioned, it works every single part of your body. Additionally, once you leave the confines of the rock-climbing centre, there are new landscapes to discover, as well as the thrill of bettering your achievements each time.
The best part? You do not need to be super fit to start off with. You just need to go slow, have the right equipment – and want to do it.
Fishing
The mere image of a committed fisherman sitting with a box of sandwiches and some bait is enough to make us sigh wistfully. As a pursuit, fishing is strongly associated with health and happiness – and it stands to reason. It comes with the inbuilt necessity to slow-down, switch off and focus on the task at hand (just leave your phone at home – or at the very least in the car!).
An article published by Anseris lays out all the myriad benefits that fishing can bring as a hobby. First, like many of the hobbies on this list, it’s a stress buster. As they say, ‘Freedom’ is what you experience when you go fishing. When you go fishing to a stream or to a pond, you experience and see an environment that is entirely different from your ordinary life. You appreciate and enjoy this new environment. If you interact with nature, you become a part of it, and this makes you forget all the worries of the world.’
There is also a great deal of social bonding that can happen when you hang up your ‘gone fishing’ sign, plus it encourages people to get active and step away from their desk/ sofa. Additionally, it’s a great activity for anyone who wants to fish for their own food; as they say, ‘Wild fish is rich in protein and contains little cholesterol, making it a favourite food for many.’ And finally, what more perfect way to show our appreciation for nature than by sitting quietly awhile, contemplating our chosen body of water?
SUP
Paddle boarding has become one of the most popular water sports out there. But what is it? Usually undertaken in the sea, it is extremely flexible, as paddleboarders can choose to kneel, lie down or stand on their boards (stand-up paddle-boarding is also becoming increasingly popular, with most people practising this hobby on lakes or rivers, since you do not require the waves to propel you). Whichever way you choose to do it, once you have your board, it’s pretty much free.
An article in Raising Edmonton goes into further details about why paddleboarding makes such a good hobby. Firstly, it gives us an excellent workout, exercising the core and thus improving fitness as well as balance. Second, it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you head for the lakes or the sea to get your hit. Third, you need relatively little gear: a board and a paddle will do the job just perfectly (and if you travel around, you could also opt for an inflatable board, which packs away neatly). And finally, it’s very quick to get going. As the article states, ‘As soon as your gear is ready, you can start paddling immediately. Standing up on a paddleboard can be a bit tricky in the beginning. Once you master balancing yourself on the board, there are loads of things you can do afterward. If you’re happy with your current level, you can still have fun practicing this sport. However, if you like challenges and obtaining new skills, paddleboarding is your sport. You can try something different, like Sup Yoga, which will present you with more challenges and will push the limits of your strength and balance. Along with Sup yoga, there are Sup surfing and Sup fishing, all of which you can try to learn and master. Each comes with different challenges, so master the art of one or try as many as you like.’
Cross-stitch
For a somewhat more sedate pastime, do not overlook cross-stitch. A hobby of which Jane Austen would surely have approved, it may have historic roots, but it also offers very timely benefits. As increasing numbers of us struggle with mental health battles thanks to a tricky cocktail of the pressures of work, a cost of living crisis, the constant comparisons held up by social media and a world in which both parents have to work to make ends meet, calm and methodical pursuits such as this can be meditative.
Cross-stitch can reduce stress since it allows you to work at your own pace and without any external pressures. It also aids cognitive fitness, keeping you focused and engaged with the task at hand. It is, then, the perfect way to melt away the troubles of the day – and produce something beautiful at the end of it (your handiwork could make an excellent present too – thus possibly even helping to reduce costs as well). Read more about it over on Mr X Stitch.
Pottery
If using your hands to make things helps you to wind down and de-stress, there can be few more brilliant pastimes than pottery. The feel of the clay itself is an immediate stress buster, while the fact that you can bury yourself deeply in your task is a great way of shaking off anything that is a source of anxiety in your life.
Before you get started, it’s important to know that there are a number of different types of pottery that you can explore (The Pottery Wheel has an excellent article outlining them). Perhaps the one that immediately springs to mind is the wheel (remember that scene from Ghost?). This allows practitioners to fashion a shape – a bowl, vase, mug or vessel of any kind – while the wheel spins. You will, of course, need equipment, but there are inexpensive wheels to buy if you prefer the often more polished look that it gives.
On the other hand, you may, instead, prefer to opt for hand-built pottery, which allows you to fashion your shape without a wheel by creating pinch pots, coil pots or slab pottery. The clue is in the name: being hand-built, this kind of pottery has a more rustic quality, which can be preferable depending on your taste.
Finally, you can also try slip casting. The Pottery Wheel explains, ‘Slip casting involves pouring smooth slip into a plaster mould. The slip dries out in the mould and takes on the shape of the mould. Once it is dry it can be popped out of the plaster mould easily. Once removed from the mould the slip-cast pottery can be finished in a number of ways.’
Whichever way you choose, pottery is one of our very favourite pastimes for its sheer creativity and the satisfaction to be found in making something that might be used and handed down the generations.
Canoeing
When dreaming about romantic couples’ holidays, chances are you’ve thought of sun-bathing and star-gazing. You might have considered a cruise, or a spa. But have you ever though about canoeing? Alexandra Fit argues that it can be a really good way of combining fitness and activity with romance. They say, ‘Canoeing is the perfect blend between getting out of the house and into nature, feeling fresh and a bit of a workout on its own. Also taking a break from daily life and just spending quality time with your S.O., one on one, seeing new sights and wandering the countryside.’
Indeed, it teaches teamwork and trust. It creates great memories together. And it allows you to discover new places at the same time. Plus, what’s more seductive than the water lapping around you as you and your beloved canoe into the sunset? (There are some practical considerations, so do read the full article here to check that you have the equipment you need.)
Discover A Hobby, meanwhile, has a comprehensive guide to canoeing and kayaking. And, as they say, it’s a hobby that connects you to the past, as well as helping you to live very much in the present. They write: ‘The canoe of today is surprisingly similar to the canoe of a thousand years ago. The design principles and paddling techniques remain very much the same. All that changes are the materials used to build each boat. While technology will continue to improve, the structure and purpose of the ancient canoe will no doubt carry on in even the most modern canoe.’ Check out the whole article here if you’re looking for comprehensive advice on how to get started.
Summary
Taking up a hobby is not only fun; it can help you to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. The bottom line is that anything that takes you out of your daily routine, improves your focus and widens your social circle has got to be beneficial. A good hobby can also put some of the problems we may be facing in perspective. The key is to find something you really enjoy (this may be a process of trial and error), and to prioritise making time for yourself. It will pay dividends in your own personal happiness, after all.
February 2023
