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The UK’s second city, Birmingham is also one of its most exciting. Its LGBTQIA+ scene is thriving, with its famous gay club nights and Birmingham Pride - the UK’s largest two-day LGBTQIA+ festival. Explore our guide to LGBTQIA+ Birmingham for the rundown of the best neighbourhoods, hotels and events in the city.

Dates for the diary

Get to know Birmingham

Birmingham is renowned for its shopping. The Bullring, in the heart of the city, was the UK’s first indoor city-centre shopping complex when it opened in the 1960s. Completely rebuilt in 2000, the shimmering  The Bullring & Grand Central is one of Britain’s biggest shopping malls. With more than 200 retailers and more than 460 restaurants and cafés, there’s plenty for discerning shoppers.

Just north of the city centre, the Jewellery Quarter has Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery traders, producing 40% of all jewellery made in the UK – making this an ideal place for anyone planning a romantic gesture on their trip (wink wink).

A little-known fact, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice - just over 35 miles compared to Venice’s 26 miles. The life-blood of Victorian Birmingham, today these canals and towpaths provide a fascinating route for walkers and joggers. The bustling hub of the canal network, Gas Street Basin, has colourful narrowboats and busy cafés, restaurants and bars in set in revamped warehouses under a mile from the Gay Village.

Out and about

For cocktails and a contemporary scene look no further than the city’s The Fox.

Find out more about The Fox

stueyp83

The FOX
The Fox

A popular hangout for a younger mixed crowd filled with cocktails.

Find out more about Sidewalk

heathermariephotography

Sidewalk
Sidewalk

For cocktails and a contemporary scene look no further than the city’s The Fox.

Find out more about The Fox

stueyp83

The FOX
The Fox

A popular hangout for a younger mixed crowd filled with cocktails.

Find out more about Sidewalk

heathermariephotography

Sidewalk
Sidewalk

Stylish stays

Birmingham

Expect chic boutique bedrooms with epic views in the heart of the city, it even has a retro bowling ally to keep guests entertained.

Awaiting image
Birmingham

Offering serviced apartments on the top four floors of the iconic Rotunda building, this is a funky place to stay.

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Gay couple lounging on sofa and being affectionate
Birmingham

A budget choice that doesn’t compromise on style - stay in one of the 73 rooms with provide comfort and chic style.

Bloc Hotels/jodivirk

Woman sitting on hotel bed reading book with hot drink

Getting here

Birmingham is situated in the Midlands, 120 miles northwest of London. Regular trains connect Birmingham to London in one-and-a-half hours. Birmingham Airport is 10 minutes by train from the city centre and is served by flights from Europe, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, North America and the Caribbean.