A peaceful oasis where you and your game come first.
The Champion course at the PGA National
Gay golfers will rejoice in the sheer grandeur and scale of the PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens in Palm Beach Florida. There are five courses for you to enjoy, each offering their own challenges and joys, but if you’re a beginner, don’t worry, they’ll even help you on your way with a lesson or two with a professional golfer. I did. I can’t say I’m any better than when I started off, but I do know now, that you shouldn’t treat your hitting stick (i’m reliably informed they’re called clubs) like a tennis racket.
The Room
Step into your room and you’ll be amazed at the size. Americans are known to go large and they haven’t disappointed at the PGA National. We stayed in a deluxe junior suite, which can fit most people’s entire apartments in it. It comes with a comfy seating area and a giant king bed.
The room is decorated in brown and red tones, which is the perfect opposite to all the blue sky and greenery of your outdoor surrounding. It makes the space a sexy getaway after you’ve spent all day on the course.
There are over 360 rooms at the resort.
The People
Professionalism is the word du jour at the resort. As you’d expect, nothing is too troublesome from the valets to the receptionists. Early evening you’ll be greeted with a knock at your door with the next day’s weather forecast written – it’s like having your own real-life Siri, but much friendlier.
Of course, everyone who works here is passionate about two things. Golf and hospitality, which is why PGA National Resort and Spa is the number one name in Golfing resorts.
You must have a meal at the award-winning Ironwood Steak & Seafood restaurant. Fresh and wonderfully presented food awaits you at one of the most respected restaurants in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Location
Part of the reason why you’ll choose to stay at the PGA National Resort is for the golf and you might not even leave, however, if you get a moment, be sure to get lunch at Palm Beaches’ hippest eatery, Guanabanas (960 Northway Ala Jupiter) which is a short drive away. If you’re looking for some culture check out the Flagler Museum, the story of Henry Flagler is breathtaking and he and his vision is the only reason why southern Florida exists as a tourist destination.
If you’re looking for a pamper beyond your expectations we can wholly recommend the spa at Eau Palm Beach (100 South Ocean Blvd).
The Gay Scene
There are a few options in Palm Beach, for drag shows you should visit Fort Dix (6205 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach). There is also a leather meet once a month at the venue. Then there is Roosters (823 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach) which boasts drag shows, karaoke and latin nights. There is also Penny’s at the Duke(902 N. Dixie Hwy., Ste. B, Lantana). To find out more on the local gay scene check out Hot Spots Magazine.
Our Verdict
The PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens offers a generous package and we like that in a getaway. It is relaxed but not over familiar, friendly but not over the top, traditional but not stuffy. Refinement is key and the resort offers that in spades. There is an incredible view of the lake at the end of the pool area, take a moment to enjoy the view on a cloudless night as the moon bounces off the water’s gentle ripples and the crickets sing you a romantic serenade.
Having just returned from New York, I can reveal the best airport to fly into from the UK.
After an eight hour flight, the last thing you want to be doing is waiting 2 hours in an arrival queue. andychoinski / Pixabay
When you fly to New York there are two main choices of airport to fly into, the famous JFK which is actually in the State of New York or Newark Liberty International Airport which is actually in New Jersey, one State over. Despite this, getting into Manhattan from both airports is easy and takes around the same amount of time. So which are you best off flying into?
My last trip to New York, I opted to fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport – having previously only flown into Newark. It was a mistake. Despite the heritage of JFK and its incredible structures, like the old TWA terminal, the arrivals queues are long – very long.
As I already had an ESTA I opted for the re-entry queue, which on the face of it looked short, but in reality, there was just ONE officer, who was stressed, to say the least, checking everybody’s passports, including US citizens, reentry ESTA visitors, Armed Forces and diplomats. Except, the last two got priority over everyone already standing in line. It took me over two hours to get through to baggage claim from the door of the aircraft.
My partner who was travelling with me, who didn’t have a previously used ESTA had to use the main line. It took him 30 minutes longer. So in total, we had to wait two and half hours in queues before we even reached the arrivals’ hall.
