Brighton is a coastal metropolis on the English Channel that each exudes quintessential English seaside attraction and is a queer bastion. The town is likely one of the three LGBTQ+ capitals of the U.Ok., alongside London and Manchester, and is taken into account one of the crucial liberal locations within the nation. Its politics are left, its persons are fabulous, and its nightlife is plenty of enjoyable.
Even its iconic pier stretches out into the waves like an open invitation to all. Seagulls soar over the perpetually windy seafront, the place homosexual {couples} sit on pebble-strewn seashores, huddled collectively as they romantically tuck right into a bag of England’s trademark fish and chips; strolling via the town’s winding streets will take you previous classic retailers, hipster cafes, full of life bars, and comfy English pubs, the place old-school British drag queens maintain court docket for a crowd of LGBTQ+ folks and their straight allies, having fun with a pint—or six!
Brighton has a timeless magic to it: it’s a spot the place classic glamour meets vibrant, fashionable queer tradition, and everyone seems to be invited to be unapologetically themselves. Simply over an hour away by prepare from London, Brighton will be skilled as a day journey, however to totally immerse your self in its queer attraction it deserves just a few days (and nights) of your consideration—in spite of everything, till you’ve got had a stroll of disgrace down Brighton seashore at 6am you have not had the total British homosexual expertise.
Desk of Contents
1. Basic Suggestions
2. Transportation & Airport Switch
3. Homosexual Lodges in Brighton
4. Sightseeing & Actions in Brighton
5. Homosexual Excursions in Brighton
6. Eating places & Cafes in Brighton
7. Brighton Homosexual Bars and Golf equipment
8. Brighton Homosexual Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Brighton Homosexual Seaside
10. Homosexual Occasions in Brighton
11. Day Journeys from Brighton
Basic Suggestions
An hour-and-a-half automotive experience, or round 75 minutes by prepare, the seaside resort city of Brighton is simply 47 miles (75 km) south of London. You’ll be able to even get a chook’s-eye view of the coast by visiting the British Airways i360, the place a futuristic glass pod takes you up 450 ft (138 m) to benefit from the views.
The center of the homosexual scene is the Homosexual Village, situated on St. James’s Road within the Kemptown district. Nonetheless, primarily in all places within the metropolis is gay-friendly, and folks will definitely not bat an eyelid at same-sex {couples} holding fingers. All in all, touring to Brighton as an LGBTQ+ particular person is extraordinarily simple.
As for when to go to, the summer time interval (June to August) has the most effective climate. Nonetheless, Brighton is a metropolis that may be loved even within the rain—in reality, some would possibly say that’s a part of its attraction. For annual occasions, Brighton Pleasure is plenty of enjoyable, happening in early August, as is Trans Pleasure in July.
Transportation & Airport Switch
Gatwick is the closest main airport to Brighton, with each a north and south terminal. You’ll be able to take the Southern or Thameslink prepare service to Brighton station. Nonetheless, make certain that your ticket matches the prepare line, because it’s simple to board the fallacious one and face penalties. Gatwick additionally has its personal taxi service to Brighton, which takes about 45 minutes however is far pricier than public transit. A extra inexpensive possibility is the Nationwide Categorical coach to take you into city. E-book personal Gatwick airport switch →
When you arrive in Brighton, one of the best ways to get round is on foot. The town is small, and most locations of curiosity are accessible by strolling. Because of this, it’s greatest to decide on lodging in a central location. Brighton additionally affords a bus system if you happen to want public transport for any cause.
Homosexual Lodges in Brighton
Luxurious
Mid-Vary
Resort Pelirocco – This rock-and-roll-style boutique resort options 19 uniquely themed rooms devoted to varied pop icons and music legends. Take pleasure in a meal on the onsite restaurant, in addition to afternoon tea or night cocktails.
Hudsons Guesthouse Brighton – This gay-owned guesthouse is located in a residential space close to the pier, inside strolling distance of lots of Brighton’s widespread sights, together with homosexual venues, cafés, bars, and golf equipment. The rooms are easy but trendy, and friends can loosen up within the out of doors backyard space with afternoon tea or a drink.
Legends Resort – A favourite amongst locals and LGBTQ+ guests alike, Legends’ floor ground homes the stylish Legends homosexual bar, the place you’ll be able to catch an area drag present within the evenings. Centrally situated, it’s only a five-minute stroll to Brighton Pier and Brighton Seaside.
Amsterdam Resort – A resort, bar, and restaurant all rolled into one! Situated on the seafront within the metropolis’s homosexual quarter, Amsterdam Resort is straight reverse Brighton’s well-known Palace Pier and close to the Brighton Wheel. It’s surrounded by improbable eating places, pleasant bars, theaters, retailers, and the town’s vibrant nightlife.
Nineteen – This trendy, stylish resort boasts designer beds, native art work, and a main location. Considered one of Brighton’s first boutique accommodations, it even affords a Courtyard Room with a personal out of doors sizzling tub.
