What was Charles Dickens hobby?

Charles Dickens was a prolific writer and dedicated much of his time to his craft. He didn't have a single hobby in the traditional sense, but he did have several pastimes that he enjoyed outside of writing:

* Amateur acting: Dickens was a passionate performer and often organized theatrical productions at home and for charity. He even toured with a company performing his own works.

* Collecting: Dickens was known for his collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts. He also collected curios and souvenirs from his travels.

* Travel: Dickens was an avid traveler and often used his experiences to inform his writing. He visited many countries, including America, Italy, and Switzerland.

* Public speaking: Dickens was a gifted orator and frequently gave public readings of his works. These events were incredibly popular and drew large crowds.

While not strictly hobbies, these activities provided Dickens with a creative outlet and a way to connect with others outside of his writing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and playing games, such as whist and chess.