A new global study by Pleasure Chest, an Australian sexual wellness company, has ranked Birmingham as the 10th kinkiest city worldwide, placing the UK prominently on the map for sexual exploration and wellness. The research evaluated cities based on six key metrics and highlights a growing global openness to sexual liberalism, with Birmingham emerging as the UK’s leading city in this domain.
Birmingham ranked 10th worldwide, recording 105 “sex toy” searches and 690 “BDSM” searches per 10,000 residents. The city hosted 104 sex-related events, one of the highest totals globally, and generated sex toy market sales worth $9,907,677.53 per 10,000 residents. Average market sales reached $18,672,467.90, underscoring the strong engagement of consumers. Events ranged from bondage workshops to burlesque nights, reflecting a thriving local community that embraces sexual wellness.
While Birmingham led the UK overall, London recorded 162 sex-related events, the highest in the country. Manchester showed notable search volumes for sexual wellness products but did not match Birmingham’s combined performance across all metrics.
Los Angeles topped the international rankings, with 147 “sex toy” searches and 908 “BDSM” searches per 10,000 residents, supported by a sex toy market worth $135,201,167.38. Chicago followed closely, while Milan, New York City, and Marseille rounded out the top five. Other notable cities included Paris, Guadalajara, Montreal, and Mexico City, which each excelled in different areas such as event frequency and sex shop availability.
Birmingham’s inclusion in the top 10 is particularly striking given the global competition. Its strong performance signals a cultural shift in the UK towards greater sexual openness. The study reflects how sexual wellness is increasingly viewed as part of overall well-being, with more people willing to explore intimacy without stigma. A 2023 LOOKFANTASTIC report also noted rising UK demand for sexual products, with cities such as Norwich and Liverpool showing high search volumes.
The Pleasure Chest study points to a global move towards destigmatising sexual exploration, with cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Milan, and Marseille setting the pace. For Birmingham, its ranking not only highlights a vibrant local scene but also positions the city as a significant player in this evolving landscape.