Gay Brighton Brighton City Guide

The quirky and queer queen of Britannia with her small-town vibe, sloping pebble beaches and cultural vitality, Brighton is the gaycation destination of dreams. Less than an hour by train from London, this seaside city is hedonistic yet eco-minded, cool yet unpretentious. Quintessentially British with its own special brand of eccentricity, Brighton is a fiercely liberal city that is loud and very proud of its LGBTQ community. Despite the high chances of grey weather (this is England, after all), the locals are an upbeat bunch, ever welcoming and ever in the mood to party. While concentrated in St. James Street and Kemp Town, Brighton’s gay scene lays claim to pretty much the entire city with regular LGBTQ events throughout the year, including Brighton Bear Weekend in June and Brighton Pride in August. Interested in what to do in Brighton beside beach lounging and gorging on Fish & Chips? Mr Hudson’s Brighton gay city guide has got you covered.

The best hotels in Brighton

Let’s kick start our ultimate Brighton gay travel guide with a roundup of the best hotels. First up we’ve got the five-star show-stealer, A Room With A View, a Georgian heritage build, based in the trendy gaybourhood of Kemp Town and boasting uninterrupted sea views. Just a 12-minute walk from the city centre, this hotel offers the best of both worlds; a countryside feel with proximity to the best of the city’s nightlife! Wake up to garden or sea views and the choice of a full English or smoked salmon brekkie. Another Georgian building so fancy it needs government-protection is The Square Hotel, also based in Kemp Town. Overlooking the Regency garden square, this hotel is both stylish and luxurious in equal measure, complete with playful design (featuring kinky rubber ducks…), cheerful staff and a chic cocktail bar hosting lively entertainment.

Not for the shy and retiring, Hotel Pelirocco is as loud and as fabulous as they come. A gay-owned, rock ‘n’ roll boutique hotel, guests here are able to choose from a range of luxe rooms kitted out with mirrored ceilings, spa baths and plush furnishings for an over-the-top experience, be it romantic or risqué. The casual and eclectic Artist Residence is a slight change of tone; a townhouse in the historic district close to the seafront, with unpretentious yet artful interiors. With two restaurants and two cocktails bars on site, this hotel is a great option for those in search of something authentically Brighton, with a sense of community and a homely vibe. Then there’s the elegant 27 Bed & Breakfast a small Georgian townhouse on the Upper Rock Gardens just a 10-minute walk from the pier and even closer to the seafront. With a fancy chandelier-laden dining room serving full English and continental options, as well as personal fluffy bathrobes, you may never want to leave.