Nostalgic hobbies are back in fashion – including cross-stitch and flower-arranging

Research of 2,000 adults found ‘retro pastimes’ which involve arts and crafts – like sewing and model making - or getting outdoors – like bird watching – are in vogue.

While gardening and kneading dough are also popular activities.

More than a quarter (26 per cent) said the appeal of such hobbies is primarily down to escaping the stresses and strains of modern life - as they try to find some respite through simple pleasures.

Commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula, the research 53 per cent would like to take up a new pastime.

A spokesperson for the skincare brand said: "We shouldn't underestimate the physical and mental benefits a ‘hands-on hobby’ can bring into our lives.

“Hobbies like sewing, painting or bird watching might sound old-fashioned, but the relaxing and rewarding nature of these pursuits clearly isn’t lost on the British public.”

The average Brit maintains three ‘active’ hobbies to fill their free time, but 76 per cent still have room in their schedules to try something new.

As a result, 10 per cent would like to try their hand at growing their own food in a garden or allotment, and nine per cent think they would be successful at baking their own bread.

Traditional creative hobbies are also seeing a comeback, as Brits would like to take up pottery-making, calligraphy and crochet.

More than a quarter (27 per cent) have picked up a new hobby in the last year, whereas 25 per cent have kept a pastime going for over a decade.

Learning something new