Fridae

If you still wondered how gay Britain is, all you need to know is that a Queen rules over us. Britain's rainbow nation is more diverse than ever, thanks to the combination of a tolerant populace, vocal gay community and forward-thinking government. And never has there been a better time to experience it all over the country.

As Britain is leading the gay world in terms of sights, sounds and style; VisitBritain gives you the lowdown on great alternative British gay breaks, and the chicest and kookiest ways to spend your time there. If you've never been there, you don't know what you're missing.

And if you're up for FREE fun and adventure, then gather your friends and enter the Great Scavenger Hunt. Your dream trip to the UK is up for grabs! Register now!

BRIGHTON
An hour south of London is Britain's gay beach getaway destination - Brighton. Thousands of gays and lesbians have transplanted themselves to Brighton over the past decade thanks to its combination of lower property prices and stunning sea views. Today, Brighton boasts a hip, happening nightlife, glorious Georgian architecture and quaint boutiques. Try to go in August when the rollicking gay pride festival kicks into gear on 06th - many Brits claim it's the best in the land, thanks to its policy of offering everything absolutely free.

You will find a buzzing scene at Amsterdam Hotel (www.amsterdam.uk.com) on Marine Parade that doesn't seem to stop - particularly in terms of bar and sauna with its "insomniac guests and frisky locals whose towels just happen to keep falling off". The sea view terrace is great for summer boozing. We also whole-heartedly recommend the New Europe Hotel - Brighton's largest gay hotel with plenty of sea view rooms. It comes complete with its own Legends Bar (www.legendsbar.co.uk), and on weekends there's also the cruisy, leathery Schwarz Bar to check out.

Hotel Elysian (www.hotelelysian.co.uk) is a new gay boutique hotel opened in 2004 aiming to bring urban chic to the coast. A real contender on the boutique hotel front with rooms that are lightly themed decked out in bright and contemporary furnishings. Aside from the genuine and friendly staff, the highlight is the bar which is as Brighton as it gets. Other great low cost options include the very stylish Hotel Nineteen on Broad St and the Cosmopolitan Hotel on New Steine.

For year-round gay hi-jinks, go boozing at Dr Brighton's on King's Road, and also the ever-popular Harlequin on Providence Place. If you want to heat it up, hang out at the Bright'n'Beautiful Sauna on St Margaret's Place and then retox with some cocktails at the glam Lizard Lounge on Marine Parade. Finish the night at Club Revenge on Old Steine (www.revenge.co.uk), where no matter where you've been all evening, everyone you've seen wil relocate to come pub closing time. It's vast and amazing, even for jaded Londoners. If you are visiting during the week, try and time your stay with one of the monthly Wild Fruit ( www.wildfruit.co.uk) dates - it's not earned its reputation as the biggest and brightest gay night on the South Coast for nothing!

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MANCHESTER
From the South Coast to the Northwest we go � and on to Manchester. Formerly known as an industrial city, Manchester has transformed itself into a magical metropolis. The hit TV series Queer As Folk was originally set in the city's Gay Village along Canal St and has experienced a boom in gay culture ever since. From its exciting mix of the historic and the fashionable, hundreds of restaurants and around thirteen theatres, to its major shopping events and festivals, the city has everything to make it a year-round destination.

The Lowry Hotel (www.thelowryhotel.com) is considered one of the chicest addresses in the land. Malmaison (www.malmaison.com) on Piccadilly is also to be highly recommended. Gorgeous rooms and its close proximity to the famous Canal St are major selling points for the gay getaway.

Since Manchester is the rainiest city in the Britain (according to the Met Office), you may need to stay indoor. Museum-wise, there's the Urbis, the museum of city life. Or the impressive Imperial War Museum North on Salford Quays, which is open daily, and is free. Straight across the canal, you have the Lowry, a renowned art gallery. Shopping-wise, there are Harvey Nichols and Selfridges which would keep your days occupied and your wallet lightened.

Perhaps more importantly, there's nightlife to consider. Among the best bars are Via Fossa with its huge, wood-panelled interior and eatery, and mainstay of the scene; and The Rembrandt on Sackville St, arguably one of the friendliest bars anywhere in the country. It also boasts several rooms in its own little hotel complex above the bar - but advance booking is necessary. The same team also owns the nearby Millstone Hotel, just off Piccadilly. Its neighbour, The New Union is another gay hotel with cheap and camp d�cor; and cheap and cheery rooms. The big gay clubs are close by - we recommend Popstatic and Essential. One a more mixed, trendy tip, Kro 2 on Oxford Road and Cord on Dorsey St are both cool and well worth a visit.

Do remember that a couple of weekends that are sure to be extra busy include the Great British Bear Bash (29Apr-02May, www.cybearland.co.uk) and the spectacular Manchester Pride (19-29Aug, www.manchesterpride.com). This town is also host to the UK's first cultural festival celebrating homosexuality � Queer Up North (www.queerupnorth.com). For the past 12 years, Manchester has been transformed every May by performers from around the world. This year, its 06-29 May.

SOUTHAMPTON
If you fancy a saucy seaside break, and want to avoid the obvious trip down to Brighton, Southampton's certainly worth considering. Nautical but nice, the "Jewel of the South" was the departure point for the successful Mayflower, and the not-so-successful Titanic. Now it's a vibrant and cosmopolitan holiday destination. Just 87 miles south west of London, it's a fairly pleasant drive, or just a short tip on South West Trains. Our recommendation is to book into one of the many top class hotels down on the Waterfront, with views of the Ocean Village. You can then enjoy a stroll along the promenade, and enjoy the popular bars and restaurants.