You can check peak times and queue wait times at the AWT website. Skitterphoto / Pixabay
Perhaps this was a off day, however speaking to a representative from the airline at baggage claim, she confided that sometimes the lines were even longer – with an extra 45 minutes wait time.
Of course, it all depends on the time of your arrival. Many of the inbound flights from the UK arrive later in the day, which could account for the backlog. According to AWT, which calculates wait times at US airports, the busiest time in terms of passengers happens around 1 PM, 7 PM and 10.00 PM.
I have flown into Newark a few times and never experience this kind of queue. So in my opinion, I’d opt for Newark in New Jersey from now on.
Berlin is famed the world over for its eclectic and slightly hedonistic nature, the diversity of its nightlife, never-ending club scene, and an anything-goes attitude. It boasts a fantastic spread of establishments, from old-school corner pubs and smart wine bars to grungy indie bars and live gig venues. But more than anything, the image of Berlin is one of the sumptuous theatres filled with elegant people watching edgy and left-field performances. It is an image that is as well-deserved today as it was back in the city’s golden age in the nineteenth century.
And so, I thought, what better place to head for to catch a couple of the star attractions of theatre-land and the chance to give my mouth some respite from the usual round of food and drink that is and instead, treat the eyes and ears for a change.
Berlin’s Friedrichstadt-Palast is a taste of both the old world and the new, a modern building that seems to reflect its past as a circus, theatre, and vaudeville house, with a facade including stained glass church windows. Once inside, the foyer and bar are stunning, and the main room itself, home of the largest theatre stage in the world, is nothing short of breathtaking.
The One Grand Show is a strange and varied production, part acrobatic, part song and dance cabaret, part Gaultier fashion retrospective all brought together in a vibrant Las Vegas-style experience. It is loose in structure, depicting an underground party that awakens the ghosts of an old Berlin theatre through the lavish visions of one partygoer. The show takes in many of the themes one would associate with Jean Paul Gaultier’s style including tattoos, graffiti, body modification, androgyny, fetish wear and punk; Studio 54 meets futuristic steam-punk revue, occasionally a bit lost but always surprising.
More rewarding was The Blue Man Group. The Berlin performance by Stage Entertainment is the only one in Europe and distinct from any of the other BMG shows running in other parts of the world. Unless you have seen the show, you may have an image of three bald, blue-skinned guys making music via bits of plumbing, and although that is certainly in there, it is the tip of their blue-tinted iceberg. So what has the show got? Well, everything. Comedy, music that ranges from dramatic rock to clubland frenzies, art, drumming, a blurring of lines between act and audience – the first three rows are supplied with ponchos to protect them from flying food and paint – dance, circus, and plenty of audience interaction. The hype is real, catch this show as soon as you can.
The bottom line is if you are going to immerse yourself in high-end theatre, do it in Berlin. Flights are cheap, tickets are reasonably priced, and it goes without saying that Berlin’s liberal attitudes mean that there is a thriving gay scene to explore between shows.
Paris may have glamour, London culture, and New York edge … Berlin has all three!
Wondering where the safest and friendliest places to celebrate pride in 2018?
Pride Kickoff Rally 2013, Tribeca, Manhattan
Airbnbreveal the world’s top destinations for an unforgettable Pride this year.
Through a specially commissioned study conducted by ABCD in May 2018, the people-powered hospitality platform with a mission to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere has found out which destinations have the most to offer LGBTQ travellers.
The study looked at 100 cities with the highest Pride attendance worldwide and found out which of these fared best under five different LGBTQ categories, including nightlife and dating. Here are the winning cities and categories:
1. OVERALL WINNER – New York City
The Big Apple not only offers one of the biggest Pride celebrations, it also boasts a bustling nightlife, a busy dating scene, well-established marriage equality and impressive Airbnb stats: the city that sparked the gay Pride movement following the Stonewall riots will welcome over 27,000 guests on Airbnb during Pride Week.
