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Hobbies & activities

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or something interesting to do with a spare couple of hours, we hope you’ll find something that piques your interest here.

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I’m looking for: What’s new | Inspiration | Mindful activities | Connect with others | Animals | Film & TV | Music | Podcasts | Baking | Gardening | Arts & crafts | Photography | Creative writing & reading | Sports & fitness | Accessible hobbies & activities | Spring & summer activities | Autumn & winter activities | Rest Less Events to look out for |

New in Hobbies and Activities

7 health benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles

7 health benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles

22 fun activities to do with kids

22 fun activities to do with kids

20 of the best comedy films of all time

20 of the best comedy films of all time

Bestselling author Matt Haig on finding his voice, his new novel, and the future of the ‘Midnight’ series

Bestselling author Matt Haig on finding his voice, his new novel, and the future of the ‘Midnight’ series

Ideas to get you inspired

8 Unusual Hobbies you might not have tried

8 unusual hobbies you might not have tried

12 rewarding ways to spend your time

12 rewarding ways to spend your time

21 fun things to do online

21 fun things to do online

Activities to get you moving this summer

8 fun and unique activities to get you moving this summer

7 health benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles

7 health benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles

9 hobbies to keep your mind active

10 hobbies to keep your mind active

9 hobbies for people with curious minds

9 hobbies for people with curious minds

7 popular hobbies in 2026

7 popular hobbies in 2026

13 activities and things to do on a rainy day

13 activities and things to do on a rainy day

14 fulfilling hobbies you can do by yourself

14 fulfilling hobbies you can do by yourself

20 summer activities that you can do for free

20 free summer activities

Why more older adults are embracing gaming

Why more older adults are embracing gaming

12 activities to help beat boredom

12 activities to help beat boredom

14 ways to get out of the house

14 ways to get out of the house

How to trace the history of your house

How to trace the history of your house

6 skilled activities you can learn outdoors

9 more unique hobbies you might not have tried

10 more unique hobbies you might not have tried

18 useful things to do online that you might not have tried

18 useful things to do online that you might not have tried

20 fun and useful apps for Android and iOS

9 ideas to keep you busy during long lockdown evenings

Mindful activities

What is mindfulness? Plus tips for getting started

What is mindfulness? Plus tips for getting started

10 everyday activities that can help you stay in the present moment

10 everyday activities that can help you stay in the present moment

how to declutter and reorganise your home

How to declutter and reorganise your home

8 easy ways to bring wellness rituals into your daily routine

8 easy ways to bring wellness rituals into your daily routine

11 ways to detox your mind

11 ways to detox your mind

How to connect with nature through forest bathing

How to connect with nature through forest bathing

How to write a letter to your future self that you’ll treasure forever

How to write a letter to your future self that you’ll treasure forever

The power of journaling as a life habit

The power of journaling as a life habit

How to use Haiku poetry for mindfulness

Activities to help you connect with others

22 fun activities to do with kids

22 fun activities to do with kids

9 different ways to meet new people

9 different ways to meet new people

7 ways to turn your time and skills into lasting change in your community

7 ways to turn your time and skills into lasting change in your community

12 tips for making new friends later in life

12 ways to make new friends

6 ways to find a sense of belonging in later life

6 ways to find a sense of belonging in later life

10 summer activities to meet new people

11 summer activities to meet new people

social hobbies to try in later life

9 social hobbies to try in later life

Animal activities

We’ve teamed up with Guide Dogs UK to tell you everything you need to know about how to volunteer as a puppy raiser

