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LGBTQIA+ Britain

From loud-and-proud festivals all over the country, to gay-friendly hotels, clubs and things to do, Britain is one of the world’s most welcoming nations when it comes to LGBTQIA+ visitors. Whether you’re exploring our vibrant queer history, or planning a big night out in Brighton – Britain’s unofficial gay capital – you’ll discover drag nights, buzzing bars and irrepressible Pride.

A LGBTQIA+ showcase

Why Britain's best for LGBTQIA+ travel

From the northern reaches of Scotland, to England’s southern coastline, the nation is bursting with LGBTQIA+ celebrations. Packed with parties, you’ll be singing your heart out at a fiercely energetic drag brunch, or strutting round the streets waving a flag for love during a Pride Parade. Pick up a queer novel from Britain’s oldest book store, or dive into a LGBTQIA+ film festival - whether you’re there for the party, or wanting a snippet of queer culture, we’ve got you covered.

With over 50 years of celebrating gay pride, from the first parade in London in 1972, it’s clear Britain is a nation shining a light on love, inclusivity and freedom. For bold celebrations that break the mould, hit up our cities during pride month and throughout the summer. Stride into Britain’s most diverse and biggest Pride in London, look to Brighton for world-famous music superstars and drag artists, or discover two-days of non-stop entertainment in Birmingham. So what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to embrace the nation with a whole lot of LGBTQIA+ love.

Top LGBTQIA+ experiences and city guides

Discover LGBTQIA+ things to do all over Britain, whether it’s getting stuck into a queer book or a night under a disco ball, there’s loads of experiences to uncover.

Pride parades, film festivals and bear parties: the UK’s LGBTQIA+ calendar is jam-packed with fun and flamboyant events.

Dan Regan

Bristol Pride marches through the city centre

From the buzzing bars and restaurants of Soho, the city’s gay heartland, and Vauxhall’s infamous party scene the city offers endless possibilities.

Tristan Fewings

Parade goers during Pride in London in July 2019

A thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, with famous gay club nights and Birmingham Pride - the UK’s largest two-day LGBTQIA+ festival.

West Midlands Growth Company

Two women, linking arms, walking beside a canal in evening

Home to the largest gay scene in Scotland, Edinburgh’s vibrant ‘Pink Triangle’ is the place to visit for low-key pubs, lively clubs, and day-time hangouts.

Pride Edinburgh

Crowd at Pride in Edinburgh

This seaside city is known for its open attitude, vivacious clubbing scene and two-day Pride extravaganza.

VisitBritain/Andrés Balcazar

Jetski in sea below a seaside pier with a funfair

The Welsh capital offers a buzzing LGBTQIA+ scene.

Group of people having their photograph taken at an event

Home to stylish hotels, famous street art, lively bars, and the largest free Pride in the UK, Bristol is a dream destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

Bristol Pride

Peppermint at Bristol Pride

Manchester claims world-famous football teams, a rich cultural heritage and one of the liveliest LGBTQIA+ communities in the UK.

VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Bar Pop, Canal Street

Modern and sophisticated with a down-to-earth attitude, Glasgow’s unique charm has seen it voted ‘the friendliest city in the world’ by Rough Guides.

acawleyphoto

Pride Glasgow

England’s north western city is all about its creative pulse, known for musical beats and vibrant communities.

Bryan Fowler

A crowd of people celebrating Liverpool Pride

Packed with bars, bistros, and late-night clubs, Newcastle is home to a booming LGBTQIA+ scene.

Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle, England

Mensen die fietsen en skateboarden op een pad langs rivier de Tyne bij Newcastle

Top LGBTQIA+ destinations

Where to find the best LGBTQIA+ experiences

Whether you’re picking up the party at a renowned Pride festival, or you’re looking for an artsy event celebrating diversity and equality – Britain’s bursting with places to show your love.

Dive into Europe’s largest celebration for African, Asian, Middle Easter, Latin American and Caribbean LGBTQIA+ people in London.

UK Black Pride

obvkat

Woman standing in front of Black Pride sign
UK Black Pride

Witness an explosion of creative energy as Edinburgh hosts stand-up comedy, music, dance and more – for three action-packed weeks in August.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Kit Oates/Peter Anderson

Street perfomer Peter Anderson, juggles swords in front of a crowd on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, during the Festival Fringe 2022.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Manchester’s gay village comes alive with eccentric performers, a parade of colours and loads of love.

Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride/Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography

Woman smiling, celebrating during Manchester Pride
Manchester Pride

Bristol Pride

29th June - 14th July 2024

Big names take to the stage for Bristol’s Pride Day with a jam-packed calendar of queer film, LGBTQIA+ tours and insightful talks.

Bristol Pride

Bristol Pride

Peppermint at Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride

Wave the flag for Britain’s Northern Pride that brings celebrations to centre stage and across the city with a pride march.

Discover Northern Pride

ignite entertainment

Northern Pride
Northern Pride

The world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity lands in Manchester for an annual festival full of lively music and entertainment.

Sparkle Weekend

Sparkle Festival, Danny Mclaren, Snappitysnaps Photography

Sparkle Weekend
Sparkle Weekend

From contemporary music to debates and visual arts – Brighton Festival brings art and culture to Britain’s popular gay destination.

Brighton Festival
Awaiting image
Brighton Festival

Dive into Europe’s largest celebration for African, Asian, Middle Easter, Latin American and Caribbean LGBTQIA+ people in London.

UK Black Pride

obvkat

Woman standing in front of Black Pride sign
UK Black Pride

Witness an explosion of creative energy as Edinburgh hosts stand-up comedy, music, dance and more – for three action-packed weeks in August.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Kit Oates/Peter Anderson

Street perfomer Peter Anderson, juggles swords in front of a crowd on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, during the Festival Fringe 2022.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Manchester’s gay village comes alive with eccentric performers, a parade of colours and loads of love.

Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride/Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography

Woman smiling, celebrating during Manchester Pride
Manchester Pride

Bristol Pride

29th June - 14th July 2024

Big names take to the stage for Bristol’s Pride Day with a jam-packed calendar of queer film, LGBTQIA+ tours and insightful talks.

Bristol Pride

Bristol Pride

Peppermint at Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride

Wave the flag for Britain’s Northern Pride that brings celebrations to centre stage and across the city with a pride march.

Discover Northern Pride

ignite entertainment

Northern Pride
Northern Pride

The world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity lands in Manchester for an annual festival full of lively music and entertainment.

Sparkle Weekend

Sparkle Festival, Danny Mclaren, Snappitysnaps Photography

Sparkle Weekend
Sparkle Weekend

From contemporary music to debates and visual arts – Brighton Festival brings art and culture to Britain’s popular gay destination.

Brighton Festival
Awaiting image
Brighton Festival