Retirement is a wonderful time - you can finally relax and enjoy plenty of free time, travel, and pretty much do whatever you like. After years of hard work doing a job that might not have been the most exciting, it is time to do all the things that have always appealed to you, but you never had the spare time to try them. Here are 5 great hobbies to pursue in your retirement.

Become an Author

It has been suggested that everyone has at least one book in them. Why not see if you have one and become an author? The beauty of writing is that you don't necessarily need lots of expensive equipment - just a pen and paper or a notebook will suffice. However, if you already have a computer and an inkjet printer, you can use them to compile and print off your masterpiece, ready to send to a lucky publisher.

Learn to Swim

Sometimes life gets in the way, and we don't have time to do the things most people take for granted, such as learning to ride a bicycle or how to swim.

If you cannot swim but have always wanted to, it's never too late to learn. Most swimming pools offer lessons to adults, so you needn't think you will be splashing around with toddlers. Swimming is an excellent exercise for people of all ages, and it will keep you fit and healthy for the duration of your retirement.

Become an Artist

Painting and drawing are popular hobbies for retirees to pursue. There are few things more enjoyable than expressing yourself through the medium of art. You can sit in the sun in your garden or out in the countryside and paint a beautiful watercolor of the landscape, or try some pencil sketches of your pets or grandchildren. You may even enjoy joining a local art class where you will meet new friends and learn new artistic skills.

Learn How to Sew

Buy some books, join a class or watch some YouTube videos to learn how to sew. Sewing is such a relaxing pastime and very rewarding as you will have a beautiful handmade product to show at the end of a project. You could sew a quilt for your grandkids which could become an heirloom, or make gifts for loved one's Christmas and birthdays.

If you pass a golf course at 2 pm on a Tuesday afternoon, you will notice a large amount of silver-haired golfers. This is because golf is one of the most popular hobbies among retired people. Golf is great for people who aren't as spritely as they were in their twenties as it is not too strenuous, and golf buggies are available for those who struggle to walk the entire course. It is also a very sociable game, so if you are keen to meet new people, buy some clubs and join your local club.

The world is your oyster during your retirement, so write a bucket list of all the things you want to try in the next chapter of your life.