More than 85 percent of people across Yorkshire are considering taking up an outdoor hobby in 2026, signalling a growing shift away from screens and towards time outside.

A UK-wide poll of adults found hiking and walking is set to be the nation’s most popular outdoor pursuit, with more than a quarter (26 percent) saying they want to spend more time on foot next year.

Hiking and walking topped the list in most regions, including Yorkshire and the Humber - where it peaked at 32 percent.

Nationally, horse riding came second (23 percent), followed by gardening (21 percent), photography and running or jogging (both 16 percent), suggesting adults across the UK are looking for activities that combine fitness, fresh air and creativity.

The new survey, commissioned by equestrian experts at HarryHall.com, has also revealed that 11 percent of Brits want to spend time with animals as part of their hobby in the new year and 41 percent are motivated by improving their mental wellbeing through hobbies.

Dr Harriet Baird, a Social Psychologist at the University of Sheffield said: “These findings reflect a growing desire among adults in the UK to balance their lives with nature and explore activities that support their mental and physical wellbeing.

“More than 60 percent of adults set goals at the start of the year, often to take up a new hobby or develop a new skill, and outdoor activities can be an ideal way to achieve this.

"Hobbies in the outdoors provide a sense of purpose, restoration and relaxation that many people find missing from screen-heavy routines. Activities involving animals can be particularly powerful as they encourage being in the present moment and building genuine connections with animals and the natural environment, which in turn reduces stress and creates a feeling of fulfilment.

“The key to successfully maintaining these new hobbies is to set goals that are specific and realistic, start small, and track progress over time.”

Horse riding in particular is capturing the imagination of younger adults, with almost a quarter of 25 to 34 year olds saying it’s the animal-related hobby they’d most like to try. Overall, 13 percent of respondents said they used to ride and would consider returning to it, while one in 10 have always wanted to try horse riding but haven’t yet taken the plunge.

Liz Hopper, Managing Director at HarryHall.com comments: “It’s really encouraging to see so many people planning to spend more time outdoors in 2026, particularly with activities that support both physical and mental wellbeing.

“Horse riding offers a unique combination of fresh air, fitness and connection with animals, which helps explain why interest continues to grow. Whether people are returning to riding or considering it for the first time, it’s clear that lots of Brits are seeking meaningful ways to reconnect with nature and enjoy the benefits that outdoor hobbies can bring.”

The findings of the 2,000 Brits surveyed suggest that most of us will swap screens for scenery - lacing up our boots, picking up cameras and seeking outdoor hobbies.

To find out more about pursuing horse riding in 2026, please visit: harryhall.com