A growing number of adult enthusiasts are rediscovering their love for Lego, helping to fuel a surge in sales that has increased the Danish toymaker's revenues by 21%.

But Lego isn't the only childhood pastime people are returning to. We spoke to people who have rediscovered old hobbies about what drew them back. For some, returning to an old pastime offers an escape from the pressures of adult life, while for others it is a chance to reconnect with a younger version of themselves.

'I love the connection to nature and the disconnection from adulting'

"As a child, I was outside climbing trees more than I watched TV. I was relatively feral as a kid; my parents didn't know where I was other than in the woods somewhere and most likely up a tree. I never really stopped but life got busy and adulting took over for a long while. Then I had my daughter and I realised I could get back into it via her. The rest, as they say, is history.

"I love the connection to nature and the disconnection from adult responsibilities. I love scaring myself and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I've seen others returning to tree climbing over the last few years. People want a break away from tech, to get back to nature and be present in an activity with their kids. I also love the reconnection to my childhood love of tree climbing."
Jimmy Young, business director, Hampshire, UK

'I was obsessed with miniature embroidery'

"My aunt taught me all her embroidery silks as a child. I was obsessed with handsewn miniatures and my parents' friends bought them off me. At far too young an age, probably less than 18 and speaking no French, I took myself by train from London to see the Bayeux tapestry in Normandy. I really was obsessed.

"When my auntie died, I got her collection of African materials. My daughter-in-law and I learned how to quilt and we made a dozen memory cushions embroidered with messages and political quotes. Each female member of the family and close friends of my aunt got one. I now happily embroider anything on anything."
Rachel Richman, community artist, Newcastle upon Tyne

'It feels as if I've slotted in a puzzle piece into my identity that was missing for a long time'

"After being very strong in art in secondary school and attempting to pursue various creative careers and encountering many setbacks, I set art aside. I'm now rediscovering fine art as a hobby with no expectations and it feels as if I've slotted in a puzzle piece into my identity that was missing for a long time. I still struggle with perfectionism and finding the time in my busy adult life, but I'm determined to keep this going as much as I can.

"The constant bad news on social media can easily bring you down. I think adults, especially young adults and teens, are desperate for a comforting escape."
Sarah, video game tester, Tokyo

'Riding is a great way to relieve stress for me as I navigate academia'

"I rode horses as a kid but stopped after I had a big fall. I always meant to start riding again but growing up in New Jersey, it was particularly expensive. When my now husband and I moved to central New York during Covid, I realised I could try riding again. I took my first lesson and was hooked. Within a month I was leasing a horse, six weeks later I owned my own horse and I even started going to shows and placing, which is something I always wanted to do as a kid.

"We've since moved for my PhD but my horse came with us and riding is a great way to relieve stress for me as I navigate academia. I think we're all getting overstimulated by our screens. At this point we're almost too connected with everyone and everything online. We're inundated with information and mostly negative news all the time. It's natural to want to go back to hobbies or activities that remind us of when we felt safer."
Sydney Bauer, PhD candidate in art history, Apex, North Carolina

'I was never going to be a real racing driver – this is a cute way to live out that fantasy'

"In my teens in the late 90s I took up radio-controlled car racing with my dad. I've always loved motorsport. We raced at a purpose-built track in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. I enjoyed the racing and it was good getting out with my dad. We gave it up after he started working overseas again and sold all the gear. Twenty-five years later, still a motorsports fan, a post randomly appeared on my timeline about a new club opening on the other side of Edinburgh. I went along to a couple of meetings and used the spare club car for a few races. Turns out I never lost the knack for the driving, so I bought my own car.

"Work and family life can be hectic so it's really great to have your own little thing on the side. I was never going to be a real racing driver so this is a cute and low-cost way to live out that fantasy while also connecting with real people. You can play racing games online but they can be quite toxic. There's nothing better than real human connection and encouraging others when they do well."
Pete Harper, small business owner, East Lothian, Scotland

'It's just fun for fun's sake and that's all I want in a hobby these days'

"I'm one of the many adults that have rediscovered Lego. As a child, I had always loved Lego. I rediscovered Lego slowly, first learning about adult enthusiasts through the TV show Lego Masters, then I had a child and suddenly had access and an excuse to play again. It didn't take me long to realise I could also spend my adult money on Lego just for me. I didn't have any active hobbies at the time due to the time commitment of work and parenthood – Lego fit comfortably into that.

"I wouldn't say I'm particularly talented at it but it's just fun for fun's sake and that's all I want in a hobby these days. It might just be a social media thing but I can't help but feel like the fun has been sucked out of everything I used to like because I'm not talented enough and/or I can't monetise it. Lego has replaced scrolling and building feels like a kind of detox. It's a bit of a way to get back to me – the me before socials, I guess."
Bec, teacher, Gold Coast, Australia