* Public Readings: Dickens was renowned for his dramatic and captivating performances of his own works. These readings were immensely popular and a significant part of his career.
* Theater: Dickens was a passionate theatergoer and even dabbled in playwriting himself.
* Cricket: He was a keen cricket fan and even wrote about it in his novels.
* Travel: Dickens loved to travel and used his experiences as inspiration for his writings. He travelled extensively throughout England and Europe.
* Collecting: He enjoyed collecting various items, including curiosities, antiques, and art.
* Social Activism: Dickens was a strong advocate for social reform and dedicated much of his time and energy to improving the lives of the less fortunate.
* Writing: Of course, his most prominent hobby was writing. He wrote prolifically, publishing novels, short stories, essays, and articles throughout his life.
It's worth noting that Dickens was also a dedicated father and husband, and spent a significant amount of time with his family.
While we may not be able to definitively say what his absolute favorite hobby was, it's clear that Dickens was a man of diverse interests who lived a full and fascinating life.