Poker, Poetry and Coding – London’s Taste for Unusual Hobbies

A new report from Attic Self Storage reveals that Londoners are developing quirkier and more unconventional hobby habits compared to the rest of the UK. While traditional pastimes still have their place, life in the capital appears to be shaping how, why, and even what people choose to do in their spare time. Driven by limited space, busy schedules, and a desire for connection or self-development, Londoners are increasingly selective — and experimental — when it comes to leisure.

The data highlights several striking differences between Londoners and the national average. Cards and tabletop games, particularly poker, are significantly more popular in the capital, with Londoners 48% more likely than the average Brit to play. This rise likely reflects both the city’s social culture and the appeal of hobbies that are portable, flexible, and don’t require much physical space. A deck of cards, after all, fits easily into flatshares and small apartments.

Creative writing is another standout. Around one in fifteen Londoners regularly engages in creative writing, from novels and short stories to poetry and spoken word. This makes writing a hobby that is 42% more popular in London than elsewhere in the UK. The capital’s long association with publishing, media, and the arts — alongside the rise of writing communities, open-mic nights, and online platforms — may help explain why so many Londoners turn to words as a form of self-expression and stress relief.

Performance-based hobbies also thrive in the city. Londoners are 32% more likely to participate in amateur dramatics and dance compared to the rest of the country. These activities often double as social outlets, offering opportunities to meet new people while developing confidence and creative skills. For many, the appeal lies not just in the hobby itself but in the sense of belonging it provides, particularly in a city where loneliness can be a persistent issue.

One of the more unexpected findings is the rise of coding as a leisure activity. Research shows that Londoners are 20% more likely to code as a hobby than the average Brit. While this may blur the line between work and play, it reflects a broader trend: hobbies in London are increasingly linked to self-improvement and employability. Learning to code can be intellectually rewarding, relatively low-cost, and adaptable to small living spaces — all key considerations for city residents.

At the same time, some traditional pastimes are falling out of favour. Knitting, for example, is 41% less popular in London than elsewhere in the UK. This decline may be less about a lack of interest and more about practicality. Hobbies that require storing materials, tools, or long-term projects can be difficult to sustain in compact homes.

“Hobbies in London aren’t just about filling time anymore — they’re how people are managing stress, making themselves more employable and finding friends,” says Danny King, Head of Stores at Attic Self Storage. “But with limited space, people are literally making room for hobbies that don’t take over their lives.”

This challenge is particularly acute in a city where the average home measures just 47m², and over a third of residents say they are unhappy with their living conditions. With space at such a premium, Londoners are more likely to favour hobbies that are flexible, shareable, or easy to abandon if time runs out.

For some, this means hobbies are often left unfinished. Wana, a South London resident, says the constant pressure of city life makes long-term commitment difficult. “There’s just less time, less money and less space,” she explains. “When I do find time, I’d rather try something completely new, like violin or weightlifting, but I rarely stick to it. For me, it’s more about doing something with other people than doing it long-term.”

Despite the growing interest in niche and unconventional pursuits, fitness still dominates London’s hobby landscape. Attic Self Storage’s analysis of Google search data shows that 80% of the capital’s top 20 most-searched classes are fitness-related. Yoga leads with 3.6k monthly searches, followed by pilates (2.9k), zumba (2.4k), boxing (1.9k), and swimming (1.9k). These activities combine physical health benefits with relatively low barriers to entry, making them well-suited to busy urban lifestyles.

Together, the findings paint a picture of a city where hobbies are evolving. In London, leisure is no longer just about passing time — it’s about adaptability, connection, and making the most of limited resources. Whether it’s poker at a friend’s flat, poetry written on a commute, or coding learned after work, Londoners are redefining what hobbies look like in a space-constrained, fast-paced capital.