Volunteering as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs UK

volunteering with animals

Volunteering with animals

5 of the world’s most misunderstood animals

5 of the world’s most misunderstood animals

7 conservation success stories that give us hope for the future

7 conservation success stories that give us hope for the future

A beginner’s guide to birdwatching

we’ve put together a list of 13 ways to connect with animals

13 ways to connect with animals

10 of the best holidays for animal lovers

10 of the best holidays for animal lovers

An introduction to beekeeping

Film, TV and Theatre

16 of the best feel-good films to curl up with

16 of the best feel-good films to curl up with

20 movies everyone should see

20 movies everyone should see

Musical hobbies

7 of the easiest musical talents for adults to learn

12 benefits of introducing more music into your life

“I’m starting a new adventure” – why so many over 50s are learning to DJ

“I’m starting a new adventure” – why so many over 50s are learning to DJ

9 tips for building your vinyl record collection

9 tips for building your vinyl record collection

10 of the best Spotify playlists for every mood

10 of the best Spotify playlists for every mood

How anyone can join a choir

How anyone can join a choir

Here’s more about what folk music is and why it could be your next big thing

3 reasons why folk music could be your new favourite hobby

7 ways to connect with classical music online

Podcasts

10 of the best true crime podcasts

10 of the best true crime podcasts

16 interesting podcasts to try in 2021

Baking

how to make banana bread recipe

Banana bread recipe

9 baking ideas with a healthy twist

9 baking ideas with a healthy twist

8 technical baking skills that you can learn at home

10 best bread recipes to bake at home

Gardening

8 superfoods that you can grow from home

8 superfoods that you can grow from home

10 plants for autumn colour

10 plants for autumn colour

8 plants that look good all year

8 plants that look good all year

ways to kit out your garden for free or next to nothing

11 ways to kit out your garden for free or next to nothing

13 of the best ground cover plants

13 of the best ground cover plants

easy-to-grow vegetables

10 easy-to-grow vegetables

10 of the best spring-flowering plants

10 of the best spring-flowering plants

9 ways to upgrade your outdoor living space

9 ways to upgrade your outdoor living space

How to protect your garden from invasive box tree caterpillars

How to protect your garden from invasive box tree caterpillars

9 weed solutions that don't harm bees

9 weed solutions that don’t harm bees

reasons to visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

10 reasons to visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

13 cheap and easy garden design ideas

13 cheap and easy garden design ideas

8 things to sow and grow in the garden this autumn and winter

8 things to sow and grow in the garden this autumn and winter

8 ways to repel flies

Rest Less planting and sowing calendar

Rest Less planting calendar – what to sow and plant month by month

9 tips for gardening in small spaces

9 tips for gardening in small spaces

10 things you can grow in a window box at home

10 things you can grow in a window box at home

common garden pests and how to tackle them

9 common garden pests and how to tackle them

10 easy herbs to grow

10 easy herbs to grow

11 ways to build a wildlife-friendly garden

11 ways to make your garden more wildlife-friendly

Gifts for Gardeners

Rest Less Gift Guide: Gifts for Gardeners 2022

How to eat with the seasons

What fruit and vegetables are in season now?

7 ideas for a springtime garden clean-up

7 ideas for a springtime garden clean-up

8 ways to make gardening more accessible if you’re a wheelchair user

8 ways to make gardening more accessible if you’re a wheelchair user

How to apply for an allotment

Arts and crafts

9 creative skills that you can learn from home

10 interesting craft ideas to try at home

Learn how to draw

Learn how to paint

A beginner’s guide to carpentry

10 easy things to draw for beginners

10 easy things to draw for beginners

14 summer craft ideas

14 summer craft ideas

Rest Less drawing classes – see what members have been getting up to!

Rest Less drawing classes – see what members have been getting up to!

8 figure drawing tips for beginners

8 figure drawing tips for beginners

13 creative and practical craft projects to brighten your day

13 creative and practical craft projects to brighten your day

An introduction to crochet

An introduction to macramé

An introduction to origami

9 Platinum Jubilee arts and crafts ideas

9 Platinum Jubilee arts and crafts ideas

An introduction to calligraphy

An introduction to calligraphy

12 practical things you can make from wood

Learn how to knit

A beginner’s guide to needle felting

An introduction to card making

Photography

8 fun photography projects that you can start today

8 fun photography projects that you can start today

a beginner's guide to photography

A beginner’s guide to photography

‘It’s become a passion’ – how Frances became a documentary filmmaker at 60

‘It’s become a passion’ – how Frances became a documentary filmmaker at 60

16 types of photography to master

16 types of photography to master

How to take better photos with your phone

Creative writing and reading

27 of the best must-read books

27 of the best must-read books

14 of the most popular audiobooks

14 of the most popular audiobooks

18 of the greatest adventure books

How to write a book and get it published

If you’re keen to start writing short stories...

