New research has pinpointed the UK's capitals of adultery, revealing that affluent towns and commuter hubs are the nation's primary hotspots for extramarital affairs. The data, compiled from a leading affairs website, shows a clear trend linking wealth, stress, and infidelity.
The Top Ten: Where Affairs Are Most Prevalent
The 2025 Infidelity Index, published by IllicitEncounters.com, places the Berkshire town of Ascot at the top of the list, with 6.72% of its residents reportedly engaging in affairs. Known for its glamorous summer racecourse frequented by socialites and celebrities, Ascot exemplifies the trend of high-flying lifestyles correlating with higher infidelity rates.
In second place is Wilmslow in Cheshire, a favoured location for Premier League footballers, where 6.23% reported affairs. Somewhat surprisingly, the quiet Highland town of Alness in Scotland takes third place with 6.01%.
The full list of the top ten areas for affairs in 2025 is:
- Ascot, Berkshire (6.72%)
- Wilmslow, Cheshire (6.23%)
- Alness, Highlands (6.01%)
- Fowey, Cornwall (5.69%)
- Ludlow, Shropshire (5.51%)
- Framlingham, Suffolk (5.46%)
- Weybridge, Surrey (5.45%)
- Warwick, Warwickshire (5.33%)
- Caerphilly, Caerphilly (5.28%)
- Motherwell, North Lanarkshire (5.11%)
The Psychology Behind the Postcode
Relationship expert Jessica Leoni analysed the findings, stating that affluent commuter towns like Ascot and Wilmslow are classic affair hotspots. "These places are hubs for high-flying careers, long commutes, and significant stress," she explained. "Affairs can become a form of release or a way to reclaim your identity, so it's no surprise these places are buzzing with passion."
The data indicates a 6% rise in affairs across the UK since January 2025, continuing a two-decade upward trend. Furthermore, a notable 'Rivals effect' has been observed in the Cotswolds, where sign-ups to the site surged by 47% following the Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper's bonkbuster novel.
Britain's Most Faithful Towns
In contrast, the research also highlighted the UK's most faithful locations. Essex dominated the trustworthy list, with Clacton-on-Sea recording the lowest infidelity rate at just 0.31%, followed by Harlow at 0.42%.
Commenting on Clacton's status, Jessica Leoni suggested, "Perhaps the political drama on their doorstep is providing enough excitement for everyone, leaving no reason to stray from their partners."
The top ten most faithful towns in 2025 are:
- Clacton-on-Sea, Essex (0.31%)
- Harlow, Essex (0.42%)
- Hartlepool, County Durham (0.49%)
- Alloa, Clackmannanshire (0.57%)
- Wigan, Greater Manchester (0.58%)
- Washington, Tyne and Wear (0.58%)
- Swindon, Wiltshire (0.60%)
- Bournemouth, Dorset (0.61%)
- Gateshead, Tyne and Wear (0.62%)
- Paignton, Devon (0.63%)
The study builds on earlier 2024 research into the motivations for infidelity. A survey of 254 heterosexual people by Australian and UK academics suggested that women may sometimes seek affair partners for 'good genes'—a concept known as 'dual-mating theory'—while maintaining a stable long-term relationship for parenting. Other common reasons cited included boredom and a perceived lack of investment from a current partner.
