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.
A gay visitor will want to plan things to do on the trip
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.
Hotels for discerning gays
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.
Ian Schrager and Philip Starck’s Sanderson Street, the Trafalgar, the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel, St. Martin’s Lane, the Apex City of London hotel with its sustainable design focus, and the Plaza on the River.
Restaurants that are gay friendly
Gayborhoods are rich with places to savor the London atmosphere. Check your informative sources for options.
Places to party at night
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.
The G-A-Y bar, Scala, Shadow Lounge and Heaven (also one of the biggest gay clubs in Europe) are amongst the standouts. The city is dominated by super clubs with small club nights added to the mix. The latter have timings and venues that might change to be aware of. The Sunday experience not to be missed is SLAGS/Chill Out at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (one of London’s founding gay bars).
Where to shop for something unusual
If you are looking for designer clothing sold directly, the Sunday event the Sunday Up Market at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane is for you. A visit to London without a stop at Gay’s the Word would be incomplete. This bookstore is the United Kingdom’s most comprehensive gay and lesbian bookstore.
Some places to relax
Gyms to exercise off the food and drink absorbed during a busy London visit include:the Paris Gym, the Soho Gyms (which have more than one location) and Oasis. The Nickel, Gentleman’s Tonic, The Refinery and The Wholeman Spa are some of the places you can pamper yourself if that is your desire during your sojourn in London. Check your informative sources for other places.
London will make you memories to savor long after your return from this gay haven. Nobody can forget a gay holiday in London.