LGBTQ+ friendly holiday destinations

Like you, hopefully, we like to find some LGBTQ+ friendly holiday destinations, places and bars to have a drink, chat or something to eat (less about the late night dancing for us but it's not unheard of)!

These are some of the places that we've discovered on our travels....

CAMBRIDGE, U.K

This small city may not seem like the most obvious of LGBTQ+ friendly holiday destinations but it's full of good vibes and there are some great, relaxed, inclusive venues and Cambridge Pride is going from strength to strength which also profiles some fab local drag artists. Set on the amazing Jesus Green, it’s always sunny (at least the last few years) so it’s perfect for lazing on a blanket or getting up for a helluva dance and a singalong. Be warned though - You won’t leave until late but, luckily, it’s a lovely walk home.

You can’t talk about the Cambridge gay scene without mentioning The Blue Moon which is a beacon for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Regularly hosting queer events, drag nights and hosts the official post Pride party. They have unisex toilets.

Dot Cotton Night 

The first Saturday of each month at Union Cellar bar and the fourth Friday of each month at Lola Lo’s. This has been the staple night of Cambridge Queer scene for over 30 years, originally starting off at The Junction and moving to the Nusha bar then Q-Club until it found its new home split between the two venues at Union Cellar. 

Also worth checking out in Cambridge….

The Petersfield: Gorgeous local pub with great food so go for a meal. It runs a Pride event every year and is a fund raiser for the Kite Trust, a LGBTQ youth charity. Until recently run by a queer manager and has typically had a diverse team.

Baron of Beef: Vocal on social media about their support for the LGBTQ+ community and they fly the flag out their windows - unapologetically (quite rightly) loud and proud. 

Cambridge Blue: Gay run (don’t tell Jethro) and a haven for beer lovers. Also has the cheapest pint around the Mill Road area for those who like a regular old drinking lager….

Vinyl Club: Student night club with it’s rainbow dance floor is a good a place as any to find a fellow queer. Or so we’re told…. We’re far too old.

LONDON, U.K

I mean, it’s London so there are hundreds of LGBTQ+ and friendly bars/clubs/cafés. 

In central London, it’s hard to look past Soho which has the Admiral Duncan (don’t miss their drag shows on Saturday afternoons/evenings), The Yard, GAY for more clubbie vibes, Heaven (great venue near Charing Cross Station with fantastic drag evenings) and tons more. There are too many to mention but this should keep you busy for a few nights. It’s worth noting that there’s only one female gay bar in Soho (maybe in London) - SHE Bar. It has underground vibes with karaoke etc (mixed reviews on how welcoming it is though).

If you’re in or around Clapham, don’t miss The Two Brewers. Like many places, this is more male-focussed but open/friendly and fun! 

There’s tons else in many other parts of London and we’ll keep this updated as people let us know their favourites but please do stay safe - It’s a big city and not everywhere will be welcoming (but most will be)!

NEW YORK, U.S

Another city with tons of LGBTQ+ and friendly places, of course. However, we were in NY with family recently so didn’t get to many spots but there’s one worth shouting out about which we spent several hours in as it’s rare to find chilled female-led LGBTQ+ bars and this is one of them! 

Ginger Bar in Brooklyn is female-led and has quite a big indoor space, a pool table, and a cute, small garden with very relaxed vibes. We stayed a lot longer than we anticipated, despite the jet lag, and would highly recommend it if you’re in the area (or even if you’re not)!

SITGES, SPAIN

This is, arguably, one of the (predominantly male) gay capitals of the world, with a huge PRIDE weekend.

It’s a beautiful beachside town with tons of great places to eat and drink and is generally gay-friendly but a place where the community share space with holidaygoers of all nationalities and local residents. 

We love nothing more than hanging out in the sun with a bottle of beer at Parrot Bar and watching the world (or all the gays, go by).

There is a couple of male naturist beaches around so, if that’s your bag (it’s obviously not ours), ask around or take a long walk down beyond the beaches and over the cliff tops. There’s flags to mark locations.

We love to run along the beach and up over the cliff trails (avoiding above said beaches) - It’s truly beautiful and some really lovely coastline. If you want hills, you just need to head a few minutes inland on the other side of the railway tracks!

Incidentally, Sitges also has several great places to eat. Two of our favourites; albeit that neither are LGBTQ+ spots, are Club Nàutic de Sitges for lunch on the water, quite literally, watching the paddleboarders and yachties do their thing (we never miss it - cheap and just a stunning spot) and NeM for outstanding tapas (higher-end) and wine.

We’re adding content all of the time do don't desert us. Keep checking back and we'll send updates soon.

Also, email us at hello@gadabouttheplanet.com to give us your insights!

[P.S, please check out our roadtrip tips and/or info on life in Spain - all from the perspective of a lesbian couple (and our fur baby), of course].