Brighton has a long history of acceptance towards LGBTQ people as well as a large queer population, giving it the nickname of “gay capital of the UK”. It’s estimated that as much as 15% of the population over the age of 16 identifies as LGBTQ and it has the highest percentage of same-sex households in the UK. For these reasons and more, it has the reputation as a very friendly destinations for all kinds of visitors: whether you’re single, a couple or coming with your family, there’ll be something for you in gay Brighton!
Getting there
They don’t call it the “London-By-The-Sea” for nothing. Brighton makes for a perfect weekend trip alternative to the UK capital, and is just a 30-minute train ride from London Gatwick Airport.
Best gay hotels
Hotel Pelirocco
Spend a night in furry luxury at Hotel Pelirocco’s opulent Betty’s Boudoir suite © Hotel Pelirocco
This quirkily designed rock and roll boutique hotel in central Brighton is a great gay-friendly accommodation option. With 19 different themed rooms inspired by pop culture icons, musicians and generally wacky individuals, there’s something for every mood. Don’t miss out on the chance to have afternoon tea, cocktails or a meal here too.
Where: 10 Regency Square, Brighton, BN1 2FG
Tel: 01273 327055
Find a room at the Hotel Pelirocco
Hudsons Guesthouse Brighton
Located in a quiet residential area close to Brighton Pier and many of the most popular gay establishments in town, this gay hotel offers a perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend. Rooms are simple but stylish, and there’s even a communal garden area to enjoy a peaceful afternoon drink and chat to some of the other guests.
Where: 22 Devonshire Place, Brighton, BN2 1QA
Tel: 01273 683642
Find a room at the Hudsons Guesthouse
Where to eat
The New Club
Treat yourself to the best pancakes in Brighton at The New Club © The New Club
This trendy seafront place serves some of the best breakfast and brunch dishes in Brighton for very reasonable prices. There are some more typical brunch items like scrambled eggs on toast, as well as more unique offerings such as smashed avocado on sourdough bread with za’atar pesto, or the best fluffy pancakes in Brighton! It’s also a wonderful place to come for something a bit decadent, like orange scented olive oil cake served with Cointreau custard and flaked almonds as an afternoon treat.
Where: 133-134 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2HH
Tel: 01273 730320
Thai Connection
Reportedly the best Thai restaurant in South East England, this gay-run business also welcomes families with children. Serving authentic Thai specialties with generous portions and reasonable prices, it’s a great reliable dinner option.
Where: 14 Blatchington Road, Hove, BN3 3YN
Tel: 01273 205009
Terre à Terre
Veggie gastronomic goodness at Terra a Terra in Brighton
With the aim of showing its diners that vegetarianism does not have to mean giving anything up, but instead enjoying great food prepared with fine ingredients, Terre à Terre is an excellent spot for something a bit special. The menu is extensive, with dishes inspired by Spanish, Korean, Szechuan, Italian as well as traditional British cuisine. There are many vegan and gluten-free options, and there is also an impressive range of port, whiskeys, liqueurs, coffees and teas available.
Where: 71 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HQ
Tel: 01273 729051
Things to Do
Brighton Pier and beach
Sun, sights, sea and more at the Brighton Pier!
Swimsuits at the ready! While it’s a far cry from a white-sand beachy paradise, Brighton’s seaside strip has its folksy charm. The pebble beach is perfect for an early morning run, a midday ice-cream spot, or just to lounge in the (hopefully existent), British sunshine. Then make your way to the iconic Brighton Pier for some fantastic vantage points and vintage amusement park attractions.
Angel Food Bakery
Cupcake heaven at the Angel Food Bakery in Brighton © Emma Warren
Right in the heart of the Lanes, Brighton’s first cupcakery takes pride in using the highest quality ingredients, including unsalted English butter, Belgian chocolate and free range eggs only. Try some of their classic and more innovative cupcake flavours, and for something a bit different, have a go at making your own cupcakes with their cupcake decorating workshop.
Where: 20 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
Tel: 01273 208404
Duke of York’s Picturehouse
Visiting Brighton on a not-so-sunny weekend? Get your cultural fix at the Duke of York Picturehouse © Picturehouse Cinemas
This beautiful old cinema in downtown Bright has a variety of recurring events and offers, including screening vintage films on Sundays and free student screenings once a month. The films shown are a mix of mainstream blockbusters and art house releases.
