Derby is leading the East Midlands region in its enthusiasm for board games, as people enjoy recreational screen-free activities in their spare time.
New search analysis of board games, bingo and jigsaws, and 4,979 related search terms by Foxholes Care Home has revealed that Derby leads the region, with a 33% increase in searches for traditional games often played with friends and family.
Northampton ranked second with a steady 1.5% rise.
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Searches for "board games", "bingo" and 4,979 keywords |
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|
Location |
September 2023-August 2024 |
September 2024-August 2025 |
% Change |
|
Derby |
34,270 |
45,570 |
33.00% |
|
Northampton |
32,340 |
32,840 |
1.50% |
|
Nottingham |
40,520 |
36,660 |
-9.50% |
|
Leicester |
48,040 |
39,430 |
-17.90% |
|
Lincoln |
45,740 |
36,700 |
-19.80% |
Other cities in the East Midlands showed varied levels of interest in board games and jigsaws. Nottingham saw a 9.5% decline, followed by Leicester with a 17.9% fall.
At the bottom of the table was Lincoln, which recorded a 19.8% decline.
6 Tips for Multi-Generational Board Game Nights
Choose Accessible Games – Start by selecting games that offer simple rules and clear objectives so younger players and older adults can participate equally.
Favour Cooperative Play – Games where players work together rather than compete help bridge age gaps and encourage teamwork.
Ensure Comfort and Accessibility – Provide comfortable seating, easy-to-handle pieces, and visible instructions to include all players.
Encourage Participation & Communication – Let everyone explain their strategies or help with gameplay to foster interaction and mutual respect.
Create a Relaxed Atmosphere – Include breaks, snacks, and a friendly tone to keep the night fun, stress-free, and memorable for all generations.
Neil Gandecha of Foxholes Care Home concludes, “It’s clear that these classic activities are more than just entertainment. Inspired by shows like The Traitors, families and friends are rediscovering the joy of screen-free play, while also reaping the mental and social benefits. From fostering multi-generational connection to boosting cognitive skills and reducing stress, board game nights offer a simple yet powerful way to bring people together. By creating inclusive, engaging, and relaxed environments, everyone can enjoy the fun, proving that sometimes the oldest games have the biggest impact.”