8 Regency Activities That Upgrade Modern Life

Embrace a slower pace and discover how these forgotten Regency activities can enrich your life in the modern world.

Why Regency Activities Still Matter in a Fast World

In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from ourselves, our communities, and the simple joy of creating with our hands. We crave authenticity, a sense of slowness, and a connection to something bigger than ourselves. This yearning is perhaps why we’re seeing a resurgence in hobbies from the Regency period and Georgian era, like the cozy, pastoral aesthetic of cottagecore, bringing back gardening and the romantic, refined elegance of Regency England fashion, reviving embroidery and other needlework skills.

While we may not be attending grand Regency balls or receiving callers in our drawing rooms, we can look to the Regency world for inspiration on how to slow down and find more joy and purpose. The women of this period were masters of “fancy work” (ornamental needlework) and social connection, skills that were not just for leisure but were integral to their daily lives. Rediscovering these forgotten Regency activities isn’t just about escaping to the past; it’s also about enriching our present and understanding the Regency society that has captivated readers through Jane Austen’s novels like “Emma,” “Pride and Prejudice,” and “Sense and Sensibility.”

Here are eight Regency activities and skills that offer surprising benefits for modern wellbeing, along with simple ways to incorporate them into your life.

Regency Era Activity #1

Letter Writing, Your Presence on Paper

Why this Regency activity help now

Before email and instant messaging, the handwritten letter was the primary form of communication in Regency England. Far from a chore, it was a cherished art form of the time. Jane Austen’s novels, such as “Mansfield Park” and “Northanger Abbey,” are filled with characters who pour their hearts out in correspondence, using elegant prose to convey everything from gossip to declarations of love. The act of writing a letter slows us down, forcing us to be more thoughtful and intentional with our words.

Studies have also shown that expressive writing can improve both physical and mental health. While the exact reason for this is unclear, some have theorized that it may be due to the emotional catharsis involved or that “acknowledging the associated emotions is thought to reduce the physiological work of inhibition, gradually lowering the overall stress on the body.”

How to start (15 minutes, weekly cadence)

Instead of sending a quick text, take 15 minutes to write a letter to a friend or family member. Use a nice pen and paper. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few paragraphs expressing your thoughts and asking about their life. You’ll be surprised at how good it feels to give and receive something so personal, much like the characters in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”

Regency Era Activity #2

Needlework Skills, From Mending to Fancy Work

Why this Regency era activity helps now

Needlework was a cornerstone of a Regency woman’s education and an essential part of Regency society. Valued for both its practicality and its ability to cultivate patience and discipline, this broad category encompasses everything from mending and making clothing to intricate decorative arts such as embroidery. The rhythmic, repetitive motions of these crafts can be incredibly calming, serving as a form of mindfulness. Psychologist Dr. Kelly Lambert notes that using our hands to create has a positive effect on our brains, releasing feel-good neurotransmitters.

Simple Needlework

This included skills like mending clothes and basic sewing, which were crucial for maintaining a household in the Regency period. Learning to mend a tear or sew on a button connects us to a more sustainable way of life, moving away from our “throw-away” culture.

How to start: Start with a simple sewing project, like mending a favorite shirt or hemming a pair of pants. Basic sewing kits are inexpensive and easy to find.

Fancy Work

This encompassed ornamental needlework like embroidery, knitting, and netting. It was a way for women to express their creativity and social standing through beautifully crafted items. Netting, which involves knotting thread to create a mesh fabric, was particularly popular for making purses and decorative trimmings in the Georgian era.

How to start: Pick up a simple embroidery kit with a pre-printed pattern. Many come with all the supplies you need to stitch a simple flower or a small motif. For netting, you can find beginner tutorials online; all you need are a netting needle and some thread.

Regency Era Activity #3

Social Dance, Movement Designed for Connection

Why this Regency activity helps now

The Regency world revolved around the ballroom. Social dance, particularly English country dance, was not only a form of entertainment but a crucial way to interact, flirt, and forge social connections. Today, Regency ball workshops are making a comeback as a fun and engaging way to exercise and connect with others. Learning to waltz or perform a country dance isn’t just about the steps; it’s about moving in sync with a partner and a group, fostering a sense of community and shared joy, much like the famous Netherfield Ball in “Pride and Prejudice.”