Traditionally a mecca for LGBTQ travellers, it’s no surprise that London topped the ranking for dating. Using data shared with Airbnb by Tinder this May, they discovered that the British capital has the highest per capita usage of LGBTQ Tinder profiles worldwide (via Tinder’s More Genders feature).
Sydney places 9 in the Dating category so why not take your date to Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Australia’s most successful musical? On this Experience, bookable on Airbnb, you’ll get to go behind the scenes and take a sneak peek at the costumes, wigs and make-up from the production that usually only cast and crew get to see.
3. NIGHTLIFE WINNER – New York City
Looking at the number of LGBTQ clubs and bars, New York City is a top destination in this category too.
The city that never sleeps is closely followed in this ranking by 2. Los Angeles, 3. Tokyo, 4. Berlin, 5. Madrid, 6. London, 7. Mexico City, 8. Paris, 9. San Francisco, and 10. Barcelona.
4. PRIDE WINNER – São Paulo, Brazil
Image credit: Ben Tavener / Flickr – https://flic.kr/p/nupESZ
In terms of sheer numbers attending Pride celebrations, São Paulo tops the ranking in this category. Approximately 3 million visitors attended last year’s celebrations.
Liniker, a popular transgender musician from São Paulo, will take guests to some of her favourite local spots and end her experience with a private listening session of her upcoming album.
Airbnb also looked at their list of cities to find out which destinations pioneered LGBTQ marriage equality. In the Netherlands, same-sex marriage was made legal in 2001, making it the first country in the world to do so. This places the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht in joint first position.
The Dutch paved the way, but these countries and their respective cities followed closely behind:
6. TRAVEL WINNER – London
For this category, Airbnb looked at cities that had the highest year-on-year growth in Airbnb guest arrivals during Pride. They also identified which cities have the highest number of LGBTQ Experiences on Airbnb and where you can find Airbnb Guidebooks with the highest number of tips for LGBTQ travellers.
160K+guests are expected to check in to an Airbnb during London’s Pride Week
The top city in this ranking is London, followed by 2. Los Angeles, 3. New York, 4. San Francisco, 5. Tokyo, 6. Paris, 7. Montreal, 8. Amsterdam, 9.Berlin, and 10. Barcelona.
York in the North of England is a gorgeous, historic city with a number of things to do for LGBT+ travellers.
So what is in York for gay travellers and LGBT guests? There are a couple of gay-friendly pubs in York and generally speaking in terms of crime the city of York is safer than similar areas of its size.
In terms of politics, however, things are not so great. There are four MPs who represent the area three from the Conservatives and one from Labour. MP Greg Knight (CONS) has generally voted against gay rights, but did vote for same-sex marriage in 2013. MP Rishi Sunak (CONS) has consistently voted against laws to promote equality and human rights. MP Rachael Maskell (LAB/COOP) has consistently voted for laws that promote equality and human rights. MP Julian Sturdy, has almost always voted against gay rights including same-sex marriage in 2013.
Gay Bars
Are there any gay bars in York? There are a couple of places of note and although they’re not specifically “gay bars” they are very LGBT+ friendly. Firstly there’s the Nag’s Head, (100 Micklegate, York YO1 6LX) which is described as very LGBT friendly and managed.
There is karaoke (8:30 PM til 12:00 AM) with Kira every Monday at Thomas’s Bar of York (Museum Street, York, YO1 7DT)- and there’s a free shot for singers.
There’s the York Arms in High Petergate (26 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EH) attracts a mainly gay male customer.
There is a transgender/cross dresser and TV night at Corner Pin and Flares (17 Tanner Row, York, YO1 6JB) every Third Saturday.
Fibbers (3-5 Toft Green, York, YO1 6JT) runs a Lip-Sync night event on the last Sunday of the month, described as LGBT+ friendly.
There is a monthly “queer” night at Dusk on New Street called Hot Crush. Times vary so you should check their website.
There are no gay saunas in York, the closest is Basement Complex and Steam Complex both in Leeds (29 miles), Lindum in Bradford (43 miles), Plastic Ivy in Dewsbury (36 miles).
Any LGBT Hotels in York?
