LGBT Breaks in Hampshire

Seeking a gay friendly destination with a very diverse community feel?

With select events and venues that are LGBT friendly, Hampshire is the new essential destination with a friendly and distinguished LGBT scene

Hampshire is not only known for its attractive landscape and unsurpassable local produce, it is also famed for it’s ever growing diverse culture – notably the prominent LGBT scene that continues to grow which in effect has put Hampshire on the map as an LGBT destination

The LGBT scene in Hampshire, although compact, is perhaps the most diverse in terms of cultural mix and age. Furthermore the LGBT scene is backed by venues – which include bars and pubs that fly the rainbow flag – and LGBT events notably Hampshire Pride , and Southampton Pride which returned to the city in 2016 after two decades without the dearly loved event.
 

LGBT Venues in Hampshire

The LGBT venues in Hampshire are definitely the buttresses of the community. Right on the corner of Oxford Street in Southampton, one of the county’s best dining location sits the campiest and friendliest pub; The London Hotel. Complete with a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor and an overall rating of 4/5, The London is the ultimate place to be for a chilled drink and pub grub accompanied with entertainment.  The venue is also known for its ales but more importantly, The London is well known for its popular cabaret drag shows which are enjoyed by many, straight and gay every Wednesday and Sunday.

For wild nights out, where you are surely to make a new friend or two, it is crucial you and your posse visit either The Edge & Box Bar in Southampton or Hampshire Boulevard in the city of Portsmouth.  The Edge & Box Bar which opened in 1995 offers exquisite cocktails and food during the day in the newly refurbished Box Bar and at night time the Box Bar and the rest of the club is transformed into the most popular LGBT club in the city, complete with a room for Karaoke and a main room for dancing and socialising.

The club has also been voted in the Golden Handbag Awards which takes place in Brighton as ‘favourite out of town venue’ in 2011 and 2013 and was a runner up in 2015. The Edge & Box Bar is licenced to open until 4am, so you are without a doubt in for a long amazing night in Southampton’s only gay bar. Should you find yourself in the city of Portsmouth and you are up for a memorable night, make sure you drop in at Hampshire Boulevard, probably the most fun yet intimate LGBT club in the county.
 

LGBT Friendly Accommodation in Hampshire

There is plenty of LGBT friendly accommodation in Hampshire, fancy being by the sea head to Southsea Charm B&B.  Looking for a rural retreat stay at The Cloud Hotel in the New Forest.  The historic city of Winchester is home to the beautiful Hannah's B&B.

Located next to the exclusive TAG Farnborough Airport is the 5* Aviator Hotel with it's decor nods to it's neighbour. 

Want to stay in Southampton head to The Pig in the Wall, perfectly situated near West Quay shopping centre and international cruise terminals.
 

Pride Festivals in Hampshire

To seal the community spirit and the acceptance of LGBT culture in the county, Hampshire is also home to two pride parades, Hampshire Pride which takes place in Winchester annually on February and Southampton Pride which also takes place annually but in the month of August. These family friendly events have proven to be popular amongst the local community no matter what their sexual orientation is and the number of attendees continues to grow every year.

So if you’re wishing to visit a friendly, diverse and accepting region – visit Hampshire this year, the county that proudly waves the rainbow flag.