Guide to outdoor sex

Bored of the bedroom? While getting it on outdoors can get you a close encounter of the copper kind, it can also do wonders for your sex life.

Get your facts straight
Currently the UK law on sex in public places can be confusing. In summary, the newly introduced Sexual Offences Act doesn't legislate against sex outdoors but it does outlaw indecent exposure in a public place. If caught, you and your partner risk a maximum prison sentence of six months. When it comes to engaging in sexual practices in public, this is legislated by existing public order offences and you can also face a similar sentence. However, the law states that you should act within the realms of taste and decency, so you are able to enjoy some hanky panky in an isolated place where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The website Safe Outdoor Sex states: "These laws are not here with the aim of catching everyone who fancies indulging in a spot of outdoor nookie, but more to cover unacceptable sexual behaviour, for example in toilets, including those behind cubicles with closed doors." If you want further information about the Sexual Offences Act or public order offences visit www.hmso.gov.uk.

Now you understand the law, are you ready to take the risk of a little al fresco frolicking? Outdoor sex can be a great way to get some excitement and even a sense of danger into your love life. "The fear of getting caught and the novelty of the outdoor sensation can be a real turn on for couples" says Salma Shah, relationship coach for a dating site. Make sure though that it's something you really want to do – don't feel pressurised into it by your partner – this should be more of a bonding experience rather than something that fills you with dread and fear.

You are able to enjoy some hanky panky in an isolated place where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy 

Creating excitment without the risk
If you're not quite ready for sex outdoors then there are plenty of other ways to spice things up outside of the bedroom, which don't involve having sex. "Anticipation can be an amazing turn on and many couples have secret codes which they use to express what is really on their mind when they are in company," says Salma. "Sexually flirt and tease each other when you're in public – for example if you are out for dinner, dress to impress and accidentally on purpose reveal the sexy lingerie you're wearing. Become a 'sexual opportunist' and as long as you aren't breaking any laws, indulge yourself."

Is there a problem?
Sex is a great way of expressing how you feel about your lover. If your sex life is flagging and your partner hastily suggests some outdoor fun, take a step back to work out what exactly is going on in your relationship. Is it a bit of fun or is there a bigger problem with the way you're connecting with each other? It's important that you find the root cause of the trouble in your relationship - even if you do something on the edge like have outdoor sex, you'll be disappointed as no matter where you are "sex will go out the window when there is stress, lack of emotional connection and boredom" says Peta Heskell author of Flirt Coach's Secrets of Attraction.

Stay safe
If you've taken all this into consideration and really are just after some thrilling outdoor shenanigans, then keep it safe! Stay out of sight and try not to offend any passers by! Great ways of doing this include evening nookie on a deserted beach or in a deep alcove, growing plants in your back garden to give you a bit of shelter and privacy from prying eyes or driving somewhere secluded to avoid any embarrassment!

Everything you need to reach the 'big O' in our 101 sex tips special

From relationship advice to knock-your-socks-off sex tips, our relationship channel has it all covered

See our fabulous sister site cosmopolitan.co.uk for more sex tips

 

Share this Print this