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  Image: Pexels/Cottonbro 

 

 

 

 [Culture](/culture) 

 



 /  16 April 2025  

#  7 Hobbies You Might Not Have Considered  


 Run clubs, golf, making your own sourdough – all respectable pastimes, but the world of hobbies is rich and ever evolving. From bouldering to butchery, here are seven fast-growing activities that could give you something new to talk about…  
 

 



 

  Image: Pexels/Cottonbro 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 ![](https://media.slman.com/7vg6GUSSDGk1pQC3qpXZPaRKWsw=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F04%2Fsl-man-hobbies-bouldering-credit-pexels-cottonbro.jpg?itok=ex7oNjdD)

 

 

Pexels/cottonbro

 

 

 

 

 

## BOULDERING 

  

 

PTs and fitness insiders will tell you: if you want a full-body workout that hits every major muscle group, bouldering delivers results. With more and more climbing centres opening around the UK, there’s never been more access to what used to be a niche sport. **“**Bouldering is a discipline within the broader sport of climbing that focuses on shorter routes,” explains Ollie Rooke of [Lakeland Climbing Centres](https://lakelandclimbingcentres.co.uk/). “The walls are typically no higher than four to four-and-a-half metres, so there are no ropes or harnesses involved. Instead, it’s all about short, physically and technically demanding problems, with large crash mats on the floor for protection. Bouldering is very much tailored to your own body – strengths and weaknesses – so we see everyone from young kids to retirees getting involved.” Thanks to a wave of recent documentaries – including alpine climbing hits like Netflix’s *Race to the Summit* – bouldering has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. As Ollie points out, Team GB’s Toby Roberts winning Olympic gold last year was also a standout moment. “It really highlighted how athletic and impressive the sport is.”

**WHERE TO TRY IT:** [London Climbing Centres](https://londonclimbingcentres.co.uk/) (Canary Wharf, Bethnal Green, Vauxhall, Euston, Croydon, Ravenscourt Park &amp; Harrow); [Substation Brixton](https://brixton.substation.co.uk/); [The Castle Climbing Centre](https://www.londonclimbingguide.com/the-castle-climbing-centre) (Finsbury Park); [City Bouldering](https://www.citybouldering.co.uk/) (Stratford, Aldgate, White City); [Lakeland Climbing Centres](https://lakelandclimbingcentres.co.uk/) (Preston, Lancaster, Lake District).

 

## BUTCHERY 

  

 

Ever wondered where your steak actually comes from or wanted to master the art of carving a big joint of meat? Butchery classes are an opportunity to get hands-on with your food while learning a valuable skill. Luxury Somerset hotel [The Newt](https://thenewtinsomerset.com/hotel) offers masterclasses at its in-house butchers. According to its head of food Gelf Alderson, the classes “explore the journey of the carcass from slaughter to butchery, and afterwards you can sit down to a fantastic lamb feast at one of our restaurants on the estate.”

**WHERE TO TRY IT:** [The Newt, Somerset](https://thenewtinsomerset.com/workshop/farm-to-fork-butchery-lamb) (the next lesson takes place on Sat 31st May at 9:30am); [The Ginger Pig](https://thegingerpig.co.uk/butchery-classes/) (Marylebone &amp; Borough Market); [Macellaio RC Soho](https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/macellaio-rc-soho-london); [Temper](https://temperrestaurant.com/butchery-and-barbecue-masterclasses/) (City).

 

 [ ![The Newt In Somerset](https://media.slman.com/02p1EWWuOcRYyTechlxd0kw2ag0=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F04%2Fsmall-landscape-sl-man-hobbies-the-newt-butchery-credit-thenewtsomerset.png?itok=r9kAFAf1)

 

 ](https://thenewtinsomerset.com/hotel) 

The Newt In Somerset  


 

@THENEWTINSOMERSET

 

 

 

 

 

 

## PICKLEBALL 

  

 

Pickleball is an exciting, fast-paced blend of tennis, badminton and ping pong. Played with a paddle and a plastic ball on a small court, its celebrity fans include Michael Phelps, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe. If you’ve struggled to get a spot at one of London’s increasingly popular padel courts, pickleball offers an even more accessible alternative – and it’s suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. The game’s simple setup doesn’t compromise on intensity, offering a great workout that boosts everything from reflexes to stamina, hand-eye coordination and overall agility.

**WHERE TO TRY IT:** [Pickleball Social](https://pickleballsocial.co.uk/) (Battersea, Clapham, Dulwich &amp; Kensington); [Lemon Pickleball](https://lemonpickleball.com/) (Archway, Clapton, Farringdon, Finchley, Enfield, Hackney, Hampstead, Highgate, Hoxton, Maida Vale, Marylebone, Muswell Hill, Swiss Cottage); [Kensington Pickleball Club](https://kensingtonpickleballclub.co.uk/); [The Padel Yard](https://www.instagram.com/thepadelyard/?hl=en) (Wandsworth).