There aren’t any gay or LGBT+ hotels available in York. However, you can check for the best deals from Hotels.com, Booking.com and Travelodge
How to get to York
York is centrally located in the heart of the UK. There are direct rail links from London, Edinburgh, Manchester in around two hours. There are numerous airports close to York, including, Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds/Bradford. Seaports that are closest are, Hull and Newcastle, both around a two hours drive.
If you’re travelling by car here are the travel times and approx miles: London: 3h 50m / 210 miles | Edinburgh: 4h 12m / 210 miles | Manchester: 1h 34m / 73 miles | Sheffield: 1h 19m / 63 miles | Cardiff: 4h 23m / 250 miles | Glasgow: 3h 56m / 211 miles | Newcastle: 1h 47m / 87 miles | Nottingham: 1h 45m / 87 miles | Bristol: 3h 53m / 223 miles | Liverpool: 2h 01m / 102 miles | Derby: 1h 47m / 91 miles | Carlisle: 2h 23m / 116 miles | Birmingham: 2h 26m / 134 miles
Meeting gay guys in York?
If you’re looking for a connect to gay and bisexual guys in York why not join our free social network.
With many thanks to York LGBT Forum for the help in signposting for this article.
We all know the drill. Before your flight takes off, you’ll most probably be asked to remove your headphones by the flight attendants, and the same again will happen as your plane prepares to land. But they never explain why.
Most people onboard oblige, but some will just pop them earbuds straight back in once the cabin crew have passed by and taken their seats. But a stark warning from an airline pilot on Quora, has us thinking maybe we all need to start doing what we’re told!
Sebastian Lender, who is an airline pilot, advises that if your plane should hit a flock of birds – known as bird strike, and you’re wearing headphones that are banging out the latest Justin Bieber tune, that you won’t hear the warnings from the flight deck or from the cabin crew telling you to brace for impact, which could lead you to receive catastrophic injuries like shattered shins, fractured arms, but perhaps worst of all, that the impact from the “vertical compression broke your back”.
Although rare, bird strike is a real threat to aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landings. One of the most recent high-profile instances of a bird strike causing an aeroplane to crash land was the US Airways Flight 1594, which crash-landed in the Hudson River in New York in 2009.
Luckily no one was killed or severely injured in that particular crash due to the professional actions and instructions from the flight deck and from the cabin crew, but there have been instances were crash landings have caused fatalities and horrifying, life-changing injuries.
So remember when your cabin crew tell you to do something, it’s always for a reason and shouldn’t be ignored.
Obviously, you can’t hope to get to know any city via just a one day stay but, if you know how to organise your time, you can combine a relaxing and luxurious break with enough of a flavour of the place to make it a memorable experience and Brussels is perfect for such a trip. Without much time available to travel too far from your base, choosing the right hotel is essential, it being required to deliver all the necessary wining, dining and pampering needs and easy access to other amenities is also essential.
Located on the Boulavard de Waterloo in the Louise district of Brussels, the equivalent of Chelsea or Knightsbridge, but without the pretentious feeling that often is associated with those parts of London, The Hotel Brussels, is an ideal base of operations to explore and soak up the city’s vibes. Continuing the theme of concise titles, The Restaurant offers a weekly menu with the focus on local, fresh and seasonal produce that combines both the authenticity of Belgian cuisine and chef Pierre Balthazar’s own unique creativity. It should be noted that vegetarians may find their hot breakfast options to be a little on the limited side.
The rooms are an oasis of refinement and space, the decor is modern and light, though one drawback is that the bathrooms are not only open plan but the toilet door is hinged to serve also as the shower door. Fine if you are staying with someone who has seen it all before, not so ideal if you are just sharing with a friend.
The Hotel also offers a spa and fitness suite, located on the 23rd floor of The Hotel meaning that whilst you exercise you can take in the sumptuous views of the city. It’s a little on the small side but the views do make up for this. You can also indulge yourself in a visit to the sauna or steam room and spa treatments are also on offer.
