Everyone needs some form of relaxation to help them unwind from the stresses of work and life. One of the best and most common forms of relaxation is to indulge in hobbies.
Here in the UK, we are a true nation of hobbyists. All of the relevant data shows that we love to pursue personal interests during our free time.
That is a very healthy state of affairs because hobbies help us develop new skills, meet new people and improve our overall well-being. So what new hobbies provide people with all those benefits in 2023?
Read on to find out what activities people in the UK do with their spare time – you never know, you might want to take up one of them yourself.
Latest Popular Hobbies in UK
Gaming
This one should come as no surprise to anybody. We live in a technological age, which is reflected in some popular pastimes.
Of course, not all the games people play are online games, as board games also enjoy a revival. The evidence does show that digital games – including casino games like slots – are the ones that have the biggest share of the market, though.
Online casino slots are very fast-moving and exciting, helping people to forget about typical life stresses. They are also extremely easy to access, further adding to the appeal.
All that has to be done is to create an account at a site such as Rainbow Riches Casino to start playing its many slot games. With the free games and new player bonuses available, depositing any money to get going is often unnecessary.
You could even win some extra cash for yourself.
Kayaking
Whereas gaming is popular in all parts of the UK, kayaking as a hobby is very much a regional thing. It is the number one pastime of 2023 among people in London – even though they are nowhere near the coast!
It is difficult to know exactly what sparked this newfound enthusiasm for kayaking in the capital, but it is an intriguing trend. It should not be confused with canoeing, as the paddles have a different number of blades.
The most likely reason why it has taken off is the increased number of kayaking clubs. These allow people to hire boats and get instruction from professionals on how to handle them on the water.
So you need to look online for your nearest one if you fancy giving it a go.
Drawing
Like gaming, drawing is a hobby that people in almost all parts of the country cited as one of their favourites. It is very accessible; you only need a sketch pad and some pencils to start.
Drawing appeals to people in the UK as a way of mastering a new skill and exploring their creativity. These things make people happier and more satisfied, which is a positive pastime.
When it comes to how to get into drawing as a hobby, you can either go it alone or join a class. The second of those options will let you get help from a teacher as well as enable you to meet people who share your interest.
Gardening
The UK has traditionally been seen as a nation of gardeners as much as shopkeepers. The sight of people out tending to their gardens at the weekend is one that everyone can recognise.
Gardening remains a popular hobby in 2023, with a 55% growth in searches for it online. It offers the opportunity to spend your free time around nature, which is proven to improve mental health and well-being.
If you are looking out at your garden now and seeing a mess, the first step will be clearing it by yourself or hiring a professional. Once all of the unwanted clutter has been removed, you will have to decide what sort of garden you want to have.
Wildflower gardens are very popular now, but if you want to cultivate something more ambitious like that, some reading up on the subject will be a good place to start.
Pottery
The rise of pottery as a hobby choice – searches for it online have increased by 45% – owes a lot to Pottery Boy. He is an online potter who over a million people follow.
Pottery is particularly big in Stoke-on-Trent, where it is the second top hobby. It has been a major part of the economy there for more than 300 years, which has also contributed to its strong regional interest.
Joining a pottery class will be the best way to get started because it is a skill that needs training.
Rock Climbing
The last of the big British hobbies of 2023 is rock climbing. The numbers looking for information about it have risen by 55%, suggesting that the country has developed a taste for outdoor adventure.
Rock climbing is something that people join clubs to participate in because it obviously involves some danger. Do not attempt to get started on your own for that reason.
This activity will bring more excitement into your life and help you to keep fit. These are the growing hobbies among British people now.
