Are you lovers planning for a romantic holiday sometime in the future? The best examples include London and Brighton – two colourful cities in the United Kingdom that are considered to be very tolerant towards the LGBTQ+ community. This is ideal for lovers who would like to discover the most interesting places in these two British cities, focusing on culture, food, and entertainment. From Soho in London to the Brighton beaches, this long weekend escape is filled with experiences and moments that are truly treasurable.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring London
When the wheels finally touch the tarmac in the lively city of London, one feels the energy that comes with the prospect of the experience ahead. The first place you are headed to is the Z Hotel Soho, which is one of the best LGBTQ+ hotels in London, located in one of the most diverse areas of the city. Once you arrive at the hotel and wash up, it is time to go grab yourself a good breakfast at the Breakfast Club Soho. This well-established café prides itself on its friendly outlook and scrumptious food selection, from traditional English breakfasts to sumptuous stacks of pancakes. When you are eating, you will discover that people there are both the residents and travelers who come there to enjoy the friendly atmosphere which has been The Breakfast Club’s trademark.
You are both fed now, so get ready to wander around the Soho area, which is filled with energy. While strolling through this rather bohemian area, you will be impressed with the intensity of the colors of the shops’ facades and the graffiti, as well as the atmosphere of one of the most liberal districts of London in terms of gays and lesbians. For lunch, head to Balans Soho Society, a casual restaurant and bar with an edgy Soho feel that is welcoming to everyone. Here, you can have a tasty meal, being surrounded by people of different ages and backgrounds, and even nationality, if you are lucky. The food list is quite diverse to cater to everyone’s taste – from the familiar dishes to the new trends in culinary, all this served with a spice of Soho’s spirit.
After lunch, it is time to take a walk to the central square of London – Trafalgar Square. Here, you will find a great Nelson’s Column and the famous lion sculptures, and then visit the National Gallery. This is one of the most well-known museums of fine art in the world, and it often presents LGBTQ+-themed art exhibits, adding a queer perspective to art.
As evening falls, it’s time to treat yourselves to a sumptuous dinner at Dishoom Covent Garden. This popular restaurant brings the flavors of Bombay to London, offering a vibrant and inclusive dining experience. The menu is a celebration of Indian cuisine, with dishes designed to be shared, making it perfect for couples looking to explore new flavors together. The warm and welcoming atmosphere at Dishoom is a testament to London’s multicultural spirit and its embrace of diversity in all forms.
No trip to London would be complete without experiencing its legendary nightlife, and for LGBTQ+ visitors, Heaven is an absolute must-visit. This iconic club has been at the heart of London’s gay scene for decades, offering a fantastic atmosphere and great music across multiple rooms and levels.
Day 2: More London Adventures
It is your second day in London, so do wake up energetic to continue with the fun that is awaiting you. On this note, start your morning with breakfast at Gail’s Bakery, an LGBTQ-friendly venue located in Soho that specializes in a variety of breads and pastries. It is perfect to have your coffee and to eat croissants, and all the while, you will be able to feel the renewed spirit of the city.
Sated, perhaps it is time to dive right into the history of this city after which there is the British Museum to explore. This is a globally recognized institution where a rich collection of items found in different parts of the world is stored, thus presenting a kind of historical timeline. Make sure that maybe there is a special tour or an exhibition of queer histories which have been increasingly incorporated into the museum recently.
Following the exposure to culture in the morning, enjoy a fulfilling lunch at The Ivy. This exquisite restaurant has been home to celebrities, artists, and other individuals who appreciate quality meals and good food. This restaurant has an art deco interior which is very prestigious looking and makes for a great dining experience, and the menu combines traditional English food and new culinary trends.
If you like food and wine inspired experiences, hold up a sec. I wrote an article to give you some amazing ideas for a culinary adventure holiday that you should check out.
Needless to say, your hunger must be satiated and so, it is now time to view the city from a different lens with a Thames River Cruise. Tourists may be able to see some of London’s natural attractions, like the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London, while they are on the river. This is a nice way to look at the city from the water’s perspective and enjoy its history and new buildings while being a little bit lazy on the boat.
Cap off your night with a trip to London’s famous West End to catch a theater performance. Many shows in the West End resonate with LGBTQ+ themes and stories, offering powerful and moving experiences for all audiences. Whether you choose a long-running classic or an exciting new production, you’ll be treated to world-class performances in some of London’s most beautiful and historic theaters.