What to do when in Brussels
You could use the combination of dining, relaxing and wellbeing as the extent of your visit, but step outside the hotel and a wealth of experiences opens up. If Belgium is known for one thing it is chocolate and Groovy Brussels offers a walking tour to help you appreciate this most exotic of foods. Over two and a half hours you will visit six of the most beautiful chocolate shops found in the heart of the medieval city passing along beautiful galleries, romantic city views and impressive monuments. The tour might not be your cheapest activity around but you will come away from this memorable experience with a much better understanding of the history and culinary art of chocolate.
If something more social is your goal then there are a cluster of gay bars nearby such as the iconic Le Belgica, with its wealth of drinks, including the world-famous Belgian beers, and top DJ’s pandering to all of your House and Techno needs. There is also a great selection of restaurants nearby especially if you want to find something away from the hustle and hassle of the tourist routes around the Grand Palace.
And as you want to get the most out of your brief time in the city, it is worth noting that the Eurostar terminal is an easy walk from The Hotel allowing you to maximise your time getting to know the city itself.
The city that doesn’t sleep isn’t cheap. In fact, you’ll find it hard to find free things to do, but here are 10 of our favourites.
Empire State Building, Midtown, Manhattan, NYC
Planning on going to New York? Well, as a gay traveller there are certain things you have to do, like visiting the Stonewall Inn or even planning a night out at the infamous Cock bar. But, if you’re on a budget here are some of our favourite things to do for free, or just the price of a drink, in one of the greatest cities in the world.
Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry, View of Boat
This is one of the go-to free things to do while in the city of New York. The 5.2-mile trip takes you right past the Statue of Liberty giving you an outstanding opportunity to take a full-on frontal picture of the great lady. The cruise takes about 25 minutes and runs every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. Many people disembark once arriving at Staten Island and get straight back on the boat for the return journey.
The Central Park Reservoir
On a sunny day, the 1.5-mile walk around Central Park’s reservoir will enliven the senses and make you feel like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. It stretches from 86th to 96th Street (very close to the Guggenheim Museum).
The decommissioned reservoir holds over a billion US gallons of water and covers 106 acres. One of the best times of year to walk around the reservoir is when the cherry blossoms are blooming.
The High Line
Take a stroll along the disused and abandoned railway track set above the streets of Lower Manhattan. It’s a 1.45-mile walk which leads you through landscaped gardens over the roads. The High Line has been repurposed from a former railroad, which was created to ship goods from one part of the city to the other. It runs from 34th Street to Gansevoort Street, in the Meatpacking District. After “getting off” the high line, head for the Bus Stop Cafe on the corner of Bethune and Hudson for a spot of lunch.
Stonewall Inn
Where it all began. The birth of the modern gay rights movement in the USA. Located in the gay/gay-friendly neighbourhood on Christopher Street, a trip to the famous Stonewall Inn should be high on your list of gay things to do in New York. Entry is free, but please do buy a drink and support this historic, legendary venue.
Christoper Park
Situated outside the Stonewall Inn in the centre of Christopher Street is Christoper Park. Christopher Street is the oldest street in the West Village and in the 1970s became the “Main Street” of gay New York. Over the decades, numerous shops, bars and other businesses that cater for the LGBT community have populated the street. Make sure you get your photo at the Gay Street sign which coincidentally intersects with Christopher Street.
In Christopher Park, there’s a Gay Liberation Monument where numerous bonze statuses, covered in white lacquer sculptures commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which took place in 1969. It features four people. Two men and two women.
9/11 Memorial Park
A humbling experience awaits at the 9/11 memorial. Take time to reflect and remember.
A humbling experience awaits in the mass of skyscrapers at the lower end of Manhattan. This is where, in the footprints of the original World Trade Centre twin towers, you’ll find the names of nearly 3000 people, who died on September 11th, 2001, etched into bronze, on the outer rim of the two reflecting pools where the towers once stood. There is a museum as well. However, queue lines are long, and the entry ticket costs a whopping $44 each for admission and the tour. You can get significantly reduced entry by purchasing a New York CityPASS.