How to start (no partner needed)

Look for a local community dance group or a historical dance society that focuses on Regency dancing. Many offer beginner-friendly classes that don’t require a partner. Some even feature instruction from experienced dancing masters, recreating the authentic atmosphere of a Regency ball. It’s a great way to move your body, meet new people, and literally get swept away in the moment, just as they did in the assembly rooms of Regency England.

Regency Era Activity #4

Paperwork Crafts: Decoupage & Quilling

Why this Regency era accomplishment helps now

While the digital age has made paperwork a chore, Regency women used paper as a canvas for creativity. Two popular forms were decoupage and quilling. Decoupage involved cutting out intricate paper designs and gluing them onto surfaces like screens or boxes, a practice that combined artistic vision with meticulous handwork. Quilling, or paper filigree, uses strips of rolled paper to create delicate, decorative designs for cards and trinkets. Both of these crafts are excellent screen-free hobbies that allow you to create beautiful, tangible objects reminiscent of Regency life.

How to start (small kit, one simple project)

You can find beginner decoupage kits that include a box or a frame and pre-cut images. For quilling, a simple kit with colored paper strips and a slotted tool will get you started on a new craft that’s both meditative and rewarding.

Regency Era Activity #5

Social Reading: Read-Aloud as Shared Focus

Why this Regency pastime helps now

In the Regency period, reading was a shared, communal experience. Without recorded music, radio, or television, the parlor served as a hub of entertainment. The “social reading” of novels, poetry, or letters was a common activity that brought families and friends together. One person would read aloud while others would listen, sew, or engage in quiet needlework. This activity fostered a different kind of engagement—one based on a shared, immersive experience that created a sense of intimacy and connection. Imagine reading aloud from “Sense and Sensibility” or “Emma” in this setting!

How to start (gather your friends!)

Gather a few friends or family members and choose a short story or a selection of poetry to read aloud. Take turns reading, and make it a regular habit. You’ll not only rediscover a classic pastime but also create a space for focused, shared attention away from screens, much like the social gatherings of the Regency world.

Regency Era Activity #6

Silhouette Portraits, Beauty in Profile

Why this Regency art helps now

Before photography, the silhouette was the most common form of portraiture in Regency England. These profile portraits, often cut from black paper and mounted on a lighter background, were a simple yet elegant way to capture a person’s likeness. This art form, which requires a steady hand and a keen eye for detail, was one of the popular Regency activities for women. A silhouette at the National Portrait Gallery is thought to be of Jane Austen. It teaches us to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and line, and offers a fun way to create personal keepsakes.

How to start—get tracing

You don’t need to be a professional artist to try this. You can find simple tutorials online that teach you how to trace a profile from a photograph and cut it out with an X-Acto knife. Frame it in a small oval frame for a charming, vintage-inspired piece of art that captures the essence of the Georgian era.

Regency Era Activity #7

Floriography: The Language of Flowers

Why this Regency messaging tool helps now

During the Regency period, floriography—the language of flowers—was a subtle but powerful way to communicate feelings that strict social customs prevented people from speaking aloud. A bouquet of tulips might signify a declaration of love, while a sprig of rosemary might mean remembrance. This practice encourages us to pay closer attention to the natural world and to infuse our daily lives with symbolic meaning. Understanding floriography can add a layer of depth to a simple act like giving someone flowers, much like the characters in Jane Austen’s novels who often used this secret language.

How to start (learn symbolism)

Start by learning the meanings of a few common flowers. When you give a bouquet, include a small note explaining the symbolism. This simple gesture can make your gift much more personal and meaningful, reflecting the Regency etiquette of subtle communication.

Regency Era Activity #8

Why this Regency accomplishment helps now

In Regency society, musical prowess was a highly valued accomplishment, particularly for women. While people can still play musical instruments today, the context is entirely different. Without recorded music, the only way to hear a favorite tune was to play it yourself or have a family member play it. During that period, the pianoforte (a precursor to the modern piano) was a central fixture in the drawing room, and a lady’s ability to play for her family and guests was a vital part of social gatherings. It wasn’t just a private hobby or skill; it was a communal activity that provided entertainment and a way to share culture, as often depicted in Austen’s works like “Emma.”

How to start (it’s not just about listening)

Instead of simply listening to music, try re-creating this social experience from the Regency period. Gather with friends and family to listen to music together—perhaps a live performance, or a dedicated listening session at home without the distraction of screens. Or, if you’re interested in learning an instrument, choose one and commit to practicing not just for yourself, but intending to share your music with others, much like the characters in “Pride and Prejudice” or “Sense and Sensibility.”

