Yes, CB radio is still around
CB radio has not vanished from the UK. People keep using it for the hobby, local conversation and practical radio use. How much activity you hear depends on where you are and when you listen; there is no reliable national headcount or one channel that is lively everywhere.
If you are curious, start by asking a local radio shop or CB group what people in your area use. Listen for a while at different times, and give others room to finish before calling. A quiet evening does not necessarily mean nobody uses CB; people may be away from the set, on another channel or simply busy.
If you want to see whether CB is active near you, make a few short listening sessions rather than relying on one quiet evening. Try at different times, ask local radio enthusiasts what they monitor and see whether there is a nearby club or social group. If you borrow or buy equipment, ask the seller to confirm that it is the correct UK version and what accessories are included.
What equipment should I look for?
CB uses the 27 MHz band and needs CB equipment, not a PMR446 walkie-talkie. Sets come in different forms, including handheld and vehicle radios. The antenna and how it is installed make a difference, so ask for advice that matches where you plan to use it. A radio intended for another country may have a different channel or power configuration.
In the UK, CB use is licence-exempt when the equipment and operation meet the relevant technical conditions. If you are unsure about a particular model, check the exact UK version and its instructions. Ofcom’s short CB radio information page has the current references.
CB and PMR446 are separate
PMR446 uses 446 MHz and is usually a compact handheld system. CB uses different frequencies, equipment and operating habits. A CB radio and PMR446 handset cannot speak directly to one another. If you want simple local handheld contacts, start with the PMRMap radio map and its PMR446 beginner’s guide. If CB is what interests you, find a local CB group and ask what a beginner should listen for.
You might also enjoy the differences in style: PMR446 is often about a quick conversation between people who already have matching handsets, while CB can be a hobby in its own right, with more attention to equipment and setup. Neither has to be a big commitment. Start by listening, talk with people who use it locally and choose the one that sounds enjoyable to you.