The Best Gay Cruising Areas in London

London has more active Grindr users than any other city, which equates to a vast gay population. Whilst you can get your kicks via hookup apps, some people like to venture into the real world and see what the universe (or Hampstead Heath) has to offer.

Here’s our guide to London’s most popular outdoor cruising areas. Please remember to take a jacket if it’s chilly and keep your wits about you.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is London's most famous and busiest gay cruising spot. Located in North London, the Heath offers vast open spaces, woodlands, and ponds, making it an ideal location for discreet encounters. The cruising activity is concentrated in the area known as West Heath (also referred to as "The West Heath Woods"), particularly around the Hampstead Ponds and the secluded pathways near the Kenwood House. This area is popular both during the day and at night, with peak activity often occurring in the late evening hours. The dense foliage and winding paths provide plenty of cover, making it a favored spot for those seeking privacy. Political careers have ended quite suddenly in these bushes!

Clapham Common

Situated in South London, Clapham Common has been a well-known cruising ground for many years. The primary cruising area is near the wooded section towards the southwest of the common, particularly close to the public toilets near Clapham South tube station. The common is most active in the evenings and late at night, especially on weekends. The large, open park provides a mix of easily accessible spots and more hidden areas. Clapham is home to a huge gay population.

Gay Saunas - Sweatbox and Pleasuredrome

If you'd prefer to cruise indoors, London's gay saunas are a good choice. The most popular saunas in London are Sweatbox (Soho) and Pleasuredrome (Waterloo). Both are open 24-hours. They tend to get busiest on weekends when the bars are closing. London's licensing laws being what they are (a nightmare!), most gay bars in Soho will be closed before midnight. That means you either have to go to a club to pursue the rest of your evening. If, however, you are feeling thirsty (you're reading this blog, after all), you can go to a sauna and meet some very hot men. Pleasuredrome also boasts one of London's only 24-hour bars.

Vault 139

One of London's thirstiest gay bars, this is a good place to go if you're looking to cruise. Some alleged fetish or kink bars can be more pose-y in cities like London, with people simpering in their expensive kink gear but not actually getting up to much. Vault 139 is known to be a venue where action takes place.

The Bunker (MA1)

The Bunker (MA1) is one of London’s most hardcore gay cruising spots, tucked away near Old Street. It’s got a no-frills, underground feel and is especially popular for its strict dress code nights—think rubber, leather, jockstraps, or nothing at all. Inside, it’s a maze of dark rooms and slings. The crowd tends to be confident, kink-friendly, and up for serious play. Check their themed nights if you're into gear or looking for something a little rougher around the edges.