Rediscovering these Regency activities and skills offers us a way to balance the demands of modern life with a deeper sense of purpose and connection. They provide opportunities to work with our hands, slow down our minds, and forge meaningful relationships, all while experiencing a taste of Regency life.

Start with One Habit Today

Bringing Regency England Into Your Week

Pick just one practice and make it tiny and doable. Here’s a simple, repeatable setup:

1. Choose your Regency activity

• Letter writing, needlework skills, Regency dance, paperwork crafts (decoupage/quilling), social reading, silhouette portraits, floriography, or musical accomplishments.

2. Block 20–30 minutes

• Same slot each week (e.g., Wednesday 7:30–8:00 PM). Put it on your calendar and treat it like a class.

3. Invite one person

• A pen pal for letter writing, a buddy for embroidery, a friend for a Regency ball class, a family member for social reading, etc. Partners create gentle accountability.

4. Use a simple log

• Date • Activity • What you did • How it felt (1–2 words).

• Example: “August 22 • Letter writing • one page to Maya • Calm, connected.”

5. Keep the friction low

• Prep a tray or tote with everything you need so the habit starts in under 60 seconds.

Starter scripts (pick one)

• Letter writing: “One page, one person, one thing I noticed this week.”

• Needlework skills: “Ten stitches on the same small motif.”

• Social reading: “Read one poem aloud together; share one line we liked.”

• Floriography: “Learn one new flower meaning; add it to a note/card.”

A Summer Interlude in the Spirit of Jane Austen

If you’re eager to try these Regency activities and skills and connect with a community of fellow enthusiasts, consider joining us for a celebratory weekend at The Ferns. Our event is a summer interlude focused on leisure and connection, where you can delve into the world of Jane Austen and the Grand Tour. Engage in enlightening lectures, practice letter writing and embroidery, and enjoy a formal afternoon tea amidst the peaceful backdrop of our Bellville retreat. It’s an opportunity to create new memories and celebrate the timeless joy of community, creativity, and the enduring legacy of Jane Austen, all while experiencing the charm of the Regency world.

FAQs — Regency Activities Q&A

Do I need a partner for Regency dance classes?

No. Most beginner classes rotate partners so you can learn the basics of English country dance without bringing someone. Look for “intro” or “social dance” sessions and wear comfortable shoes. Experienced dancing masters who can guide you through the intricacies of Regency ball etiquette lead many classes.

Is letter writing actually good for well-being?

Yes, even a short, handwritten note encourages single-task focus and reflection. Many people find it reduces stress and deepens relationships because the medium invites thoughtfulness, much like the correspondence in Austen’s novels.

What do I need to start beginner needlework skills?

A small hoop (4–6″), cotton fabric, embroidery needle, two skeins of floss, and small scissors. Start with a simple outline motif and one stitch (backstitch or running stitch). Ten focused minutes beats an ambitious project you never finish.

How do I host a simple social reading hour?

Pick a short story or 2–3 poems (perhaps from “Northanger Abbey” or “Mansfield Park”), set phones aside, and take turns reading aloud. Keep it to 20–30 minutes and end with one question: “What line stayed with you?”

I’m not “artsy.” Can I still make silhouette portraits?

Yes. Print a side-profile photo, tape it to black paper, and cut along the outline with small scissors or a craft knife. Mount on light paper and pop it into an oval frame—instant keepsake reminiscent of the Regency period.

Are paperwork crafts (decoupage & quilling) expensive to start?

Not at all. One beginner kit (small box or frame) and basic glue get you going for decoupage. For quilling, start with a slotted tool and pre-cut paper strips. Aim for one simple project you can finish in a single session, just as ladies in the Georgian era might have done.

How can I begin with floriography (the language of flowers)?

Learn 5–7 meanings (e.g., rosemary = remembrance, tulip = love). When gifting flowers, include a small card with the symbolism—an easy way to add intention to everyday gestures, reflecting the subtle communication of Regency society.

What’s the best way to stick with Regency activities long term?

Keep the bar low and the rhythm steady: same day/time, 20–30 minutes, invite one person, and log your session. If you miss a week, shrink the goal (five minutes counts) and start again next session. This approach helps integrate these activities into your modern life while maintaining the spirit of Regency customs.