Reading Emerges as Top Hobby for 2026 Amid Resurgence of Calming Traditional Pastimes
A comprehensive new study has revealed that reading is set to become the hottest new hobby trend for 2026, as traditional calming pastimes experience a significant resurgence across the United Kingdom. The research, commissioned by National Rail on behalf of the rail industry, surveyed 2,000 adults to identify the top 50 sought-after interests for the coming year.
The Rise of Traditional Activities
Books and reading-related activities dominate the hobby landscape, with reading itself claiming the top position in the popularity rankings. This literary revival is complemented by related pursuits including creative writing in ninth place and listening to audio books taking eleventh position. Remarkably, 29 percent of respondents have set themselves the specific goal of reading either a book per week or a book per month throughout 2026.
The research identified several key motivations driving this hobby renaissance. Among those planning to take up new interests, 35 percent expressed a desire to learn new skills, while 30 percent cited creativity as their primary motivation. Additionally, 28 percent hope to use their spare time more efficiently, reflecting a growing awareness of time management in modern life.
Generational Differences in Hobby Preferences
Distinct generational patterns emerged from the data, with different age groups showing preference for specific types of activities. Generation Z respondents demonstrated the strongest inclination toward mindful pastimes, showing particular interest in sewing, crochet, and colouring activities. Meanwhile, Millennials displayed the greatest enthusiasm for bringing back classic hobbies including knitting, chess, and board games.
The study also identified significant barriers to hobby adoption. A lack of spare time was cited as the primary obstacle by 32 percent of respondents, while 24 percent specifically sought activities that would help them disconnect from daily pressures. Interestingly, 26 percent believe that engaging in relaxing or creative tasks during travel could effectively reduce their stress levels.
Train Travel as the Ideal Hobby Environment
The research revealed a strong connection between hobby pursuit and train travel, with 59 percent of respondents identifying trains as their preferred mode of transport for focusing on their chosen activities. Popular rail-based hobbies included crosswords (19 percent), diary writing (15 percent), and knitting (14 percent).
Travellers identified several advantages of pursuing hobbies during train journeys. The scenic views from windows appealed to 36 percent of respondents, while 34 percent valued the lack of distractions, and 33 percent appreciated the opportunity for dedicated "me-time." A significant 34 percent of those surveyed plan to or already engage in hobbies while traveling to make better use of their time.
Expert Insights on the Hobby Resurgence
Consumer behaviour expert Dr Amna Khan commented on the findings, stating: "The future of travel will involve consumers using journeys to escape digital fatigue, unplug and recharge. Many of us will look to ditch phone scrolling for tactile hobbies like reading, writing and crafting, and as the research shows, train travel can be the perfect window to connect with these enriching, sensory experiences."
Dr Khan further explained: "This shift highlights a growing desire for experiences that allow deeper immersion and physical engagement. Traditional, hands-on activities and hobbies help to create moments of achievement and new memories, enhancing overall wellbeing."
Personal Stories and Broader Impacts
The research uncovered several significant benefits associated with hobby pursuit during travel. A third of respondents believe engaging in activities during train journeys transforms travel time into productive time, while 26 percent reported that it helps them destress. Social benefits also emerged, with 37 percent having conversations with strangers and 25 percent meeting someone who became a long-term friend through shared hobby interests during travel.
Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, noted: "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."
A compelling case study emerged from singer Sarah Hutchinson, who performs under the stage name JOEY. The 31-year-old full-time online personal trainer has transformed train journeys between Blackpool and Manchester into productive creative sessions. "I use the journey to listen to tracks from producers where I have to fill in with my lyrics," she explained. "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."
The Complete Top 50 Hobby List for 2026
- 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
The research clearly demonstrates a significant cultural shift toward more mindful, traditional hobbies, with reading leading the way as we approach 2026. The combination of digital detox desires and the recognition of train travel as ideal hobby time creates a perfect storm for this traditional pastime renaissance.