The Amsterdam – There may not be any official “homosexual accommodations” in Brighton, however the Amsterdam is actually the unofficial one. Firstly, it is proper on the seafront within the coronary heart of Kemptown, and secondly, it has a homosexual bar downstairs that hosts cabaret acts! The resort itself affords fashionable, cozy rooms—many with beautiful sea views—and options facilities just like the aforementioned bar and a big terrace to take pleasure in breakfast on.
Funds
ibis Brighton Metropolis Centre – You’ll be able to’t actually go fallacious with the ibis resort chain in relation to needing good high quality whereas on a funds. Their Brighton resort is ideally situated only a 3-minute stroll from the central prepare station and steps away from the North Laine district. It affords fashionable, comfy rooms, some with metropolis views, a hearty breakfast buffet and a comfortable bar for night drinks.
Residences – misterb&b
We’ve partnered with misterb&b to assist curate essentially the most LGBT+ pleasant homestays. misterb&b isn’t a resort or chain, however moderately a reserving platform for rooms, residences and houses and it lets you e book from homosexual and gay-friendly hosts around the globe. They’ve hosts in additional than 200 international locations and territories with greater than 1 million complete listings. Understanding the homosexual scene is far more simply accomplished with the assistance of an area and home-sharing is likely one of the greatest methods to satisfy somebody residing within the metropolis who is aware of how issues work, the place and when are the most effective nights to exit, and what locations to eat at and which to keep away from. misterb&b is our best choice in case your precedence is exploring the native homosexual scene.
Particular Supply! Enroll with misterb&b and you’ll obtain a free $10 credit score to make use of in your first reserving!
Sightseeing & Actions in Brighton
Royal Pavilion – An unique palace within the heart of Brighton with a colourful historical past. Constructed as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic home blends Regency grandeur with the visible types of India and China – it’s mentioned to have been impressed by the Taj Mahal.
Brighton Palace Pier – Considered one of Brighton’s hottest vacationer sights, the standard Victoria pier stretches from the shore out into the water, providing all kinds of arcade video games, sights, retailers, bars, and eating places. The amusement park rides on the finish additionally make for a main date location.
Brighton Airways i360 – Head up this huge viewing tower for the most effective views in all of Brighton. As you ascend, the futuristic viewing platform affords 360-degree views of the city and coast under. E-book tour →
Strolling Meals Tour in Brighton – A novel technique to see Brighton, hear some tales, and get a style of its foods and drinks scene. As eclectic and inventive as its inhabitants, so is the meals. Pattern home made cooking, tea, chocolate, beer, pies, crumpets, sausage rolls, cream tea, Belgian fries, unique road meals, and ice cream, simply to call just a few. E-book tour →
Brighton Museum & Artwork Gallery – Situated within the Royal Pavilion backyard on the coronary heart of the town’s cultural quarter, this museum’s various collections carry collectively arts and historical past to inform tales about Brighton and the world we reside in.
Homosexual Excursions in Brighton
Piers & Queers Tour – This can be a homosexual historical past tour of Brighton from a lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, trans, and queer perspective. Brighton is likely one of the UK’s hottest LGBTQ+ locations, and this tour covers over 200 years of historical past in a colourful 80-minute stroll alongside the seashore and historic heart. Comply with within the footsteps of Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, and Dusty Springfield. Personal excursions and talks can be found any time of yr. E-book tour →
Eating places & Cafes in Brighton
The New Membership – A stylish oceanside restaurant providing a few of the greatest breakfast and brunch choices at affordable costs. It’s the proper place to move to after a late evening out. Take pleasure in conventional dishes like pancakes or scrambled eggs on toast, or strive one thing distinctive like avocado toast with za’atar pesto. You can even cease by within the afternoon for a deal with, akin to their orange-infused olive oil cake with Cointreau-crusted almonds.
Sawadee Brighton – This widespread Thai restaurant is one among southern England’s greatest locations for Thai meals. You’ll discover scrumptious, beneficiant parts at very affordable costs. It’s a great spot for a pleasant dinner earlier than heading out for an evening in town.
Terre à Terre – A vegetarian restaurant with a mission to show you don’t have to provide something as much as take pleasure in an awesome plant-based meal. The meals is ready with effective elements, and it’s the proper place to take pleasure in a scrumptious, particular meal. They provide an in depth menu with quite a lot of cuisines, together with Korean, Spanish, Szechuan, Italian, and conventional British. There are additionally loads of choices for vegans.
Brighton Homosexual Bars and Golf equipment
There are over 20 Homosexual Bars in Brighton. The best focus is in Kemptown, most inside a ten minute (max) stroll of one another.
Legends – This resort and bar is a staple of the Brighton homosexual scene. In the course of the day, the terrace affords nice drink offers and panoramic views over the seafront, whereas within the night, the downstairs membership opens, and the venue transforms into extra of a celebration spot. Legends can also be dwelling to a number of drag queens who carry out weekly exhibits—test their web site for up-to-date particulars.
