Finding a hobby for long winter evenings
Long winter evenings are a good time to pick up something new, but the choice can feel overwhelming. Knitting, chess, reading, music and video games all suit a dark January, and each asks for a different amount of time, space and money. Start by thinking about what you already enjoy. If you like finishing things with your hands, a craft suits you; if you prefer a challenge you can work through alone or with a friend, a board game or an instrument may fit better.
Before you buy anything, pay attention to the first few weeks. Beginner kits and starter sets keep costs low and show you whether the hobby holds your interest. Check what it needs at home, such as table space, storage, a quiet corner or good light, and avoid spending heavily on equipment until you have tried it for a month or two.
How to choose the right hobby and essentials
Start with the practical criteria: how much time you can give each week, where you will keep the materials, and whether you want something social or solitary. Knitting and crochet need little space and can be picked up in short sessions, but they require yarn of a suitable weight and needles or hooks matched to the pattern. Chess needs a board and a set with clearly distinct pieces, and a large tournament-style set is not necessary at first. Reading and music can be low cost if you borrow from libraries or use an instrument you already have, while video games depend heavily on the hardware you own.
The main trade-off is between starting cheaply and starting well. A basic set of needles, a single beginner pattern or a simple chessboard is usually enough to learn the essentials, and you can upgrade once you know which techniques or formats you prefer. Printed books are easier to read in the evening for many people than screens, while ebooks and audiobooks suit those who already read on a device. For music, a secondhand instrument or a keyboard with headphones keeps noise down in shared homes.
Start with one hobby, buy a basic starter set, and give it a few regular evenings before you decide what to upgrade.
From the editors
Common mistakes include buying too much at once, choosing a pattern or game well above your level, and ignoring compatibility. Check the yarn weight against the pattern label, confirm that a game runs on your console or PC before ordering, and do not assume an expensive chess set will improve your play. Another mistake is treating the hobby as a test of talent. A modest, steady routine of twenty minutes a few evenings a week usually does more than an intense first fortnight that ends in burnout.
What you actually need to start
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Beginner knitting or crochet kit
A basic set of wool, needles or hooks, and a simple pattern is enough to learn the core stitches. Choose a light, easy-to-handle yarn so that early mistakes are easier to undo.
Search termsknitting wool · beginner knitting needles · crochet hook set · knitting patterns
Our recommendationtheknittingnetwork.co.ukBest for craft startersBeginner chess set
A plain board with clearly distinguishable pieces is all you need to learn movements and basic tactics. A simpler set keeps costs modest until you know how much you enjoy playing.
Search termschess set for beginners · chess board · chess pieces
Our recommendationregencychess.co.ukSpecialist choiceBeginner book on your chosen hobby
A clear introductory guide or a light novel gives you something to read in short evening sessions. Paperbacks are easy to pick up without a screen, which many people find restful in winter.
Search termsbeginner hobby book · paperback novel · hobby guide
Our recommendationwhsmith.co.ukBooks and stationeryVideo game for your existing platform
Check what console or PC you own before buying, then pick a title that suits the time you can spare. Shorter games with clear goals are often the easiest way to build a regular habit.
Search termsPC games · console games · video games
Our recommendationthegamecollection.netVideo game picksArt book or print
An art book or framed print can start a habit of looking closely and sketching in the evenings. Choose a subject you already like so that the hobby feels personal from the start.
Search termsart book · art prints · sketchbook gift
Our recommendationshop.nationalgallery.org.ukArt and readingMusic album to learn by listening
Choosing a few albums in a genre you want to explore can be a low-cost way to start a music habit. Listening closely to one record a week gives you a steady routine without any equipment.
Search termsmusic releases · music album · listening starter
Our recommendationtownsendmusic.storeMusic starter
Where to start shopping
Begin with one hobby rather than several. If you want to try knitting or crochet, theknittingnetwork.co.uk is a practical place to look for starter wool, needles or hooks and a beginner pattern, which keeps the list short. For chess, regencychess.co.uk specialises in boards and sets, so you can compare a simple travel set with a larger wooden one before deciding. If you prefer reading, whsmith.co.uk stocks a wide range of paperbacks, magazines and stationery for note taking. Write a short list of what you need, check it against the space you have at home, and buy only the first items. Once you have used them for a few weeks, you will know what to add next.
Before you order
- Decide how many evenings a week you can realistically give to the hobby.
- Measure the table, shelf or corner where you will keep the materials.
- Check yarn weight, game platform or board size against the product details.
- Choose a beginner kit or starter set rather than a full collection.
- Note what you enjoyed after two or three weeks before buying more.
- Look for a library or local group to try things out first if you can.
The stores at a glance
theknittingnetwork.co.uk
Best for craft startersCovers wool, needles, hooks and patterns in one place, so a beginner can assemble a full starter kit.
Recommended for Beginner knitting or crochet kit
regencychess.co.uk
Specialist choiceDedicated chess sets, boards and pieces make it easy to choose a beginner set without wading through unrelated products.
Recommended for Beginner chess set
whsmith.co.uk
Books and stationeryUseful for picking up a beginner novel, a craft magazine or a notebook for practice notes in one trip.
Recommended for Beginner book on your chosen hobby
thegamecollection.net
Video game picksHelpful if you want a new game or accessories for the console or PC you already own.
Recommended for Video game for your existing platform
townsendmusic.store
Music starterSuits anyone who wants to build a listening habit or pick up music releases to start exploring.
Recommended for Music album to learn by listening
shop.nationalgallery.org.uk
Art and readingArt books and prints suit a slower, reflective evening hobby and also make thoughtful gifts for fellow beginners.
Recommended for Art book or print
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Frequently asked questions
Which winter hobby is cheapest to start?
Reading and listening are usually the lowest-cost options, especially if you borrow books from a library or use an instrument or device you already own. Knitting and chess can also start small with a basic kit or set.
How much time should I set aside for a new hobby?
Twenty to thirty minutes a few evenings a week is a realistic starting point. Regular short sessions tend to build a habit more reliably than occasional long ones.
Should I buy the best equipment straight away?
Usually not. Starter kits are enough to learn the basics, and you will be better placed to choose upgrades once you know which techniques, formats or games suit you.
How do I avoid buying something incompatible?
Check the yarn weight on a pattern, the platform a game supports and the board size you have space for before ordering. A quick look at the product details prevents most returns.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
