Sex education – and not the kind they teach in schools. I’m a big fan of it and have a fair number of non-fiction books devoted to various sex-related subjects: sexual psychology (Dirty Minds by Kayt Sukel), oral sex (Masterclass: Going Down by Ian Cameron), and sadomasochism (SM 101: A Realistic Introduction by Jay Wiseman) to name just a few. But, sometimes, there’s no substitute for practical experience.

Just over a year ago, I attended an adult sex education class for the first time with my other half and, hands down, it was probably one of the most interesting and liberating things we’ve done as a couple. Being able to talk to someone with the experience to answer topical sex questions in a practical and non-judgemental way and having the opportunity to see things demonstrated (and try a few things ourselves under the watchful eye of the tutor) was wonderful. Even better, that first class opened the door to a whole lot of other lines of thinking and exploration for us. Some new adventures, if you will.

Earlier this week I received a marketing email from British-based sex toy retailer Coco de Mer, reminding me of their new salon season and, I have to say, they’re running some great classes this November, including An Introduction to Sensual Massage, Sensual Spanking, Mistress in the Bedroom (this one has the fabulous Mistress Absolute at the helm), Backdoor Antics: Practicals of Anal Sex, and Female Ejaculation and the G-Spot.

Coco de Mer aren’t the only ones offering scintillating sexual learning opportunities, however. Hoxton-based Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium, too, are serving up an eclectic mix of reasonably priced classes to fill your evenings as the nights draw in. There’s still plenty of time to sign-up for Rough Sex for Good Girls & Nice Guys, which is open to both women and couples on 23 November, but if you’re not doing anything next Wednesday (24 October), how about some women-only Strap-On & Pegging tuition?

You can never have too much knowledge.

* Please note that the above class lists aren’t exhaustive.

• For the full Coco d Mer salon schedule, please click here.
• For the full Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium class schedule, please click here.