It’s easy to fall into the routine of painfully predictable pastimes – gardening, playing an instrument, or heading to the gym… but where’s the fun in those? At a time when the world is smaller than ever, so too should we be reaching out with wholesome new hobbies that stretch both our imagination and our expectations.

Geocaching

Imagine a modern-day treasure hunt powered by GPS technology. Geocaching involves finding hidden ‘caches’ that are tucked away in parks, forests and urban spaces around the world.

All you need is a smartphone and a sense of adventure, and it’s a great way to explore new areas, get some fresh air, and join a global community of fellow treasure seekers.

Cold-water swimming

For the brave-hearted and slightly unhinged, cold-water (or wild) swimming is revered not only for its adrenaline rush, but some significant health benefits.

Wild swimming clubs meet near rivers, lakes and coastal spots across the UK. The thrill of the cold and the sense of accomplishment afterward is unlike anything else, but for safety’s sake make sure you are part of a recognised group.

Whittling

Whittling is a mindful, hands-on craft that only requires a small knife and a piece of wood.

You can sit outdoors or by the fire, carving spoons, figurines or ornaments. It’s a simple but rewarding skill, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and create something with your hands… even if it’s unrecognisable from what you intended!

Gravestone rubbing

This technique for creating wax or charcoal imprints of old tombstones offers a unique mix of history, art and exploration.

So instead of spiralling into a poetic abyss akin to The Smiths, visiting cemeteries becomes an opportunity to preserve historical craftsmanship and discover untold stories hidden in the etchings of gravestones. It’s a peaceful yet deeply reflective pastime of which Morrissey would be proud.

Historical reenactments

For those with a love of history and a flair for theatrics, historical reenactments might just be your calling.

Groups across the UK gather to recreate famous battles, Victorian fairs, or medieval banquets. You can get lost in costume, history, and camaraderie, reliving key moments of the past in vivid detail.

Urban sketching

Finally, taking a notebook and pen into the streets of your town or city to capture buildings, people and scenes, can be a rewarding practice.

Urban sketching has a huge following worldwide, offering an artistic outlet that combines observation and creativity.

Oh and it’s a recognised fact that artistic drawing of pubs is enhanced by regular lubrication!