Charles Road Faucet – Charles Road truly contains two venues in a single: downstairs is a bar, and upstairs, Envy turns into a membership within the evenings. The venue serves meals each day till 8 pm and is a well-liked spot for Sunday lunch and a drag present. Identified for its completely satisfied hour offers, Charles Road is a superb place to seize a drink earlier than heading elsewhere or to make the most of their each day lunch specials. It additionally has a stunning aspect patio to take pleasure in, ought to the climate enable it.
The Queens Arms – This widespread pub, situated close to the homosexual district of Kemptown, is a traditional-style venue that caters to the homosexual neighborhood. It’s good for an off-the-cuff pint or for catching one of many common cabaret exhibits or drag exhibits staged on the Queens Arms 7 days per week.
The Malborough – This historic lesbian venue is legendary for its widespread weekly pub quiz. There’s additionally a small theater upstairs that hosts numerous performances, starting from comedy to musicals.
Revenge – Because the premier homosexual membership in Brighton, Revenge attracts a full of life and various crowd, particularly on weekends. Thursdays are widespread for pupil nights, although attendees of all backgrounds are welcome. The membership options mainstream pop music and affords moderately priced drinks, making it a great spot for these looking for a full of life night.
Brighton Homosexual Saunas & Cruising Bars
The Brighton Sauna – Situated in Kemptown, this sauna affords all you’d anticipate, together with fashionable amenities like a Finnish sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and personal cabins, together with a full of life environment and loads of sizzling males on weekends.
The Boiler Room Sauna – Brighton’s second homosexual sauna is situated a bit additional out within the Hove space however is bigger than the one in Kemptown. It includes a jacuzzi, dry sauna, and a spacious chill-out space full with a bar and restaurant. It is particularly widespread on weekends, working 24 hours to accommodate late-night guests trying to loosen up or socialize. The additional area and prolonged hours make it a favourite amongst those that desire a extra relaxed vibe with loads of facilities.
Brighton Homosexual Seaside
The seashores in Brighton aren’t sandy however are as a substitute coated with massive pebbles and the water is nearly at all times chilly – this is not Maspalomas in spite of everything! Though all seashores are frequented by the homosexual neighborhood, the Brighton Homosexual Seaside is the nudist seashore close to Brighton Marina – with a cruising space close by known as Dukes Mound. After all, you don’t journey to England for the seashores, however it’s price a go to if the climate is sweet. Plus, there’s nothing extra Brighton than having fun with fish and chips whereas watching the tides roll in.
Homosexual Occasions in Brighton
Brighton Homosexual Pleasure – Brighton hosts the UK’s largest and hottest Homosexual Pleasure occasion, which transforms your entire metropolis every August. The festivities function a parade that winds via the town and culminates at Preston Park, the place you should buy tickets to an enormous get together with levels internet hosting worldwide artists – current headliners embody Kylie and Britney! At evening, the streets are closed to visitors because the LGBTQ+ neighborhood and allies rejoice with reside music on the Pleasure Village Competition.
Fringe Competition -Not an official homosexual occasion, however this open air arts competition in Could sees loads of LGBTQ+ artists come out to showcase their works. All of the bars in Kempton are inclined to fill afterwards too!
Day Journeys from Brighton
Seven Sisters Cliffs – Simply half-hour down the coast by bus or automotive, these iconic white chalk cliffs are even higher than the well-known White Cliffs of Dover. Begin at Seaford Head for panoramic vistas, then hike alongside the South Downs Approach to Birling Hole. Take pleasure in a picnic or loosen up on the pebbled seashore under the cliffs. The fantastic thing about the rugged shoreline and plush inexperienced hills makes it good for images. Don’t miss the charming close by city of Eastbourne earlier than heading again to Brighton by night.
London – London is likely one of the world’s high vacationer locations, with over 30 million guests every year. With a lot to see and do, it could really feel overwhelming! Whether or not you go to for a few days or per week, you received’t need to miss highlights like Trafalgar Sq., the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. Discover iconic museums just like the British Museum and the Nationwide Gallery, or loosen up in well-known parks like St. James’s Park or Hyde Park. For nightlife, try widespread LGBTQ+ spots akin to Ku Bar, G-A-Y, and Heaven.
Leeds Citadel – Situated in Kent, about an hour’s drive (40 miles/65 km) southeast of London, Leeds Citadel was as soon as a grand Tudor palace for Henry VIII. The fort sits on islands in a lake fashioned by the River Len, simply east of the village of Leeds. The positioning options family-friendly sights like mini-golf and a playground, together with 500 acres of lovely gardens and a Chook of Prey Heart. E-book tour →
Oxford & Windsor – Benefit from your time in Brighton by exploring two extra of England’s iconic locations: Oxford and Windsor. With a full-day guided tour, you received’t have to fret about public transportation logistics, as round-trip journey is included. You’ll go to Windsor Citadel and Christ Church Faculty in Oxford, studying from a information who supplies extra perception than unbiased exploration. E-book tour →
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