How to write short stories

How to write and publish a cookbook in eight steps

How to write and publish a cookbook in seven steps

17 books for your winter reading list

17 books for your winter reading list

9 types of creative writing to try

9 types of creative writing to try

How to overcome writer’s block and unlock your creativity

How to overcome writer’s block and unlock your creativity

15 simple tips to help you read more books

15 simple tips to help you read more books

16 crime and mystery books that you won’t be able to put down

16 crime and mystery books that you won’t be able to put down

compelling autobiographies that will stick with you for days

16 compelling autobiographies that will stick with you for days

12 accessible classic novels

12 accessible classic novels

20 of the best history books

15 inspiring self-development books

9 captivating novels by female authors

Sports and fitness

10 different sports and activities to try

An introduction to pickleball

An introduction to walking netball

An introduction to walking netball

An introduction to walking football

An introduction to walking football

12 rewarding activities to do while walking

12 rewarding activities to do while walking

What is HYROX? Plus, how to get started

What is HYROX? Plus, how to get started

10 trending workouts for 2026

10 trending workouts for 2026

The Joys of Paddleboarding – with Jo Moseley

The Joys of Paddleboarding – with Jo Moseley

Is swimming the secret to weight loss and healthy ageing?

Is swimming the secret to weight loss and healthy ageing?

Creatine supplements – what are they and what does the research say?

Creatine supplements – what are they and what does the research say?

A beginner’s guide to fly fishing

A beginner’s guide to fly fishing

Best fitness trackers of 2022

Best fitness trackers right now

An introduction to tennis

An introduction to tennis

The Rest Less Guide to Formula 1

The Rest Less Guide to Formula 1

13 of the best golf courses to play in the UK

13 of the best golf courses to play in the UK

9 of the best surf spots in the UK

9 of the best surf spots in the UK

An introduction to padel

An introduction to padel

An introduction to triathlon

An introduction to triathlon

an introduction to pilates

An introduction to Pilates over 50

How to make swimming a staple in your routine

How to make swimming a staple in your routine

An introduction to fencing

An introduction to fencing

An introduction to scuba diving

An introduction to scuba diving

An introduction to kayaking

An introduction to kayaking

8 health benefits of walking and how to stay motivated

8 health benefits of walking and how to stay motivated

An introduction to surfing

An introduction to surfing

10 different sports and activities to try

The health benefits of dog walking – even if you don’t have a dog

Accessible hobbies and activities

12 accessible classic novels

12 accessible classic novels

8 ways to make gardening more accessible if you’re a wheelchair user

8 ways to make gardening more accessible if you’re a wheelchair user

Wheelchair accessible hobbies and activities

14 wheelchair-accessible hobbies and activities

Spring and summer activities

22 fun ideas to help you make the most of spring

22 fun ideas to help you make the most of spring

24 things to add to your spring cleaning checklist

24 things to add to your spring cleaning checklist

10 natural methods to keep wasps at bay

10 natural methods to keep wasps at bay

14 summer craft ideas

14 summer craft ideas

7 ideas for a springtime garden clean-up

7 ideas for a springtime garden clean-up

10 top tips for planning an outdoor dinner party or picnic

Autumn and winter activities

11 ideas for a productive January

11 ideas for a productive January

8 ways to make your home cosy

8 ways to make your home cosy

10 different activities to help you embrace the winter season

10 different activities to help you embrace the winter season

10 things to do outside this autumn

10 things to do outside this autumn

20 top money-saving apps

20 top money-saving apps

12 New Year’s resolutions…that aren’t just for January

12 New Year’s resolutions…that aren’t just for January

New Year's Eve last minute ideas

New Year’s Eve – last-minute ideas

6 things to do if you're spending christmas alone this year

6 things to do if you’re spending Christmas alone this year

15 cosy winter hobbies

15 cosy winter hobbies

18 homemade christmas gift ideas

18 homemade Christmas gift ideas

11 ideas for festive get-togethers in the lead up to Christmas

11 ideas for festive get-togethers in the lead up to Christmas

8 of the best uk christmas markets in 2023

8 of the best UK Christmas markets

13 indoor activities to keep you busy on dark winter days

13 indoor activities to keep you busy on dark winter days

10 gift experiences for the foodie in your life

10 gift experiences for the foodie in your life

Support the NSPCC and make someone smile by ordering a Letter from Santa today!

Support the NSPCC and make someone smile by ordering a Letter from Santa today!

5 ways to make the most of winter

5 ways to make the most of winter

13 winter arts and crafts ideas

13 winter arts and crafts ideas

18 autumn arts and crafts ideas

18 autumn arts and crafts ideas

Rest Less Valentines Day gift guide 2022

Rest Less Valentine’s Day gift guide 2022

UK Christmas Markets

Essential guide to the best Christmas markets in the UK 2018

Rest Less Events to look out for

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