The Buildings
Empire State Building, Midtown, Manhattan, NYC
One of greatest attractions of New York is its buildings and where NYC is concerned, bigger is best. Across Manhattan, you’ll discover icon after icon. There’s the Empire State Building, The Rockefeller Center, Radio City, Carnegie Hall, New York Times, Times Square, The Chrysler Building, The United Nations building, One World Trade Center, the former PamAm building (now MetLife), The Guggenheim and Madison Square Gardens. The list goes on and on.
Pier Life
Pride Kickoff Rally 2013, Tribeca, Manhattan
If you’ve ever watched Paris Is Burning, you’ll know that the piers played a considerable part in LGBT+ life in New York especially during the 70s, 80s and 90s. The dilapidated piers reaching out into the Hudson River became a hang out for those on the fringes of society. Some of the piers have been redeveloped and given a new lease of life. Take a walk to the piers at the end of Christopher Street. It’s not uncommon to find all manner of activities taking place, like dance classes or music to listen to.
This year’s pride parade takes place on the 24th June. Check out the parade route here.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk the walk. 10,000 people every day cross the Brooklyn Bridge
This famous bridge is well worth the walk – despite the crowds (apparently 10,000 people use the footbridge part every day). The views of Lower Manhattan from the centre are breathtaking. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the USA. It was finished in 1883 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Look out for the 3500 bikers who use the bridge every day too. They aren’t particularly friendly towards pedestrians who walk on the cycle lane!
Once in Brooklyn make the short walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park for some impressive views of the waterway between Brooklyn and Manhattan and the famous NYC skyline.
Big Apple Greeter
Believe it or not, you can get a free walking tour with the Big Apple Greeter organisation, whose team of volunteers will show you New York in a totally personal light. You should request your greeter at least three to four weeks before your trip to New York. The Big Apple Greeter has a no tipping policy, but they do ask you to consider donating to help continue the non-profit service.
Marie’s Crisis Bar
Ask anyone where to go for a good night out that’s camp and gay and they’ll probably suggest this legendary piano bar, where show tunes and awesome singers are the promised offering. It’s a gay bar just off 7th Avenue behind Christopher Street on Grove Street. Be prepared for how busy it gets and bring cash for drinks and tips. We loved this Yelp review from Niall and it pretty much sums up this venue:
“While this is a gay bar it is also a musical bar. There are two types here; gays who love musicals and everyone else who loves musicals. If you are a member of either tribe you are family, if not, please keep it moving!”
How to get to NYC?
Wondering on the cheapest way to get to Manhattan after arriving from JFK – check out our guide here.
Our top tip is if you’re going to be a total tourist – which you totally should be in this magnificent city, then purchase yourself a CityPASS. It will give you access to numerous tourist destinations, like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty for 40 percent off. It costs around £96.27 and is well worth the price if you plan on visiting all of the destinations on offer.
If you’re flying into New York’s JFK airport, there are a few options on how you can get to Manhattan Island, both Downtown and Midtown. But there’s one way that’s super cheap and really doesn’t take any longer than a cab ride or airport shuttle.
JMZ Train, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
If your hotel offers a shuttle from JFK, then you should get on board that baby, but if you’re looking at getting into Manhattan on a budget the best way is by the AirTrain which runs directly out of JFK and then catch the subway to your destination. It takes just under an hour – which if you’re caught in traffic to or from the airport, which is more than likely, it could end up being a quicker option. Obviously, it won’t be as picturesque, but you’ll definitely get to people watch and save a lot of dollars.
A cab ride into midtown currently costs over $60 and once you ad tip you’re heading towards $70 – it’s not the cheap way to start off your trip. Or, you can hop on the airport shuttle bus, you’ll find them in the arrivals hall, which is $18 each – so if there’s two of you that’s $38 – plus tip if you’re feeling generous. Or you can spend under $8 and get the AirTrain, which takes around 50-60 minutes.
How to access the AirTrain at JFK.
Subway, New York City
Look for the signs for the AirTrain, you’ll need to get the one that’s heading towards Federal Circle (which is where you’ll find Airport Hotel shuttles and car rental companies and onto Howard Beach Station. This section of your travel is free, so you don’t need a ticket if you’re getting off at Federal Circle.
