A shocking new survey has revealed that 40% of Brits haven’t read a single book within the last year alone.
Reading is a lifeline for some, it’s a chance to delve into a story, open your mind, expand your horizons, and lose yourself in another world, but at present, it’s fair to say that reading is far from a universal habit among British adults – and in fact, 40% claim to have not picked up or listened to a single book in the last 12 months.
Ahead of World Book Day last week, YouGov decided to look into the reading habits of the British public and asked a total of 2121 adults a series of literary-related questions.
According to the survey, a quarter of Brits (23%) who responded say they have read or listened to between one and five books in the last year, with a further 10% admitting to reading or listening to between six and 10, and an extra 10% making their way through between 11 and 20 books.
Shocking new survey reveals that 40% of Brits haven’t read a single book in the last year / Credit: Freepik | Susan Q Yin (via Unsplash)
There are a small number of so-called ‘mega-readers’, however, with 4% of respondents claiming they have read more than 50 books , which is roughly one or more books a week, on average.
As often tends to be the case with many survey results, the results do differ between gender, age, and social class.
Two-thirds of women (66%) say they have read or listened to a book in the last year, but just over half of men (53%) say they have.
Older Brits are also more likely to be readers too, with 65% of over 65s and 63% of 50-64 year olds having read at least one book or listened to one audiobook in the last year, compared to just 57% of 25-49 year olds, and 53% of 18-24 year olds.
According to YouGov’s findings, there is also something of a class divide in reading too.
66% of survey respondents who live in middle class households have read or listened to a book in the last 12 months, compared to just 52% those living in working class households.
And how about frequency? According to the survey, 50% of Brits say they read or listen to books at least once a week, with 37% reading ‘most days’, and 20% reading every day, and women more likely than men to be daily readers at 27%.
Just 15% of Brits say they ‘never’ read or listen to books at all.
While a growing number of Brits may be using audiobooks, most 53% don’t consider ‘listening’ to be the equivalent of having read the same book, and 82% still prefer physical copies of books.
Venture out of the city centre to Hillsborough and allow us to plan your day.
We all know Hillsborough for its stadium, as well as its park which holds Sheffield's own Tramline festival and other events across the year.
But there's more to the neighbourhood then that, with its own bustling high street that's bursting with independents waiting to welcome you in.
So - you've just got to S6, here's what you're going to do...
Grab a coffee from Depot Bakery
Coach House, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Images: The Sheff
You can't start a day of exploring without getting a healthy dose of caffeine in your system, and Depot Bakery is the best spot for it.
Established in 2014, this artisan bakery serves up beautiful bakes and fabulous coffee, all on the doorstep of Hillsborough Park which, coincidentally, brings us onto our next activity...
Have a wander around Hillsborough Park
Images: The Sheff
Okay, I know we said that the suburb had more to it than its park, but you can't go without having a gander through the greenery, right?
Grab your coffee to-go, have a mooch and breathe in that fresh Yorkshire air. There's also a play area if you're bringing the little ones too.
Grab some lunch at Frenzy
94 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA
Images: The Sheff
After all that walking and mooching you'll have most definitely worked up an appetite, and Frenzy is a great spot for a light bite.
This Mediterranean-inspired cafe serve everything from toasted focaccia sandwiches and salads to topped yoghurt bowls loaded with fresh fruit.
Explore Middlewood Road
Images: The Sheff
Time for some shopping, and Middlewood Road is Hillsborough's own little high street full of independent shops that are perfect for perusing.
A highlight is the gorgeous Hillsborough Bookshop that is proudly indie and bringing a specially curate collection of colourful, inclusive and representative books to S6.
Enjoy dinner at The Orange Bird
78 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA
Images: The Sheff
This is not only one of our favourite restaurants in Hillsborough, but it's one of our top spots in the whole of Sheffield.
Known for serving irresistible South African flavours, this place is just that little bit special and everything you order will be a big hitter amongst the table. Their lamb served on a bed of hummus is quite literally one of our death row dishes.
Ambitious new concept revealed for beloved Leeds museum celebrating the city’s history
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council have revealed the exciting new concept for Abbey House Museum.
Opened to the public almost 100 years ago in 1927, the historic Grade II listed museum originally served as Kirkstall Abbey’s gatehouse until the dissolution of the monasteries.
The plans for the site have been drawn up as part of a 'Reimagining Project' supported by Leeds City Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Museum Renewal Fund.
The concept aims to create a more interactive visitor experience as the museum goes into its centenary year, with a main focus on intergenerational play for people of all ages to enjoy together.
Image: Supplied
Leeds’ rich collections will be at the heart of the museum, whilst the proposals include enhancing the museum’s traditional streets to enhance and include magical reveals that will let the public experience history through hands on activities.
The proposals mark a new direction for Abbey House Museum, which was put forward for potential closure in 2024 as part of measures to help Leeds City Council address unprecedented budget pressures.
A public appeal saw the council listen to the community, agreeing to keep it open and pledge to make steps to make the museum more sustainable in the future.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “This is an exciting moment for the future of Abbey House Museum and one which we hope will be the beginning of a bold new direction for a special place which has been part of the Kirkstall community for centuries.
“During the public consultation on the museum’s future, what really came across was the passion and determination people have to see the site succeed, and we want to channel that enthusiasm into creating an attraction which can continue to welcome visitors for many years to come.”
Emily Sergeant -
12th March 2025 
