A new study has uncovered that Londoners are more sexually active than people in any other part of Britain, with over a third of the capital’s residents having sex at least once a week. The research, conducted by YouGov and analysed by experts at Talking Kinky, provides a detailed snapshot of sexual habits across the UK, highlighting regional differences and offering expert advice for those seeking to enhance their sexual confidence.
The YouGov survey, carried out at the end of March 2025, asked respondents: “How many times in the past week, if any, have you had sex?” The question defined sex as “sexual intercourse involving penetration, oral sex, or any other activity with another person typically culminating in orgasm.” In London, 32% of respondents reported having sex at least once in the past week. Breaking this down, 12% had sex once, 8% twice, 7% three times, 2% four times, 1% five times, and 2% seven times or more. Meanwhile, 25% of Londoners described themselves as sexually active but had not had sex in the past week, and another 25% said they were not sexually active. Additionally, 17% preferred not to say.
Regionally, London outpaces the rest of Britain. The Midlands, North, and Wales tied for second place, with 24% of residents in each area reporting sexual activity at least once in the past week. The Rest of the South followed with 22%, while Scotland trailed at 20%, the lowest in the country. Among sexually active individuals who had not had sex in the past week, Wales topped the list at 33%, followed by Scotland (32%), the Rest of the South (31%), the North (29%), the Midlands (26%), and London (25%).
Isabella, an expert from Talking Kinky, described the findings as “fascinating.” She said: “Sex is a natural, joyful part of life, and being open, curious, and confident about your desires is a powerful thing. I believe sex positivity is about embracing your own experiences without shame, and giving yourself permission to explore pleasure on your own terms. Whether you’re having lots of sex or none at all, what matters most is feeling empowered in your choices.”
For those looking to boost their sexual activity, Isabella offered practical advice. Her four tips for enhancing sexual confidence include:
- Talk about it. Open communication is sexy. If you’re in a relationship, have honest chats about desire, boundaries and fantasies. If you’re dating, be clear about what you’re looking for without pressure.
- Invest in your pleasure. Whether you’re flying solo or with a partner, explore what feels good. Confidence often comes from understanding your own body first.
- Ditch the shame. There’s no “right” number of times to have sex. What’s important is doing what works for you, without judging yourself or others.
- Stay curious. From trying new things in the bedroom to learning about sexuality, curiosity can boost connection and confidence. Stay open to discovering what brings you joy.
