Gay Vacation In London

Gay travel to London means going to a destination recognized as one of the gay capitals of the world, home to the largest gay and lesbian community in Europe.

London epitomizes official acceptance of the gay community in many ways. There is an annual gay pride festival and a film festival on offer. EuroPride in 2006 put London on the map as a regional hub for the gay community. Since December 2006, same sex couples have been given civil partnership rights. Tourists should make a beeline for the first tourist office opened by the government in October 2009 for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) visitors in the dominant gayborhood of Soho.

Activities:

Some sources of accessible information include: G3, a free lesbian monthly, which carries the latest news. Other magazines include Out Magazine and Boyz for gay men. There are also resources on the web. Aside from what straight people would also find of interest, there are a whole host of entertaining and community oriented places to go and things to do in London.

Gay Friendly Hotels:

Your gay travel agency will have some places to recommend. This may include those mentioned below:

The Soho Hotel is Soho’s first deluxe hotel. It is popular with gays, media darlings and celebs alike. Hazlitt’s is a small Soho treasure called one of its best kept secrets. It has priceless period furnishings and is moments away from the gay haunt of Old Compton Street.

The Trafalgar is located near Soho. The Sanderson Street is off Oxford Street and is designed by Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck. The Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel is located minutes from Soho, Covent Garden and Bloomsbury. St. Martin’s Lane in the theater district has interactive light displays in every guest room amongst its many appealing features. Apex City of London Hotel will appeal to any design connoisseur. This hotel is so committed to the environment it has a dedicated architect for sustainable design. The Plaza on the River is in the heart of Vauxhall’s gay neighborhood. It is steps away from the cultural hub of London’s South Bank.

Gay Friendly Restaurants:

A walk in any London gayborhood (Soho, Vauxhall, Islington, Hoxton) will reveal some restaurant treats. These include: Balans Cafe, First Out Cafe-Bar, Bistrotheque, Steph’s, Les Trois Garcons, the Providores and Tapa Room, and the Alisan which are just a few of the tasty options.

Party Time:

With over 200 gay and lesbian bars and clubs in the city, you will be spoiled for choice. While Soho remains the center; recently, Vauxhall has gained a reputation for clubbing of the harder type, along with an alternative gay scene. Generally, bars are open until 11 PM Monday to Saturday (closing half hour earlier on Sunday and religious holidays). A few have late licenses for Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes also for weekdays. You may need to inquire if this affects your entertainment schedule.

Ask for standout places for entertainment like the the G-A-Y Bar, the Scala, the Shadow Lounge, and Heaven.  Look for Sunday events like SLAGS/Chill-Out held at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and other alternatives. London is essentially dominated by a group of super clubs with regular residencies, but, also enriched by smaller, club nights. These club nights can change time and venues, so you have to stay informed.

Notable Shopping:

In East London is a rare venue, the Sunday Up Market at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, where designers sell directly to the public. Gay’s The Word is a book shop worth visiting. Since 1979 it has been the country’s most comprehensive lesbian and gay bookstore.

Just Relax:

Gyms and spas include the Paris Gym, the Soho Gyms and Oasis, the Nickel, Gentleman’s Tonic, the Refinery and the Wholeman Spa.

London will be a trip to remember for the discerning gay traveler.