Why Brits are ditching nightclubs for wellness routines in 2025

Remember when Saturday nights were all about pre-drinks, packed clubs, and cheesy chips at 3 am? Not anymore.

A new wave of wellness is sweeping across the UK – and it’s not just about matcha and avocado. According to new research by Mecca Bingo, a staggering 58% of Brits now prefer wholesome, wellness-focused activities such as running, journaling, or Pilates over nightclubs.

It’s a major cultural shift – and the numbers say it all.

Over two-thirds (69%) of Brits have taken up a hobby in the past 12 months to support their wellbeing

It’s not hard to see what’s driving the change. A mix of post-pandemic reflection, the rising cost of living, and growing mental health awareness has many people re-evaluating what “fun” really looks like. For most, it turns out fun is more about feeling good, both physically and mentally.

In the past year, 69% of adults in the UK have taken up some kind of wellness-focused activity. Running, walking, and jogging are by far the most popular choices, but healthy eating, strength training, journaling, and spending more time in nature also made the list. People are not just working out – they’re slowing down, reconnecting with themselves, and looking for more meaning in how they spend their time.

The numbers back it up: searches for “run club uk” have increased by 800%, and marathon fever is spreading fast. The 2026 London Marathon saw a record-breaking 1.13 million applications, and Google searches for “how to start jogging for beginners” are up by +3,650.

Wellness communities are building lasting friendships

One of the most surprising findings? 73% of people say they’ve made new friends through wellness activities in the past year. Whether it’s joining a run club, trying a creative hobby, or bonding in a hot yoga class, Brits are finding deeper social connections through shared, wholesome interests.

And it’s not just about being healthier – it’s about feeling better and more connected. Searches for “places to make friends as an adult” have doubled, and interest in group-based wellness is booming.

Pilates, TikTok, and the rise of #WellnessTok

It’s not just happening offline. Wellness culture is booming on TikTok, with the #WellnessTok community covering everything from cold plunges to mental health check-ins. Pilates, in particular, is seeing explosive growth – both online and offline – with traditionally underrepresented groups getting involved too. TikTok is breaking old stereotypes and redefining what wellness looks like in 2025.

Creative self-care is on the rise

But wellness isn’t just about movement – it’s also about creativity and self-expression. Many Brits are embracing hobbies like journaling, reading, crafting, and even wine glass painting as forms of modern self-care. Searches for “hobbies for women” and “hobbies for men” have exploded on TikTok, reflecting a growing desire to use free time for more than just mindless scrolling or hangover recovery.

More than a quarter of people surveyed are now doing things like painting, crafting, and journaling as a regular part of their routines. It’s not just about disconnecting from stress – it’s about reconnecting with joy.

Redefining entertainment

Even traditional leisure brands are evolving to reflect the trend. At Mecca Bingo, 42% of new customers during the second half of 2024 were under 35, and more than 60% were under 45 – a strong signal that younger generations are looking for more diverse and balanced forms of entertainment.

So, whether it’s lacing up for a 10K, getting crafty on a Saturday night, or playing a few rounds of bingo with friends, Brits are redefining what it means to unwind. And judging by the stats, it’s a shift that’s here to stay.

Have you swapped nightclubbing for wellness too? Let us know how you’re embracing the movement – and what’s helped you feel your best.

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Note: Survey conducted by OnePulse on June 10, 2025, with 1,000 UK adults aged 18+. Search data was pulled from Google Trends and TikTok.

Methodology: Search trend data was sourced using Keyword Tool, based on trends from the past 12 months. Data was collected on 06/05/2025