How Gay Friendly is the UK?
When planning a Pride-focused holiday, you want to know the country you’re in supports you. Here's what the UK looks like for LGBT+ people:
- Homosexuality legal: Yes, since 1967 (2000 in Northern Ireland)
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2014 (England, Wales, Scotland); 2020 (Northern Ireland)
- Discrimination protections: Yes — in housing, services, education, and healthcare
- Employment protections: Comprehensive protections apply
- Equal age of consent: Yes — equal at 16
- Public opinion: Broadly supportive, with high visibility and acceptance in most areas
Across the UK, LGBT+ rights are not just protected — they’re embedded in law and supported by major institutions. But support also comes from the grassroots, and that’s where local Prides shine.
You can learn more about UK LGBT+ legal protections and support from Stonewall, the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ rights charity.
Birmingham Pride
Held every May, Birmingham Pride is one of the UK’s most diverse Pride events. From community marches to big-name acts, it offers a mix of activism and entertainment. It’s also known for being one of the most accessible Prides in the country.
Where to Stay:
Malmaison Birmingham is set inside a converted Royal Mail sorting office and offers boutique comfort near the city centre. It’s ideal for couples or small families attending the event.
Leeds Pride
Leeds hosts one of the friendliest Pride events in the North. It’s free to attend, includes a rainbow-flooded parade through the city, and offers a community feel that brings people back each year.
Where to Stay:
The Queens Hotel is iconic and centrally located. It’s perfect if you want to roll out of your room and straight into the celebration.
Newcastle Pride (Northern Pride)
Newcastle’s Pride celebration — Northern Pride — is loud, proud, and perfect for travellers who love music festivals. From family zones to trans pride picnics and club nights, this one keeps it inclusive from start to finish.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Indigo Newcastle sits in the city centre and gives easy access to the main Pride stage and parade route.
Edinburgh Pride
Scotland’s capital offers a blend of history and protest. Edinburgh Pride includes the March for Equality, workshops, and cultural events. It’s smaller than other capitals, but that’s part of the charm.
Where to Stay:
Apex Grassmarket Hotel has views of Edinburgh Castle and easy access to the Pride route. Families and groups will find plenty of space and amenities here.
Planning Tips for UK Prides
Every Pride event has its own vibe, so a little planning helps you get the best experience. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with your family, these tips will help.
- Book early: Hotels near parade routes fill fast, especially in larger cities.
- Check ticket info: Some Prides are free, others charge for festival areas or headline acts.
- Pack for the weather: UK summers are unpredictable. Bring both glitter and a poncho.
- Read local guides: Each city has its own LGBT+ hotspots, venues, and community-led events around Pride.
- Use an LGBT+ travel expert: We know what to look for — and what to avoid.
Every Pride is different, but the goal is the same: freedom, visibility, and joy.
Your Travel Protection with Wide Awake Holidays
When you book with Wide Awake Holidays, you’re not just getting accommodation near a Pride parade. You’re getting full protection and personal support from a company that understands what Pride travel really means.
Here’s what’s included in every tailor-made holiday:
- ATOL protection — for peace of mind on flights and packages
- Protected Trust Services membership — your money is secure until your trip is complete
- Supplier Failure Insurance — so you’re covered if your hotel or operator shuts down
- Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance — so you don’t lose out if an airline goes under
You also get access to over 200 suppliers and personal service from our LGBT+ team — who’ve been to Pride, marched in it, and even organised it.
We don’t just get you there. We get why you’re going.
What Makes Wide Awake Holidays Different?
We’re not a mainstream agency slapping a rainbow logo on a booking page. We’re a gay-owned travel company based in the UK. We know that “LGBT-friendly” isn’t always enough. That’s why we go deeper — checking in with hotels, vetting destinations, and making sure you’re not just welcome, but celebrated.
We offer:
- Personalised holiday planning
- Honest advice about destinations and their attitudes
- Flexible bookings with real support
- Tailor-made experiences that fit your needs, values, and budget
Whether you’re booking your first Pride trip or your tenth, we’re here to make it unforgettable — and safe.
Looking Ahead: Smaller UK Prides to Watch
While big-city Prides get most of the attention, smaller local events offer something special: connection.
Here are a few more you might want to plan around:
- Sheffield Pride – community-led, relaxed, and family-friendly
- Norwich Pride – known for inclusivity and accessible design
- Margate Pride – part art festival, part protest, always bold
- Hull Pride – a joyful event with a northern heart
- Worcester Pride – growing fast, with strong trans and bi visibility
And of course, Torfaen Pride — proudly organised by our founder and run by people who know that visibility matters most in places where it doesn’t come easy.
Ready to Celebrate UK Prides Your Way?
Pride travel isn’t just about attending events. It’s about claiming space. Being seen. Taking joy seriously. Whether you want to dance in a crowd of thousands or wave a flag in a quiet square, there’s a Pride in the UK that’s waiting for you.
Let us help you get there.
Call us on 01495 400947 or use our holiday enquiry form to start planning your perfect Pride getaway.
