Data Reveals 2025’s Fastest-Growing Hobbies (No Side Hustle Required)
In a world that is driven by productivity, side hustles and digital presence, nostalgic hobbies are making a comeback. From knitting to calligraphy, the UK is seeking ways to utilise its time in a way that is not monetised. This is reflected in Google Trends Data as the term, how to get a hobby, has received a 9.900% uplift in the past 3 months.
Here, Paul Gray at Chums reveals the biggest hobbies of 2025 and the impact they have on your health.
Hobbies that are experiencing a particular surge in popularity are:
- Walking Trails – 373.31% Uplift
- Reading as a Hobby – 9.900% Uplift
- What is Geocaching 5.700% Uplift
- How to Knit – 154.32% Uplift
- Painting Candles – 9.900% Uplift
- Beginners Calligraphy – 9.900% Uplift
Walking Trails – 373.31% Uplift
According to Sport England and Transport for London, 15.2 million people in the UK opt to walk from A to B rather than use other methods of transport. In recent months, walking has surged in popularity as a hobby, fuelled by the rise of the viral ‘hot girl walks’ trend on TikTok and a 28% increase in walking holidays across the UK. Its growing popularity is also reflected in Google Trends data, as the search term walking trails has seen a 373.31% uplift in the past 3 months.
Research has shown that walking can reduce symptoms of depression by 36% and improve cardiovascular health.
Reading as a Hobby – 9.900% Uplift
The UK is no longer gravitating to just novels, but reading books on subjects that they have a genuine interest in, whether that be true crime, manifestation or autobiographies by people they admire.
Reading improves cognitive function and can lower stress by 68%, according to research by the University of Sussex. It also helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by providing escapism and enhancing empathy.
What is Geocaching 5.700% Uplift
Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt where participants use GPS to locate ‘caches’ that can be found all over the world. Caches are usually waterproof containers that include a logbook and even a keepsake to swap. Coordinates (or waypoints) are downloaded from the likes of Geocaching.com
Geocaching is proving particularly popular with those over 60, as well as Gen Z and millennials. Geocaching involves walking, exploration, and problem-solving—combining the benefits of physical activity with cognitive stimulation. Outdoor activities like geocaching are linked to lower blood pressure and improved working memory
How to Knit – 154.32% Uplift
6-7 million people in the UK knit regularly. UK yarn sales are increasing by 2.1% year on year. Ever since Tom Daly was seen knitting at the Olympics, many have turned to the hobby of their grandparents to indulge in self-care.
According to a survey published in The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81% of knitters said it made them feel happier, and 50% reported it helped them cope with depression.
Painting Candles – 9.900% Uplift
Painting candles has grown in popularity as people post their creations across the likes of TikTok. Participants in the hobby often use acrylic paint to decorate pillar candles.
Craft-based hobbies like these promote flow state, which has been shown to boost dopamine levels and improve. These tasks also improve fine motor skills and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Beginners Calligraphy
As several calligraphy workshops take place across the UK and online tutorial views soar, calligraphy is fast becoming the ‘it’ hobby.
Calligraphy combines fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and deep concentration. According to a study published in Occupational Therapy International, handwriting-based tasks like calligraphy improve cognitive flexibility and reduce symptoms of anxiety by activating the brain’s prefrontal cortex—which governs emotional regulation.