Where: Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4NA
Tel: 0871 9025728
The Boiler Room Sauna
The largest sauna in South East England, The Boiler Room is open 24 hours on weekends. With a dry sauna, hot tub, relaxation area, as well as a bar and restaurant, this sauna is perfect place to chill out the day after a big night out.
Where: 84 Denmark Villas, Hove, BN3 3TJ
Tel: 01273 723 733
Best bars, clubs and nightlife in Brighton
The Office
Despite looking like a regular pub from the outside, this place is so much more. Serving more than 25 different kinds of gin and its signature cocktail of gin and tonic, it’s the perfect place to come to be among fellow gin aficionados. In summer time, it has a lovely walled garden covering two levels to enjoy the weather from while sipping your favourite concoction of mother’s ruin.
Where: 8 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN1 4EN
Tel: 01273 609134
Shuffle Bar
Love cocktails? You’ll love Brighton’s Shuffle Bar
With an extensive menu of over 100 cocktails to choose from, this unique bar gives you the ability to choose the soundtrack for your evening directly from your smartphone. Drinks range from classic cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan, Whiskey Sour and Manhattan to some more innovative choices like the strawberry shortcake ice cream cocktail. There’s also a nice selection of wines, beers and food available.
Where: 27 York Place, Brighton, BN1 4GU
Tel: 01273 688891
Charles Street Bar and Club
This gay seafront bar and restaurant regularly hosts cabaret and drag acts as well as interactive and very camp game show and quiz nights. Its event calendar is pretty full, so check in advance to see what’s happening during your visit to Brighton, but be sure to stop by at the very least for a drink and a wiggle on the dance floor, especially on a Saturday night.
Where: 8 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TA
Tel: 01273 624091
Komedia
Spend a night laughing at the Komedia comedy club in Brighton
A North Laines landmark – with its beaming red neon signage – the Komedia is the place to go for stand-up comedy in Brighton. Due to its proximity to the capital, this great 300-seater venue draws some of the finest acts on the UK circuit, but with much cheaper prices and student discounts. There’s also an intimate cinema space and a great array of cafés right on the doorstep.
Where: 44-47 Gardner St, Brighton BN1 1UN
Tel: 0845 293 8480
Shopping
Prowler
The Brighton branch of this high quality gay sex toy and lifestyle shop has an impressive range of treats for every sort of curioso. It’s also a great, safe hangout to meet tolerantly minded locals.
Where: 112-113 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH
Tel: 01273 683680
Snooper’s Paradise
What will you find at Snooper’s Paradise? Step inside and discover hidden treasure!
The perfect place to come window-shopping or pick up some unusual souvenirs or homewares and accessories, Snooper’s Paradise is a collection of cute vintage boutiques with a mix of second-hand and new items for sale. Check out the unique collection of men’s shirts at Mantra, and the handmade notebooks by Lucia J. Elliston among others, for some inspiration.
Where: 7-8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
Tel: 01273 945898
What’s on
LGBT History Month
Throughout the whole month of February, the works and lives of people from the LGBT community in Brighton are celebrated through film, art, discussions, charity events and parties. Make history and join in on the fun!
Bear Weekender
For one weekend a year in June, the bear community descends on Brighton from all over the UK and beyond. A series of events are organised including picnics, parties, shows and fundraisers.
Brighton Pride
See the very best of Gay Brighton at Pride
One of the most famous (and indeed the largest), pride events in the UK takes place on the first weekend of August, celebrated with live music, parades and parties.
Groups
LGBT Brighton & Hove Network Facebook groups
This inclusive Facebook group is a great safe space to ask questions, find out about events, share stories and even find or advertise for jobs in the Brighton and Hove area. Keep it friendly, or get kicked out!
Brighton Queer Books Group
A book club dedicated to reading and sharing queer books in a social environment, this group meets monthly to discuss a range of queer literature. Meetings take place in a quaint and friendly pub in central Brighton and everyone is welcome, regardless of gender, sexuality or orientation. Even people who have not read the book are actively encouraged to join!
