The Best Gay Sex Shops in the UK

While online shopping has transformed the adult retail landscape, there's something irreplaceable about visiting a physical store where you can see products firsthand. You’ll get to see all those adult toys lined up in their glory, along with all the different brands of lube. You may even discover a new contraption you didn’t realise you needed, such as a stimulator for your most sensitive region that can do 6,500 vibrations per minute - which is more than you’re boyfriend!

The UK is home to several exceptional gay-focused adult stores that have become institutions in their own right, offering everything from toys and accessories to fashion, books, and even DVDs for the old timers.

Prowler Brighton

Brighton's status as one of the UK's gayest city is perfectly embodied by Prowler Brighton, located in the heart of Kemptown, the city's gay quarter.
Prowler Brighton sells all the usual contraptions. It’s prominent shopfront emblazoned with shirtless men is instantly recognisable.

If you’re in Brighton and you happen to run out of lube, pop into Prowler and you’ll find an extensive collection, along with all the toys you’ll need to keep your partner happy.

The store's location in Brighton's gay village means it's perfectly positioned for visitors exploring the area's bars, clubs, and seafront.

Clone Zone London

London's Clone Zone has long been considered the gold standard for gay adult retail in the UK. The flagship Wardour Street store in Soho sits at the heart of London's gay village. Clone Zone stocks everything from basic essentials to more exotic toys, leather goods, fetish wear, and an impressive selection of books and magazines.

Clonezone, London's pioneering LGBTQ+ superstore, was founded in 1982 by four close friend who were frustrated by the lack of quality products available to the gay community. They began by selling a wheelbarrow of t-shirts, toys, lube, and other items in London's Earls Court, a neighborhood that was then the heart of London's gay scene.

The first Clonezone store opened inside Brompton’s, a legendary gay pub in Earls Court. As their popularity grew, they expanded to other locations, including Manchester and Soho. In 1984, Clonezone began opening its own shops, becoming an integral part of the gay scene.

Clonezone Manchester

Clonezone Manchester was founded by Mike McCann and David Edwards, who were also behind the original Clonezone store in London. The Manchester branch opened on Sackville Street, a central location in the Gay Village, offering a wide range of products including sex toys, fetish gear, fashion, and literature tailored to the LGBTQ+ community.

In 1988, Clonezone Manchester gained national attention when it was featured in a television documentary on gay Manchester, highlighting its role in the local LGBTQ+ scene. The store became a symbol of visibility and acceptance during a time when such establishments were rare. 
Over the years, Clonezone Manchester has faced challenges, including incidents of vandalism. In April 2023, the store was targeted multiple times, with windows smashed by individuals using crowbars.

Today, Clonezone Manchester continues to operate at 36-38 Sackville Street, offering an extensive selection of products and maintaining its status as a cornerstone of the city's LGBTQ+ retail scene.

Regulation London

Regulation is a specialist fetish and BDSM retailer located at 13A Bateman Street in the heart of Soho, London. Established in 1991, the store has become a cornerstone of the city's kink and fetish scene, offering a wide range of high-quality latex and leather clothing, bondage equipment, and gay sex toys.

Regulation offers bespoke tailoring services for customers who want personalized garments. Customers can book measurement appointments to ensure a perfect fit, with options for custom designs and alterations. It’s like having your very own kink tailor. As Saville Row doesn’t do gimp outfits, this is the place for the discerning kinkster looking for the perfect fit.