While cruising for sexual encounters isn’t necessarily weather dependent, there’s something about the warm days of summer that gets the testosterone pumping and our thoughts turning to some man-on-man action.
Nowhere is that more apparent than the gay UK where the weather can be a bit problematic, to put it politely. There is a tangible lift in mood and general improvement of vibe as soon as the sun appears and the thermostat inches slightly upwards.
It’s pretty much a scientific fact that the Brits are horny for summer, which is all the motivation that we need to investigate the local cruising options.
I caught up with Dan Morgan – host of the Queer Encounters podcast – for some expert insights into the UK cruising scene.
“For the first season of Queer Encounters, I’ve focused on Hampstead Heath…” explains Dan. “Hampstead Heath is a massive park in the north of London and it’s an iconic cruising hotspot.”
“Not only is there a men-only swimming pond there, there’s also the infamous Fuck Tree…” adds Dan. “You can probably guess what happens at the Fuck Tree, but it’s become a bit of a rite of passage for anyone who wants to experience cruising on the Heath.
But is Hampstead Heath the only cruising option available to guys in the UK capital?
“There’re countless cruising options in London…” replies Dan. “But if we’re talking summertime cruising, if you’re not heading to Hampstead then you’re probably heading to the Walthamstow Marshes.”
Out past Hackney in the north-east of London, the marshes are a large area of floodplain grasslands alongside the River Lea.
“While it’s not officially designated as a nude sunbathing area, that’s what everyone does when they go to the marshes…” explains Dan. “On my first visit, it took me a while to find where all the gays were. All of a sudden, there was this clearing within the grasses and there were all these naked men. It’s kind of magical.”
While London is clearly a summer cruising hot-spot, there’s plenty of opportunities for outdoor action in other parts of the UK.
Brighton is a coastal city a short train journey south from London. Often described as the gay capital of the UK – because of the high proportion of queer people that live there – Brighton also has a designated clothing-optional section on its pebbly beach. It’s an accepted fact that where you have a clothing-optional beach, you will find men looking for sex.
If a pebble beach isn’t your vibe and you want to feel some sand in your orifices, Studland Bay in Dorset is arguably the UK’s best officially designated naturist beach. It’s got a wide expanse of white sand and plenty of dunes where you can let your body do the talking.
A naked campsite is a great way to make the most of the warmer weather.
Just near Peterborough is Rosebay. This is a naturist campsite catering exclusively to gay and bisexual men. Rosebay is a sex-positive space so you won’t need to venture far from your tent to get your hands on some dick.
If you’re heading further north, Blackpool is a seaside destination that embodies much of the quintessential British charm. It’s also home to the Prince Albert Hotel – a sex-positive accommodation option that regularly hosts nude weekends and kink-themed events.
Cruising essentials for the UK summer
Travel Light
Whatever cruising option you’re exploring, take only the essentials with you. It’s unlikely you’ll get mugged but it’s best to be cautious and keep your wits around you. If you’re bent over the Fuck Tree in Hampstead Heath getting railed by random dudes, you don’t want to be worrying about where your wallet is.
Be Patient
The best cruising happens when you’re not in a rush. Take your time. Be relaxed. See who else is loitering with intent and be open to where that might take you.
Don’t be offensive
There is some complexity in the UK laws around cruising, but in simple terms it’s not a crime to be naked. It’s not really a crime to have sex in public spaces, but it is a crime to cause offence.
Gone are the days when the police would try and entrap men cruising for sex. As a general rule, the police will turn a blind eye to whatever you’re up to unless someone makes a complaint and they’re required to investigate.
For example, if you’re hidden away in the Walthamstow Marshes – sunbathing naked or getting off with some random guys – it won’t be a problem. If you’re doing that in front of a family trying to have a quiet picnic, you could be in a bit of strife if they call the police on you.
Stay healthy
A lot of the guys that you might encounter while you’re cruising are probably on the down-low and not as up-to-speed with their sexual health as you are.
Make sure that you’re getting tested regularly so you know where you stand in relation to all the usual STIs. If you’re out there taking loads, stocking up on DoxyPEP is probably a sensible move.
