A hobby is great for our mental wellbeing – whether you need something relaxing and meditative, a creative outlet, or a way to meet new friends. Some hobbies can cost a lot to get started – and if you find you’re not taking to it, you will have wasted a lot of money. At MoneyMagpie, we love things you can do for free or cheap, so we’ve come up with this list of hobbies to try that won’t break the bank.
Running
Running is completely free, can be done at any time, and is great way to keep fit either alone or with friends. Run clubs in your area will be a good place to learn the best routes and meet like-minded people, but if you want to go it alone it’s easy to start.
All you need to get going is a pair of trainers. Most people own a pair already, but if you haven’t a suitable pair then try your local supermarket or Primark for a pair with a well-cushioned sole. Eventually, you will need a proper pair of running shoes, but while you’re getting started a cheap pair will do.
We love Joy Runs, a new free app created by Stuart Goulden, which is great for learners and experienced runners alike. Instead of being competitive about best times, the aim is to focus on the soul and mind. Each week, a new theme is introduced to encourage people to think mindfully about that theme (such as trees, water, and friendship).
Dance Classes
A good boogie is fantastic for the soul and getting your groove on is a fantastic way to reconnect with your body and improve your balance. Adult classes usually start around £5-£8, and many places will offer a free or discounted taster session.
Once you’ve found a style of dance you can enjoy, look up free dance tutorials on YouTube to learn more steps. You can also book more classes, making the most of a multi-week discount at many gyms and community centres.
Knitting and Crochet
No longer a hobby just for grandmas, knitting and crochet are both brilliant ways to learn new skills, participate in something meditative AND creative, and meet new people. The fibre artist community is incredibly welcoming, and it’s easy to learn how to get started with YouTube videos or websites like Wool and the Gang.
Knitting and crochet doesn’t require much outlay to get started. Many people find they connect with one over the other better, so give both a go to find which is more enjoyable for you. Crochet is ‘one stitch at a time’ and is ideal for making toys, blankets, and some garments. Knitting is ‘one row at a time’ and is best for garments and blankets for beginners.
All you need is a couple of knitting needles, a crochet hook (which is useful for knitters, too!), and yarn. Don’t splash out on yarn while you’re learning, as it can take some time (and wonky knits) to get the hang of things. Check out your local charity shop for some cheap wool, or look at Hobbycraft and B&M.
LoveCrafts is a popular website with plenty of free patterns and yarn and accessories for all budget levels. Your local library or community centre may also run ‘knit and natter’ social sessions, which is a great way to meet new people in real life. Many will be experienced knitters or crocheters who can share their tips for free! Online, communities such as Ravelry are a great place to start, too.
Creative Writing
Creative writing comes in a wide variety of forms, such as poetry, fiction, short stories and narrative non-fiction (which includes memoirs). Writing is a therapeutic activity, allowing you to engage with your creative side or innermost thoughts.
Some people choose to journal every day, with no intention of showing their work. This is a great way to lead a more reflective and mindful life. Others may want to learn the craft so that they can be published, and this can be done through online and in-person courses.
The Open University has its Start Writing Fiction free course, and Alison and Udemy have free online creative writing courses to get you started. You could also join a writing group in your local area or online, to share your work with others and get feedback to improve.
Learning a Language
If you’ve always wanted to be fluent in another language, now’s a great time to start! You can use an app like Duolingo, which has a free option and loads of languages to learn. If you want, you can upgrade to a paid subscription from £4.99 a month, which gives you more options to aid your learning.
If you prefer to work in-person with a native speaker, look for local lessons. Alternatively, post on your local community message boards seeking a native speaker of the language in return for English conversation. Many people are willing to ‘language swap’ over a coffee each week, and it’s one of the best ways to practice your spoken language.
Adult Education Courses
While we’re on the subject of learning, perhaps you’ve got lots of things you’ve always wanted to try but don’t know where to start. Look at your local university, college, and council websites for adult education short courses. Some are free while others are low cost.
Learn British Sign Language, take a silver clay workshop, discover your local history or find out how to start gardening – the opportunities are endless! Local adult education courses are often low cost, and you may also be able to apply for bursaries to help with the cost of materials or course fees. The great thing about taking short courses is you can test the waters to find something you fall in love with to develop as a main hobby later on, too!
Bird Watching
Ornithology makes being out in nature far more interesting and engaging for many people, as you learn what different birds look and sound like. It’s really easy to get started, too!
All you need is a bird recognition book, some patience, and a garden, woodlands or wetlands to go wandering in. You could even download an app like Merlin, which helps you identify bird calls – so even if you can’t see them, you can tell which bird is singing.
We love the Royal Botanical Gardens Birdwatching for Beginners video, an example of some of the great free birdwatching tutorial content on YouTube. Make sure you check out the RSPB website, too.
Make Money with Hobbies
When you’ve found something you love doing, then you can invest in the kit or accessories which make it easier or more enjoyable. Runners can invest in proper running shoes, for example, while birdwatchers might fancy a pair of binoculars.
The great thing about hobbies – as well as improving our mental health and wellbeing – is that you can also make money from them! Whether you want to teach online tutorials or become an influencer who brings people along with your learning journey, check out MoneyMagpie’s hobbies section for inspiration.
