What a glory hole is
A glory hole is a hole cut in a wall or partition, at about waist height, through which people have anonymous sexual contact without seeing each other. The appeal for many is the anonymity and the thrill of not knowing who is on the other side.
They are most associated with gay male culture, but some straight and mixed adult venues also have them, often as a themed feature in a play area.
The term is also used more widely online, in adult content and in jokes, which is why it is one of the most searched slang terms.
Where the term comes from
The phrase was originally a naval and engineering term for a small opening, such as a peephole into a furnace. Its sexual meaning appeared in the mid twentieth century, in places such as public toilets and adult cinemas, at a time when sex between men was illegal and had to be hidden.
Anonymity offered protection from arrest and exposure. As laws and attitudes changed, glory holes moved into private venues such as saunas and clubs.
In 2020, during the pandemic, some public health bodies abroad mentioned glory holes as a way of reducing face-to-face contact, which brought the term to wider attention.
UK law
In the UK, sexual activity in a public toilet is a specific criminal offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, so using a glory hole in a public lavatory is illegal. Sexual activity in other public places can also lead to charges such as outraging public decency.
Glory holes inside private adult venues, such as some gay saunas and adult clubs, are lawful between consenting adults, as long as the venue is private and everyone is over 18.
Our guide Is it legal in the UK? explains the wider rules on adult venues and services.
Staying safe
Because contact is anonymous, sexual health matters even more. Use condoms, consider PrEP if relevant, and get tested regularly; see our guide to sexual health clinics and STI testing.
Only use glory holes in licensed, private venues with staff and clear rules, never in public places. Respect the house rules, and remember that consent still applies: either side can stop at any time.
If you are new to venues like this, our guides to consent and boundaries and to sex parties explain what to expect.
Your questions, answered
Are glory holes legal in the UK?
In private adult venues between consenting adults, yes; in public toilets and public places, no.
Where are glory holes found?
Mostly in gay saunas, adult clubs and some sex shops with private booths.
Is it safe?
It carries the same STI risks as any sexual contact, so use condoms and test regularly.
