Gen Z are embracing reading as new hobbies trend for 2026

22nd January 2026

12:24pm GMT

JOE

Gen Z are embracing reading as new hobbies trend for 2026

Traditional hobbies are coming back into fashion

Reading is set to be the hot new hobby trend for 2026 as calming traditional pastimes make a comeback.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the top 50 sought-after interests for the year ahead, including learning a new language, meditation and photography.

Books as a theme are having a resurgence, with reading coming first in the list and complementing hobbies of creative writing and listening to audio books, taking ninth and eleventh place.

On the same theme, a goal this year for 29 per cent is to read a book per week or month.

The research was commissioned by National Rail on behalf of the rail industry and found of those who want to pick up a new hobby 30 per cent cite being creative as a reason why, while 35 per cent want to learn a new skill and 28 per cent hope to use their spare time efficiently.

When it comes to different generations, Gen Zs plan to take up mindful pastimes including sewing, crochet and colouring in, more than any other age group.

While Millennials are most inclined to bring back classics such as knitting, chess and board games.

In the busy modern-day, a lack of spare time was identified as the top barrier for not taking up hobbies (32 per cent) and 24 per cent are seeking something which will help them switch off.

A further 26 per cent believe doing a relaxing or creative task while travelling will help reduce their stress.

Commenting on the National Rail research, consumer behaviour expert Dr Amna Khan said: “The future of travel will involve consumers using journeys to escape digital fatigue, unplug and recharge.

“Many of us will look to ditch the 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.

“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.”

The research also found 34 per cent would prefer to wind down at the end of the day with a creative hobby, while only 14 per cent would opt for starting their day with a creative pastime.

But 18 per cent claimed their life is so busy that travelling gives them valuable time back to spend keeping up with their pursuit.

And for 11 per cent their interest of choice has even been impacted by whether or not they can do it on their commute or leisure journeys.

More than a third (34 per cent) plan to or have carried out their hobby while on the move in order to use the time to their advantage (30 per cent) and to make it a part of their routine (21 per cent).

For six in 10 of them (59 per cent) the preferred mode of transport for focusing on their pursuit is the train.

Among some of the popular hobbies for doing while on the rails were crosswords (19 per cent), diary writing (15 per cent) and knitting (14 per cent).

Travellers feel the train is the ideal place to enjoy and focus on their hobby due to the views out of the window (36 per cent), lack of distractions (34 per cent) and the opportunity for me-time (33 per cent).

A third of those polled via OnePoll also believe carrying out a hobby on a train journey turns travel time into time well spent with 17 per cent more likely to stick with their new venture and for 26 per cent it helps them destress.

For 37 per cent, working on their pastime during a train journey has led to conversations with strangers while 25 per cent met someone who became a long-term friend.

Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, said: “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.”

Someone who said train journeys have been instrumental in turning a hobby into a revenue producing side hustle is singer Sarah Hutchinson, 31 – who goes by stage name JOEY.

Having always enjoyed writing and singing, she booked lessons with a singing coach which involved an hour-long journey to and from her weekly lessons.

Regularly travelling between Blackpool and her Manchester studio on the train, she uses the journeys to write lyrics and brainstorm song ideas in peace.

JOEY, a fulltime online personal trainer, said: "I use the journey to listen to tracks from producers where I have to fill in with my lyrics.

"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."