If you’re visiting the UK to check out the queer scene, you’ll no doubt make a beeline for London. The capital is naturally packed with iconic LGBT events and historic places to visit. However, anyone who lives...
Brighton city guide
for fabulous travellers
The Pavilion itself is glorious and really worth checking out, especially if you enjoy hearing the ludicrous stories of decadence about the Prince Regent (nicknamed "The Prince of Whales" by his frenemy, the infamous dandy, Beau Brummel.)
When my train from London rolls into Brighton, I always feel excited as I see the rows of terraces houses stretching down to the seafront. This city has some crazy magic, wrapped up in decades of significance for so many generations of teens and social misfits.
Even as far back as Jane Austen's time, Brighton was known as a risque place: after visiting for a bit of sea-bathing, Lydia in Pride & Prejudice decides to elope with an officer in a fit of sexual passion. You can also visit the famous Royal Pavilion, with its beautiful Indian-style design, which George IV built before he was king to secretly spend time with his mistress away from the royal court.
Brighton found infamy in the 60s for clashes between Mods and Rockers, as captured in the iconic film Quadrophenia. Since the 90s, it has arguably been the gay capital of the UK, which alongside having the only Green Party member of parliament, really indicates strongly what a lovely, open-minded community this city has.
There are many vegetarian and vegan places to eat and always loads of arts events to attend. Being only an hour by train from London, it's the place people flock to lie in the sunshine by day and party at night. It's not a big city, but it has so much heart and history it is worth a visit!
Unmissable Brighton
Don't leave town with trying these...
The Lanes – Brighton is famous for this cluster of narrow pedestrianised streets in the main section of town. Packed with independent stores and cafes, this is a great area to wander around. Further up towards the station, you'll find North Laine with a similar vibe (but careful not to confuse them).
Hove – Brighton and Hove are two towns that form one city, and they run pretty seamlessly into one another. So it's worth exploring beyond the centre of Brighton to find great cafes and restaurants in other areas.
Vegetarian/vegan heaven – Brighton is right up there with Berlin and Melbourne in terms of being incredibly vegetarian-friendly! From Iydea to Planet India, there will be a feast of options pretty much everywhere you go. There's even an entirely veggie pub: The Prince George on Trafalgar St.
Queer Brighton
Your quick guide to all thing LGBTQ+...
Venues – queer pub and theatre The Marlborough; gay bar/club Revenge; old school boozer Bedford Tavern.
Parties and club nights – Kingdom, Polyglamorous, The Powder Room, Traumfrau, Lip Sync For Your Life.
Festivals – LGBTQ+ literature festival The Coast is Queer; Film Pride.
Tours – Piers and Queers.
Places of interest – AIDS Memorial Sculpture in New Steine Gardens, The Feminist Bookshop.
Projects of interest – QTIPOC Narratives, Brownton Abbey, Marlborough Productions.
Pride – Brighton Pride and Trans Pride Brighton & Hove.