Here's another approach, but it's a bit more obvious than "hinting". Here in the U.S. we have 2 general circulation women's magazines ("Redbook" and "Cosmopolitan") that seem to always feature some survey or interviews of a sexual nature. Every month brings a new variation of "What's your favorite position?", "Where is the most romantic place you've ever done 'it'?", "What are the biggest turn-ons for men?", etc. I suspect you can get these mags in the U.K., or you may have your own periodicals of a similar nature. Get a copy or two - or go thru a stack of back issues at the library and photocopy some pages. Sit down with your lover and discuss the survey "results" together. Conversation starters would be things like, "Do you agree wit the majority here that two women pleasing each other is the most erotic thing you can imagine?", "Are you in the minority who have tried sex outdoors?", etc. You can learn a lot about your partner that way - and pick up some good ideas.