 

## STARGAZING 

  

 

Freestanding bathtubs were once the hallmark of a luxury hotel stay. Now, it’s all about the in-room telescope. [The Swan Inn](https://swaninnfittleworth.com/) in Fittleworth, West Sussex, has an impressive telescope on the balcony of one of its recently renovated rooms, while the Torridon in the Scottish Highlands offers an astronomy experience where you can stargaze from its remote location. At the luxury [Cowdray Estate](https://www.cowdray.co.uk/) – also in West Sussex, where the South Downs National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve – guests can book stargazing experiences led by local astronomer John Mason. “As a protected area with minimal light pollution, we've been lucky to witness countless Northern Lights displays,” explains Neil Georges, MD of hospitality &amp; events at Cowdray. "We've also seen sightings of the International Space Station, shooting stars, Starlink satellites and even rockets in flight.”

**WHERE TO TRY IT:** [Cowdray Estate](https://www.cowdray.co.uk/events/category/stargazing/); [Royal Observatory Greenwich](https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory); [Go Stargazing Experiences](https://gostargazing.co.uk/) (nationwide).

 

 

 



  [ ![](https://media.slman.com/4_rtZVUaUB9yBRGv_SIpH0cskx8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F04%2Fsl-man-hobbies-stargazing-crediw-cowdray.jpg?itok=LwAiIfkc)

 

 ](https://www.cowdray.co.uk/) 

Cowdray Estate

 

  

 

  ![](https://media.slman.com/VRrSmU-5GpiK0ujkuM7UCkZGPKU=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F04%2Fsl-man-hobbies-djing-credit-pexels-nereiq.jpg?itok=t2GoDMeD)

 

 

pexels/Nereiq

 

  

 

 



 

 

 

 

## DJING 

  

 

According to music teacher Alex Roberts, “Thanks to tech advances and the rise of streaming platforms, more people are trying their hand at DJing than ever before – and not just as a hobby. We're seeing a huge wave of bedroom DJs making it onto radio, playlists and even festivals.” Worried about a lack of obvious musical talent on your part? Alex doesn’t think you should be. “Start by learning to beat match by ear, get comfortable with transitions, and focus on understanding track structure. You don’t need much to get started – a decent controller and a strong music library will take you far.”

**WHERE TO TRY IT:** [London Sound Academy](https://www.londonsoundacademy.com/) (Camden &amp; Hackney); [SubBass Academy of Electronic Music](https://www.ableton.com/en/certified-training/subbass-academy/) (Waterloo); [Hub16](https://www.hub16.com/) (Dalston).

 

## GARDENING &amp; GROWING YOUR OWN VEG 

  

 

Any gardeners in your life will tell you that growing your own food is incredibly satisfying – and they have a point. Gardening is also now cool, partly thanks to content creators and chefs like Thomas Straker and Julius Roberts. “There’s a definite trend of younger guys getting into gardening," explains chef and gardener [Johnnie Collins.](https://www.instagram.com/johnniecollins/?hl=en) "It’s partly a reaction against the hustle and bustle of the daily stresses we have in our life these days. We all have a deep need to get into nature, put our hands in the soil and focus on simple tasks.

"In the gardening world I’ve noticed a shift towards sustainability. We’re becoming more connected to biodiversity, working with the climate and soil, and creating gardens that sit within nature. There’s a move away from high-maintenance planting towards natural landscapes for inspiration. I also love the trend for ‘edimentals’ – beautiful, structural plants like sea kale and artichokes that also provide food.

“It helps that there are some cool brands out there too. My first port of call for gardening gear is always the Japanese brand Niwaki – they make great tools with a simple, refined aesthetic. For clothes, I’ve always leaned towards workwear that isn’t necessarily made for gardening but is well made and versatile. Brands like Carhartt, Ben Davis, Service Works and Margaret Howell make pieces I can wear in the kitchen, garden or day-to-day.”

**WHO TO FOLLOW:** [Gill Meller](https://www.instagram.com/gill.meller/?hl=en), [Martha Swales](https://www.instagram.com/marfskitchengarden/?hl=en), [Julius Roberts](https://www.instagram.com/juliusroberts/?hl=en), [James Wong](https://www.instagram.com/botanygeek/?hl=en-gb)

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/GvNTzkJ90ICtGe0M2_-lhJSEV_8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F04%2Fsl-man-hobbies-gardening-credit-johnniecollins.jpg?itok=5BoiKyKX)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/johnniecollins/?hl=en) 

@johnniecollins

 

 

 

 

 

 

## DSLR PHOTOGRAPHY 

  

 

DSLR photography isn’t just about taking pictures – it’s about mastering a technical skill. Using a DSLR opens a whole new world compared to what you can capture with your phone camera. You get total control over depth of field, shutter speed and ISO, which means better shots in almost any conditions. And you don’t have to spend thousands to get started. Car boots sales, specialist camera shops and platforms like eBay are just a few places where you can pick up a second-hand model. If you’re not sure where to start, [London Institute of Photography](https://liop.co.uk/) in Shoreditch offers two-day beginner courses (£295) covering all the basics.

**WHERE TO TRY IT:** [London Institute of Photography](https://liop.co.uk/) (Shoreditch); [London School of Photography](https://londonschoolofphotography.com/) (Soho); [City Academy](https://www.city-academy.com/photography-classes) (Waterloo); [FujiFilm House of Photography](https://www.fujifilm-houseofphotography.com/fujifilm-school/courses/) (London, Liverpool, Edinburgh).

 

 

 

 

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