A study by Andover based firm Stannah reveals that Brits spend an entire three years enjoying hobbies during their lifetime.

The average person participates in three hobbies a week, dedicating more than eight hours of their free time to them, which equates to 416 hours per year or 26,208 over an average lifespan (three years).

For many, the Covid lockdown restrictions enabled new hobbies to be explored and more time to be spent on existing favourites. 

The study, of 2,000 adults, found over 55s are more likely to read during their spare time, 68 per cent, than 18 to 24-year-olds, 41 per cent.

Those aged 44 and under are 10 times more likely to be interested in Tik Tok and eight times more likely to have an Instagram account than those aged 55 and over.

There were some surprising discoveries too. Despite being considered a more ‘old-fashioned’ hobby, 18 to 24-year-olds are three times more likely to be interested in calligraphy than over 55s.

The younger generation is also more likely to be interested in cross stitching, sewing and stamp collecting than the senior age group.

Patrick Stannah, MD of Stannah said: “It’s clear from the results of our survey that Brits like to make the most of their spare time to indulge in a wide range of activities.

"It’s wonderful that many traditional hobbies have stood the test of time, proving to be popular with all ages with millions of Brits enjoying activities like gardening and baking.”

The research also revealed that while 21 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds became involved in a hobby or interest after seeing something on social media, just two per cent of over 55s said the same.

A quarter of those surveyed said they picked up a hobby from an older relative while 11 per cent took an interest up on the back of a younger member of the family.

However, 27 per cent don't think they currently have enough interests. More than four in 10 put this down to not having enough spare time, while a quarter said they can't afford it.

Among those pastimes that made the top ten are: reading (top), cooking, travelling, gardening and watching films.