Day 3: Brighton Day Trip
Wake up early on the third day because today is the day you will take a day trip to Brighton, which is known as London’s beach. After a light breakfast at your hotel in London, proceed to London Victoria Station to board the train to Brighton. This takes around an hour and gives you a chance to see how the countryside gives way to cityscapes before reaching the shore.
Begin your Brighton experience with a meal at The New Club, a modern coffee shop situated in one of the city’s best places, the seafront. While eating the food, you’ll be impressed by the magnificent view of the English Channel and one of the main attractions of Brighton – the pier. The menu of the New Club is a combination of traditional breakfast meals and unique dishes that are prepared from fresh local produce.
After breakfast, walk around the historic Brighton Pier and get the vibe of this traditional British seaside attraction. After this, it is time to proceed to the main gay district of Brighton, which is located around St James Street and the adjacent territories. It is a colorful area filled with people, shops, cafes, and bars with rainbow flags all around. Lunch can be held at The Dorset, which is an openly patronizing pub for the members of the LGBTQ community and also serves good food. Here, one can sit down and have a cup of coffee with some of the hospitable people, and they can recommend some of the best places to visit in Brighton.
The Royal Pavilion is another fascinating place that cannot be omitted when visiting Brighton, as it is an exotic palace more appropriate for India than the English coast. This structure, which has domes and minarets, gives a glimpse into the luxurious life of King George IV. As you tour the lavishly decorated rooms and stroll through the beautiful gardens, you’ll be transported to a world of royal luxury and indulgence. The Royal Pavilion is not only a testament to Brighton’s unique character but also a symbol of the town’s long history of embracing the unconventional and celebrating diversity.
As evening falls, treat yourselves to dinner at The Ginger Pig, an award-winning restaurant known for its inclusive environment and exceptional cuisine. The cuisine features creative taste combinations and locally sourced goods, showcasing the best of British agriculture.
Round off your night by experiencing Brighton’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife at Club Revenge. This popular venue is the heart of Brighton’s gay scene, offering multiple floors of dancing and entertainment. From drag shows to themed parties, Club Revenge caters to all tastes and ensures a night of unforgettable fun.
Day 4: Farewell to Brighton and London
On the last morning of your long weekend trip to Brighton, head for Moksha Caffe to get your energy replenished with a good breakfast. This place is friendly to the LGBTQ+ community and draws many customers who praise both the meals served here and the ambiance. Enjoy their full English breakfast, which is recommended, or try one of their lighter breakfast options while reminiscing on the Brighton culture one more time. In the morning, after breakfast, take a walk at Brighton Beach.
Now that your hearts are filled with love for Brighton, it is time to go back to London and complete the rest of your trip. Upon getting to the capital, grab a bite at Leon which is an LGBTQ+ venue near the station that offers freshly prepared healthy fast foods. You will have some time to shop before you proceed to the airport; you can shop in central London. Regardless of whether you are a fan of the small independent shops of Covent Garden or the large fast fashion chains of Oxford Street, you will be sure to find the ideal gifts to take home with you.
When it is evening time, you can head for the last dinner in the city at one of the most famous restaurants – Duck & Waffle. This restaurant offers a magnificent perspective of the city skyline because it is located on the 40th level of one of London’s tallest buildings. As you taste the new British foods and enjoy the great cocktails, the beauty of the city that you have grown to love over the few days will be in front of you.
To complete the night out in the LGBTQ+ scene in London, head to Ku Bar, located in the Soho area. This well-known club has been a part of the gay London scene for quite some time and attracts a loyal clientele. While you nurse your martinis and are probably engaging in conversations with some of the hospitable people you meet, you will get that feeling of togetherness that is so important to both London and Brighton. As the night winds down and you head back to your hotel, you’ll carry with you not just souvenirs but a wealth of experiences and a deep appreciation for the vibrant LGBTQ+ communities you’ve encountered on your journey. This long weekend may be coming to an end, but the memories of your adventures in London and Brighton will last a lifetime, leaving you eager to return and explore even more of what these incredible cities have to offer.
If you have more time in the UK, why not visit Scotland? Read this post for some extra ideas.
