1. Brighton, England
The seaside town of Brighton, England, just a 60-minute train ride from central London, has a thriving gay community and is also a popular LGBTQ destination for travelers.
February is LGBTQ history month, and Brighton pays tribute to the achievements of gay individuals and organizations with films, tours, books, art, and talks.
There are a number of LGBTQ public artworks in parks in the city, including a street art piece, Kissing Policemen, by world-famous street artist Banksy, and a striking, 12-foot-high AIDS memorial sculpture fabricated in bronze by artist Romany Mark Bruce.
Other gay events in Brighton include the Brighton Pride, a Trans Pride, the Eyes Wide Open Festival, regular performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus, Bent Double, a monthly gay comedy night, and gay theater at the Marlborough Pub and Theater.
Most of Brighton’s nightlife is situated in the Kemptown district and recommended places include Club Revenge, Legends Bar, The A Bar, Charles Street Tap, and The Marlborough.
Brighton is also a popular LGBTQ wedding destination with a wide variety of venues from elegant to quirky fun, including the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Racecourse, the Brighton Palace Pier, and the British Airways i360, a 530-foot-high tower with panoramic views.
