Most costly and time-consuming hobbies in UK – from snowboarding to gaming
Research has revealed which hobbies cost the most and take up the most time each week, with many people admitting they often drop new hobbies within a year.
Many people take up a new hobby to improve their lifestyle(Image: Getty Images)
Skiing, golf and football are the priciest hobbies – but gaming is the most time-consuming. Research involving 2,000 adults revealed snow sports are the costliest with an annual expenditure of £673.
This was followed by golf, with yearly costs exceeding £370 on clubs, fees and other kit, while football ranked third with spending of £355 annually.
But it was gaming that claimed the top position for most consuming, with time dedicated to consoles totalling nearly four hours and 48 minutes weekly.
Automotive brand, DS, commissioned the study and launched a competition in partnership with TopTracer where participants are invited to hit their shot within eight yards of the flag – if they succeed they will have a chance at winning the new DS N°8.
Jules Tilstone, managing director, DS Automobiles UK: “Our pastimes are what bring us closer to others, while giving us our own individuality.
“There are so many different hobbies, and what one person loves another may not enjoy, so it’s good to test the waters with new interests every now and then while also putting in the extra mile to enhance your abilities.”
Looking for something to do is the main reason people take up a new hobby (55%), while 49% have taken up a hobby because it would improve their lifestyle. However, 8% are encouraged to take something up because of social media.
A quarter engage in as many as three hobbies per year – but 15% usually abandon them within a year.
Almost two in five (38%) believe they are unlikely to persist with one unless they see enhancements in their ability.
They would, however, be prepared to splash out an average of approximately £185 if they knew it would enhance their performance in their chosen pursuit.
Though 16% confessed to being dishonest when revealing their spending to their partner.
Ryder Cup winner David Howell said: “People think spending more money on equipment will immediately make you better at the sport – but that can’t be further from the case.
“Practice makes perfect and putting in the time is the only sure way of getting better at something. It’s a good idea to give it a go for a while before spending money on it, otherwise you may be left with expensive dust collectors.”
THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOBBIES
- Skiing/snowboarding – £673.48 per year
- Golf – £371.69 per year
- Football – £355.66 per year
- Fishing – £252.94 per year
- Gaming – £203.83 per year
- Tennis – £180.77 per year
- Baking – £177.14 per year
- Padel – £174.77 per year
- Running – £162.54 per year
- Swimming – £156.90 per year
THE MOST TIME CONSUMING HOBBIES
- Gaming – 4 hours 48 minutes per week
- Football – 3 hours 40 minutes per week
- Golf – 3 hours per week
- Fishing – 3 hours per week
- Running – 2 hours and 54 minutes per week
- Painting – 2 hours and 33 minutes per week
- Baking – 2 hours 32 minutes per week
- Cycling – 2 hours 28 minutes per week
- Yoga – 2 hours 20 minutes per week
- Pilates – 2 hours and 7 minutes