If you’re going downtown and Lower Manhattan you’ll need the train heading to Howard Beach. If you’re going to Midtown or Upper Manhattan you’ll the Jamaica Station.
Once you arrive at Howard Beach or Jamaica Station, you’ll need to buy your ticket to leave the station and to get your onward travel to Lower Manhatten. Go to the ticket machine and buy a travelcard.
How much does the AirTrain cost from JFK to Manhattan?
It will cost $5 for the AirTrain (which you’ve just travelled on) and $2.75 for the connecting subway. You’ll also be charged $1 for a Metrocard, which you can refill and reuse each time you use the subway, so don’t throw it away.
Once you’ve cleared the gates at Howard Beach or Jamaica, head to the platform which has trains heading towards Lower Manhattan or Midtown.
At Howard Beach, you need to get onboard the A Train – on the Subway map it’s a dark blue colour. At Jamaica, you need to get the E train, it’s also dark blue in colour.
If you’re heading to Upper Manhattan you’ll need to make a change when you’re in Manhattan. Use the MTA’s TripPlanner to find the best route. Trips up to the Upper island will take another 15 minutes or so.
Durham is a city in the Northeast of England, its proximity to Newcastle means that you might need to leave town to go gay.
So what is in Durham for gay travellers and LGBT guests? Gay clubs and bars are thin on the ground in the actual city of Durham, you need to travel to Newcastle which is about 15 miles away from Durham.
Generally speaking Durham is a safe place to be and the police in the area are committed to ending homo/bi and transphobia. There have been numerous reports in recent times of homophobic attacks or abuse. Caution is advised over public displays of affection between same-sex couples.
As a plus, all three of Durham’s Labour MPs Roberta Blackman-Woods, Kevan Jones and Pat Glass (who no longer serves the North West Durham) voted in favour of same-sex marriage back in 2013.
Gay Bars
Are there any gay bars in Durham? The short answer is no. However, there is an LGBT+ night on Monday nights at Osbourne’s Bar.
There is a yearly pride event held in Durham. This year it takes place on the last May bank holiday weekend (Sunday 27th May). You can find out more about the event here.
Are there any gay saunas in Durham?
The nearest gay saunas/bathhouses to Durham are located in Newcastle which is 15 miles further north. There is the Number 52 sauna, Base Newcastle. There was a sauna called H2O but it looks to have closed.
Number 52 and Base offer entry to non-members for £12.
Any LGBT Hotels in Durham?
There aren’t any gay or LGBT+ hotels available in Durham. However, you can check for the best deals from Hotels.com, Booking.com and Travelodge
Meeting gay guys in Durham?
If you’re looking for a connect to gay and bisexual guys in Durham why not join our free social network.
How to get to Durham
By road
Durham is only two miles from the A1(M). Leave the motorway at Junction 62 on the A690 Durham – Sunderland road and follow signs to Durham City Centre.
By rail
There are 60 trains from most major cities in the country calling at Durham each day. There are 14 trains from London, which takes under three hours from Kings Cross.
By air
Durham is 30 minutes’ drive from Newcastle Airport and about 40 minutes from Durham Tees Valley. Both serve domestic and international flights. Durham is linked to Newcastle Airport by rail and metro. To look for flights click here
Gran Canaria has long been a sort of gay mecca in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, off the coast of western Africa.
Over the years a number of gay / bisexual only hotels and resorts have cropped up on the tiny Island, making it one of the most gay-friendly destinations on the planet. Gran Canaria is one of the go-to gay travel destinations.
Most of these resorts are on the southern end of the Island, near Maspalomas and, no doubt; you will have heard of the Yumbo Centre, where most of the Island’s gay bars and drag shows are located.
Maspalomas is easy to get to from the Island’s only airport. You can either hire a car or get a cab to your hotel. Some hotels and resorts even offer an airport shuttle. Of course, Gran Canaria is served by numerous airlines from the UK, and you can get great deals on flights to Gran Canaria from the likes of Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2.com and Norwegian.