The city centre isn't too far away, with plenty of wide boulevards and various parks, while the gay scene is surprisingly impressive. For a reasonable lunchtime snack or early evening drinks, Freedom Caf� on High St is a great new caf� bar to chill. Bar Fusion on St Mary's St is another good venue offering food and DJ entertainment. For something a bit traditional, head straight for the London Hotel at 2 Terminus Terrace. It's a large friendly boozer with regular cabaret entertainment and charity nights.

The Magnum Club on St Mary's Road is one of the longest-established gay clubs in the country, with two newly refurbished dance floors and a chill-out bar in between, plus a choice of camp tunes. Your other late-night options are The Edge, Loft and Box, on Compton Walk. If you fancy some steamy encounters when all the sea air gets you in the mood, the Pink Broadway Sauna on 78 East St is a really friendly venue. If it's outside cruising you're after, try Southampton Common.

BLACKPOOL
Blackpool is easily the UK's glitziest, shiniest and most candyfloss-fuelled beach resort. Alongside Brighton, it also happens to be the gayest and campest British coastal town. The north's answer to Las Vegas�on slightly more cheap'n'cheerful budget! It's approximately a four-hour drive from London. Regular train services run to Blackpool North or direct to Pleasure Beach.

For thrill-seekers, the town's biggest attraction is the famous Pleasure Beach (bpbltd.com). This has becoming one of the UK's premier amusement parks. Its most famous ride is still the Pepsi Max, but there's more than enough to keep big kids of all ages amused. For thrills of a different nature, head for the scene such as Pepe's and Flying Handbag. The former can be found at 94 Talbot Road and is the place to go if you're a fan of the flesh. The later lies next door to Flamingo's and as its name suggests, it's a palace of camp and kitsch frivolity. Flamingo's itself is Blackpool's only gay club� but what a club! One of the biggest venues in the country, it has the capacity to pack in around 2,500 boys and girls, and it often does on weekends.

For accommodation, you're spoilt for choice. There's the spanking Big Blue Hotel (www.bigbluehotel.com) if you've got the cash to spare. The most famous gay hotel has to be Trades on Lord St, which boasts plenty of clean, smart rooms and infamous friendly clientele. You could also check out Collins Hotel, Granby Lodge and the camply named Brighton Vavoom. Also well recommended are Hurstwood Holiday Flats, which offer self-catering apartments. You're sure of a warm and unpretentious welcome!

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TORQUAY
Torquay and the "English Riviera" may always have unfair association with Fawlty Towers, but the coastline of Torquay is spectacular, while the cosmopolitan vibe swings into full throttle during Easter and the summer months. Once you've driven down from London (about four hours) or taken a South West Train (between two and five hours subject to the routing), the first thing you'll want to do is check into a hotel. Of course, B&B's are the cheapest option, dropping in price the further from the beaches and town centre you're willing to stay.

To stay, why not try England's first exclusively gay hotel, the Cliff House on St Mark's Road on Meadfoot Beach. It's a quirky place to stay with all rooms named after classic musicals. They also have a steam room and Jacuzzi open to the public over the weekend. Another good option is the Manderville, an elegant 1840's villa in a quarter acre of gardens, right at the top of Torquay.

Leisure activities include a waterslide park of Quaywest, Kents Cavern Showcaves, a pretty amusing Model Village, Agatha Christie Walking Trails, and a new Marine Aviary looking over the marina. Boat trips are compulsory, so take the ferry to Brixham, or if you have a spare afternoon, take the stunning trip to Dartmouth. The gay scene is small and spread out, but very friendly. The Clipper Inn and Meadfoot Inn are both small but welcoming, while Ibiza on Victoria Parade and Rockies provide the late-night action - the latter is particularly busy at weekends.

LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
Now it's the time to make Britain proud and join VisitBritain by registering your support for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As one of the key ambassadors, Sir Elton John pointed out, "London is a fantastic city with lots of entertainment and life about it. Music, theatre and the arts are key in making a city come to life and will also be key to making an Olympic Games more than just the world's greatest sports event. As a nation we are passionate - we can bring the Games to London and we can show the world that British people can really put on the greatest show on earth." So join him and hundreds and thousands of people back the bid at www.london2012.com Thank you!

ENTER THE GREAT SCAVENGER HUNTHere's another chance for you to win a FREE trip to the UK! Two lucky winners will jet off to the UK with their travel companion from 10 to 17 June to take part in the Great Scavenger Hunt, brought to you by British Council and VisitBritain. After a couple of days to chill out and shake off the jet-lag, you'll get to travel around the sights of London picking up clues and solving riddles along the way. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

The prize includes 2 pairs of return economy class tickets departing from Singapore, accommodation, travel, organised outings and a whole host of exciting activities. Contest ends on 15 April 2005. Register now! *Conditions apply.

WIN A LONDON BREAK: THE WINNER
Congratulations to one lucky Fridae member who just won a fabulous 5-day London break inclusive of air-ticket and stay at Millennium Gloucester Hotel courtesy of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels. We wish you a pleasant and enjoyable trip!

VisitBritain would like to thank all of you who have entered the competition by registering our VisitBritain Club. You will receive information on what's up and coming in Britain to help you to plan your next visit.