Spiritual Belief Statistics UK: 2026 Data on a Post-Christian Britain
Table of Contents
Britain has quietly become a post-Christian country — but not a purely secular one. Fewer than half now identify as Christian and a third believe in no higher power at all, yet three in ten call themselves spiritual and a broad range of alternative beliefs, from karma to chakras, persist. This guide compiles the verified UK statistics from the ONS and YouGov.
UK spiritual belief statistics at a glance
- For the first time, fewer than half of England & Wales identified as Christian (46.2%) in 2021. (ONS, Census 2021)
- “No religion” rose to 37.2% — the second most common answer — up from 25.2% in 2011. (ONS)
- 3 in 10 Britons describe themselves as spiritual — 35% of women vs 22% of men. (YouGov, 2022)
- Around a third of Britons believe in neither a god nor a higher power. (YouGov)
- Common alternative beliefs: karma 38%, chakras 34%, crystal healing 17–19%. (YouGov, 2022/2025)
- 26% believe some people have a spiritual “gift” of second sight. (YouGov, 2022)
- Belief skews female across nearly every spiritual concept tested. (YouGov, 2022)
The decline of Christianity and the rise of “no religion”
The 2021 census marked a historic shift: for the first time in a census of England & Wales, fewer than half the population (46.2%) described themselves as Christian, down 13 points from 59.3% in 2011. “No religion” became the second most common response at 37.2%, up sharply from 25.2% a decade earlier (ONS, Census 2021). Britain is now, by this measure, a minority-Christian country.
Secular, but still spiritual
Leaving religion has not meant abandoning spirituality. YouGov found that three in ten Britons describe themselves as spiritual — more women (35%) than men (22%) — even as around a third say they believe in neither a god nor a higher power (YouGov). This is the paradox of modern British belief: institutional religion is receding while personal, self-defined spirituality persists.
Looking for Clarity?
Get a free tarot reading in a safe, supportive space. Ask unlimited questions and receive instant insights tailored to you. Your journey is unique — get the answers you need.
Learn MoreWhich alternative beliefs do Britons hold?
A broad spread of “New Age” and alternative beliefs remains common. YouGov’s surveys found 38% think there could be truth to karma, 34% believe in chakras or energy points, 26% that some people have a spiritual “gift” of second sight, 25% that essential oils can cure illness, and 17–19% in crystal healing (YouGov, 2022; 2025). In nearly every case women are much more likely than men to believe — the same gender pattern seen across astrology, tarot and the supernatural.
Frequently asked questions
How many people in the UK are religious?
In the 2021 census, 46.2% of England & Wales identified as Christian (the first time under half) and 37.2% as “no religion.” Separately, only around a third of Britons say they believe in “a god” (ONS; YouGov).
How many Britons are spiritual but not religious?
About three in ten describe themselves as spiritual — 35% of women and 22% of men — while a third believe in no higher power at all (YouGov).
What alternative beliefs are most common in the UK?
Karma (38%), chakras (34%), a spiritual “gift” of second sight (26%), essential oils curing illness (25%) and crystal healing (17–19%) (YouGov).
About this data
Produced by the editorial team at TarotCards.io, home to free tarot readings and astrology guides. Every figure is drawn from a named primary source, listed below, and the page is reviewed twice a year.
Related guides
Sources & references
- Office for National Statistics — “Religion, England and Wales: Census 2021” (Christian 46.2%; “no religion” 37.2%)
- YouGov UK — “What spiritual beliefs do Britons hold?” (spiritual 30%; chakras; crystals; second sight; 2022)
- YouGov UK — “Ghosts? Magic? Do Britons believe in the supernatural?” (karma; crystal healing; gender gap; 2025)
- YouGov UK — “How religious are British people?” (belief in a god / higher power)
Curious about what lies ahead?
Get a free AI tarot reading and explore guidance designed just for you. Discover the messages the cards have to share and gain insight into your path.
Learn More
