Hi Charlie- to be classed as active you must try for 10,000 steps per day- its a bit of a challenge esp if you have a desk-based job, or are at home caring. Constant loo stops do help though!
The average steps for people in the Uk is only 3,000- so if you aim to exceed that every day for the first week you can give yourself a pat on the back- then try to build up- I managed to peak at 11500 per day average, but I was on holiday that week and walked a lot. My typical average now is about 7,500 (must do better!)- simply walking round the block for 5 minutes can add a thousand steps easily, so it is possible to get there.
For weight loss and improved fitness you need to get to 12-15000 steps per day- I actually have done more than 20000 in a day, but I literally did not stop walking all day- must have been on my feet for at least 10 hours to achieve it!
Make the most of the summer nights and go out for a short stroll after your last food intake of the day if you can, its amazing how it adds up if you just try a little bit.