Britons are increasingly turning to hobbies pursued purely for personal enjoyment, marking a significant cultural shift away from constant productivity. New data reveals a notable rise in searches for so-called 'selfish hobbies', with people seeking meaningful offline activities to counter stress and packed schedules.
The Rise of the 'Selfish' Hobby
According to Google Trends data analysed by Paul Gray at Chums, searches for the term 'selfish hobbies' have jumped by 9.9% in the past month alone. This reflects a growing trend where individuals are prioritising activities that offer no outcome beyond simple pleasure and personal satisfaction. Supporting this, searches for 'how to get a hobby' have also increased by nearly 10% over the last three months.
This movement towards non-productive pastimes is seen as a valuable outlet for mental reset. From calming crafts to outdoor adventures, these pursuits provide crucial downtime, fostering self-discovery and a sense of connection away from digital screens.
The Top Trending Hobbies for 2026
Based on search data, here are the activities set to dominate British leisure time in the coming year, each offering unique benefits for wellbeing.
1. Walking Trails (Up 373.31%)
Whether for fitness, mental clarity, or simply following a trend, exploring walking trails is fast becoming the nation's favourite hobby. Searches have skyrocketed by 373%. Sport England research links regular walking to a 36% reduction in depression symptoms and significant heart health improvements. Beginners can use apps like AllTrails to find local routes or consider a UK walking holiday for a mini-adventure.
2. Knitting (Up 154.32%)
Knitting has made a spectacular comeback, with UK yarn sales rising steadily and an estimated 6 to 7 million people now knitting regularly. Studies in The British Journal of Occupational Therapy show it boosts happiness and helps manage depression. Newcomers can start with simple YouTube tutorials or a beginner's kit from craft stores.
3. Reading as a Hobby (Up 9.9%)
Reading is expanding beyond fiction into areas like true crime and celebrity memoirs. Research from the University of Sussex indicates it can lower stress by up to 68% and ease symptoms of anxiety. Setting a simple goal, visiting a local library, or joining a digital book club on Goodreads are perfect ways to begin.
4. Painting Candles (Up 9.9%)
This aesthetic and relaxing hobby has gone viral on TikTok. It involves decorating plain pillar candles with acrylic paints. Such crafting hobbies are associated with increased dopamine, reduced anxiety, and improved hand coordination, offering a tangible creative accomplishment.
5. Geocaching (Up 5.7%)
Geocaching is a digital-age treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find hidden 'caches'. Popular across age groups, it combines outdoor activity with puzzle-solving. The hobby is known to support better memory, reduce blood pressure, and add excitement to a daily walk. The free Geocaching app is the easiest way to start.
6. Beginners' Calligraphy (Up 4.8%)
Driven by workshops and online tutorials, this elegant art form is gaining followers. Research in Occupational Therapy International found that calligraphy boosts cognitive flexibility and aids emotional regulation. It requires just a beginner’s pen set and free practice sheets available online, offering a mindful practice in patience and precision.
Prioritising Pleasure for Wellbeing
The data makes a compelling case: dedicating time to a hobby purely for personal enjoyment is far from selfish—it's a profoundly healthy habit. In an era of high stress, these trending activities provide essential mental respite, creative expression, and a much-needed connection to the physical world, proving that the best investment might be in simple, personal pleasure.
