A significant shift towards traditional, non-digital pastimes is on the horizon for Brits in 2026, according to a comprehensive new poll. The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults across the UK, indicates a growing desire to step away from screens and embrace more tactile, mindful activities.
Reading Reigns Supreme as the Top Hobby Choice
Reading has emerged as the number one hobby that Brits plan to dedicate their time to in the coming year. This literary revival is not limited to just picking up a book; it extends to related activities such as creative writing and listening to audio books, which secured the ninth and eleventh spots respectively in the rankings.
Interestingly, nearly 29% of respondents have set themselves specific targets to finish a book each week or month, highlighting a committed approach to this classic pastime. The research, commissioned by National Rail, found that the primary motivations for seeking new hobbies include fostering creativity, mastering new skills, and making the most of available free time.
Generational Trends in Hobby Preferences
The poll uncovered distinct generational patterns in hobby choices. Gen Z individuals are leading the charge in embracing mindful activities such as sewing, crochet, and colouring books, outpacing all other age groups in their enthusiasm for these crafts.
Meanwhile, Millennials are showing a strong inclination towards resurrecting traditional favourites like knitting, chess, and board games. This generational divide suggests a widespread, cross-demographic movement towards activities that offer tangible engagement and a break from digital saturation.
The Challenge of Finding Time for Hobbies
Despite the clear enthusiasm for new pastimes, many Brits face significant barriers in pursuing their interests. A lack of spare time was identified as a major obstacle, with daily demands often leaving little room for creativity or relaxation.
This time crunch has led to innovative solutions, with 11% of respondents selecting hobbies based on whether they can be undertaken during commutes or other leisurely trips. Remarkably, a fifth of those surveyed admitted that their schedules are so packed that travelling presents a valuable opportunity to dedicate time to their chosen interests.
Train Travel as a Catalyst for Hobby Pursuit
The study revealed that train journeys have become particularly important for hobby enthusiasts, with six in 10 favouring rail travel as their go-to mode of transport for pursuing interests. Passengers believe trains offer the perfect environment for concentration, thanks to minimal interruptions and precious 'me time'.
Among the most popular hobbies to engage in during train travel are crosswords (19%), diary writing (15%), and knitting (14%). These activities not only provide personal satisfaction but also foster social connections, with 37% reporting that working on their pastime during a train journey has led to conversations with strangers, and 25% meeting someone who became a long-term friend.
Personal Stories: Turning Commutes into Creative Opportunities
The transformative power of train travel for hobbyists is exemplified by singer Sarah Hutchinson, 31, who performs under the stage name JOEY. As a full-time online personal trainer, she regularly travels between Blackpool and her Manchester studio by train, using these journeys to write lyrics and brainstorm song ideas in peace.
JOEY credits train travel with helping turn her hobby into a revenue-producing side hustle, stating: "It's a really good focus for me. I'm not sure what it is but working at home I end up doing something else, so the train is my zone to do that." She adds, "I won't drive, I'll take the train. It just makes it possible for me to do this and it's comfy, I can work, and it gives me a focus and time to do that task of writing."
Expert Insights on the Hobby Shift
Consumer behaviour expert Dr Amna Khan commented on the National Rail research, noting: "Train travel can be the perfect window to connect with these enriching, sensory experiences. This shift highlights a growing desire for experiences that allow deeper immersion and physical engagement."
Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, added: "Finding an interest or taking on a personal passion project can help you feel happier, calmer and achieve a sense of accomplishment. However, our research shows that time is often a barrier, with daily demands leaving little room for creativity or relaxation. Whether reading, learning a language or working on something creative, on the train you can reclaim that time and turn your journey into a moment for yourself."
The Full List of Top 50 Planned Hobbies for 2026
The comprehensive survey identified fifty hobbies that Brits are most keen to take up in the coming year. The complete list, in order of popularity, includes:
- Reading
- Learning a new language
- Baking
- Gardening
- Yoga
- Photography
- Meditation
- Film watching
- Creative writing
- Running
- Listening to audio books
- Hiking
- Football
- Sketching/drawing
- Online gaming
- Pilates
- Board games
- Crochet
- Puzzling (jigsaws)
- Sewing
- Playing card games
- Crosswords
- Chess
- Tennis
- Knitting
- Bird watching
- Cold water swimming
- Colouring (i.e. colouring in books)
- Upcycling clothes
- Embroidery
- Wild camping
- Poetry writing
- Journaling
- Daily affirmations
- Sudoku
- Digital art (e.g. on a tablet)
- Diary writing
- Calligraphy
- Recipe writing/testing
- Gratitude lists
- Scrapbooking
- Padel
- Bee keeping
- Resin art
- Tarot reading
- Dream journaling
- Beadwork
- Origami
- Dry flower pressing
- Itinerary planning
This diverse range of activities underscores a broad cultural movement towards more meaningful, engaging pastimes that offer both personal fulfilment and opportunities for social connection.
