Reading Tops 2026 Hobby Trends as Traditional Pastimes Make a Comeback

Reading Emerges as Top Hobby Trend for 2026 in National Survey

Reading is poised to become the hottest new hobby trend in 2026, according to a comprehensive national poll, signalling a significant resurgence for traditional, calming pastimes 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.

Traditional Activities Experience Major Resurgence

The survey reveals a remarkable comeback for book-related activities, with reading securing the number one position in the popularity rankings. This literary revival is complemented by related pursuits including creative writing, which claimed ninth place, and listening to audio books, taking eleventh position in the national rankings. Notably, 29 per cent of respondents have set themselves the specific goal of reading either a book per week or per month throughout 2026.

Beyond reading, the research highlights a broader trend toward mindful and creative activities. Learning a new language ranked second in the survey, while meditation and photography also featured prominently among the top ten most desired hobbies. The findings suggest a collective shift away from digital consumption toward more tactile, engaging pastimes that promote wellbeing and personal development.

Generational Differences in Hobby Preferences

The research uncovered distinct generational patterns in hobby adoption. Generation Z respondents demonstrated the strongest inclination toward mindful pastimes including sewing, crochet, and colouring activities. Meanwhile, Millennials showed particular enthusiasm for bringing back classic hobbies such as knitting, chess, and board games.

When examining motivations for taking up new hobbies, 35 per cent of respondents cited wanting to learn a new skill as their primary reason, while 30 per cent identified creativity as their main driver. A further 28 per cent expressed hope to use their spare time more efficiently through hobby engagement.

Train Travel Emerges as Key Enabler for Hobbies

The research identified train travel as a significant facilitator for hobby engagement, with 59 per cent of respondents preferring trains as their mode of transport for focusing on their pursuits. More than a third of participants (34 per cent) have either planned or already carried out their hobbies while travelling, seeking to use the time advantageously (30 per cent) and incorporate activities into their regular routines (21 per cent).

Popular train-based hobbies identified in the survey include crosswords (19 per cent), diary writing (15 per cent), and knitting (14 per cent). Travellers identified several key advantages of train journeys for hobby engagement, including the scenic views from windows (36 per cent), reduced distractions (34 per cent), and valuable opportunities for personal time (33 per cent).

Overcoming Time Barriers Through Creative Travel

The research identified lack of spare time as the primary barrier to hobby adoption, affecting 32 per cent of respondents. However, train travel appears to offer a solution, with 26 per cent of participants believing that engaging in relaxing or creative tasks while travelling helps reduce their stress levels. A significant 24 per cent are actively seeking hobbies that help them switch off from daily pressures.

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."

Social and Wellbeing Benefits of Travel-Based Hobbies

The research revealed significant social benefits associated with train-based hobby engagement. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents reported that working on their pastime during train journeys has led to conversations with strangers, while 25 per cent have met someone who became a long-term friend through such interactions.

Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, emphasised the importance of reclaiming time for personal development: "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."

Real-World Impact: From Hobby to Career

The research highlighted real-world examples of how train travel has facilitated hobby development. Singer Sarah Hutchinson, who performs under the stage name JOEY, credits train journeys with helping transform her hobby into a revenue-generating side hustle. The 31-year-old full-time online personal trainer regularly travels between Blackpool and her Manchester studio by train, using the journeys to write lyrics and brainstorm song ideas.

"I use the journey to listen to tracks from producers where I have to fill in with my lyrics," JOEY 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. I won't drive, I'll take the train, and 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."