So what about the gay hotels? Are there any and should you stay at one?
Our editor and chief, Jake Hook recently made a case for staying gay when on holiday, but the short answer is yes. You should definitely try it.
There are many gay exclusive resorts on Gran Canaria, most of them located in the Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria.
Roma, 13, Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Spain,
A 15 room hotel in Playa Del Ingles, catering to gay men. Clothing is optional at this resort, and it is pet-friendly, although you will be required to pay an additional 19.00 EUR per night. Breakfast is available at a surcharge of 8.00 EUR per person. It does offer free WiFi.
The hotel has a pool and is located close to the beach. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: C/. Timple 5 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 765 877 Web: www.bungalowsartemisa.com
This property is located in the Playa del Ingles and is close to the Yumbo centre, the beach is a half a mile walk, while the dunes are a near 2-mile trip. Each one-bed bungalow offers a dining area and a kitchenette. Breakfast is available to purchase. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: Avda. Tour Operator Vingresor, 6 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 772 096 / (+34) 649 019 985 Web: www.beachboysresort.com
A highly rated gay only resort in Maspalomas. The dunes are an 11-minute walk away, and the Yumbo centre is under 30 minutes walk away. The location has just 12 apartments ensuring an intimate feel. There is free WiFi. Clothing is optional. Breakfast is available at a surcharge. Also available are lunch and dinner, if you don’t want to cater for yourself. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: C/. Egipto 10 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 764 722 Web: www.birdcage-resort.com
The Birdcage Resort is a four-star property in the Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria, which means its close to the Yumbo Centre and a 20-minute walk away from the beaches. There is free WiFi offered, and clothing is optional around the poolside. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: Avda. Touroperador Kuoni 46 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 760 051 Web: www.clubtorso.com
Club Torso is just a short walk to the beach and 10 minutes from the infamous dunes. The property is clothing optional, and each bungalow comes with free WiFi and a kitchenette. Breakfast is served (as an extra), and there is free parking close to the location.THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Los Almendros
Address: Avda. Francia 3 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 761 688 Web: www.losalmendros.es
Address: Avda. Touroperador Finnmatkat 6 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 161 718
Rainbow Golf is a clothing option, gay men’s resort in Maspalomas. It’s a twenty-minute walk from the famous dunes of Maspalomas beach, and the Yumbo centre is a 28-minute walk. There are 21 self-catering apartments, but food, including breakfast, is available for purchase. The location offers free WiFi, and there is free parking available. The hotel does offer an airport shuttle priced at 35.00 EUR. THEGAYUK.com has not reviewed this hotel yet.
Calle Touroperador Matkatala, 2, Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Spain
One of the only 4 star hotels on the Island that caters for gay men. There are free WiFi and parking at the location. There are 24 guest rooms, and it is located near the beach. Again the airport offers an airport shuttle (38 EUR), and there is a free shuttle to the beach. This is an optional clothing location. Breakfast is charged at an extra 10 EUR per day. Read THEGAYUK’s full review of Seven Hotel and Wellness.
Address: Avda. de Tirma 20 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 773 342 Web: www.tropicallazona.com
This 25 room property offers free WiFi and a fitness centre / work out room. There is also a bar. The Yumbo centre is a short walk away. The accommodation is self-catering and offers a fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave. The location is clothing optional. THEGAYUK.com has not reviewed this hotel yet.
Villas Blancas
Address: Avda. Tour Operator Tjaereborg s/n – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 770 122 Web: www.villasblancas.com
Address: C/. Carmen Laforet 1 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 140 032 Web: www.vistabonita.es
A popular gay-only resort in Sonneland, which is a drive away from the beach (30+ minute walk) and Yumbo centre (40-minute walk). There are 20 self-catering apartments. The hotel offers an airport shuttle as parking is extremely limited. You can reserve parking with a 5 EUR a day charge. Breakfast is available (surcharge). This is an optional clothing hotel, and there is free WiFi. Read THEGAYUK’s full review on Vista Bonita.
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