The British like to make good
use of their leisure time. Much of this time is spent at home, watching TV, listening to
music or entertaining friends. About half the households in Britain have a pet, the most
common being a dog or a cat. Many people give up their free time to work for voluntary
organizations.
The British are also very interested in hobbies: painting, pottery,
model building, car maintenance, woodwork, music. One of the most popular leisure
activities is do-it-yourself (D. I. Y.) home improvements. Many people spend a great deal
of their free time organizing, teaching, training and participating in sports. Britain's
most popular games are cricket and football. Rugby, golf, rowing, horse and greyhound
racing also have a long history.
At weekends many people devote their time to gardening or driving to
the nearest country spot or beach.
Public houses, usually called "pubs" have been places of
entertainments for hundreds of years. The attraction is good beer and light-hearted
companionship. They are the modern development of the Inn where travellers could stop to
rest, eat and sometimes spend the night.
Bingo is a game of chance played for prizes, and bingo sessions, often
in old cinemas, are attractive mainly to women. Young people prefer slot machines and
computer games in establishments described as "amusement arcades". There has
been some worry about their addiction to this form of gambling which can lead to theft.
On holiday the British are spending more and more time in sunnier
places. Spain, France and Greece are very popular destinations. Most people travel by air
on their "package deal" holidays where the travel and accommodation are paid for
in advance.
Holidays in Britain are always a risk because it can rain in mid-summer
or be very hot. Nevertheless, people take the risk at least once a year because Britain
can offer many holiday opportunities.
