The UK is one of the world’s most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ visitors, and when international travel returns, Britain will be ready to welcome you back with its timeless culture and plenty of new attractions. In London and beyond, here are some new reasons to love Great Britain in 2021.
Britain’s LGBTQ+ Stories Onscreen - Britain stands as the backdrop to some of our favorite stories this year, so where better to go when we can travel again than to visit the places you’ve been binge watching? Explore the Jurassic Coast in Dorset to see where fossil hunter Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) falls in love with Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan) in Ammonite, or head north to England’s Lake District to follow Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci’s road trip in Supernova. Yorkshire is the immersive setting of series “Gentleman Jack” and “All Creatures Great and Small,” as well as the upcoming film adaptation of the hit West End musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and is home to Castle Howard, the stand-in for the Duke of Hasting’s home Clyvedon in Bridgerton. Discover that Britain’s natural beauty onscreen shines even brighter in person.
Hotel Openings Not to Miss in London - When the time is right, London’s newest hotels will be ready to welcome travelers back with the very best in British hospitality. The Mayfair Townhouse, a recent opening from Iconic Luxury Hotels in central London, pays stylish homage to the great Oscar Wilde; check in for an overnight stay or enjoy one of their signature cocktails at the Dandy Bar. Experience the royal treatment at The Guardsman Buckingham Gate - a 5-star boutique just steps away from Buckingham Palace - or pamper yourself with wellness treatments at the new Nobu Hotel Portman Square in Marylebone. Finally, keep an eye out for The Londoner, the world’s first “super-boutique” hotel opening this year in Leicester Square, right in the heart of London’s West End theatre district.
Fine Dining in the Capital - London’s food scene has reason to celebrate following this year’s Michelin star announcements. The city is now home to five restaurants with three Michelin stars, adding Core by Clare Smyth and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught to this prestigious list in 2021. They share Michelin’s highest ranking with Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, the Lecture Room and Library at Sketch, and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. From more from the infamous MasterChef, take a shopping break and stop at the new Gordon Ramsay Burger restaurant inside Harrod’s Department Store in Knightsbridge, or check out the Michelin-star rated British chef’s other new spots Street Burger by St. Paul’s Cathedral or Street Pizza in Southwark.
Romance on the River Thames - London’s Illuminated River project is a large-scale, long-term public art project working to colorfully light up 14 bridges spanning a 2.3 mile stretch of the River Thames, winding through the heart of the city. Celebrating the diverse communities living along London’s riverbanks, the first four bridges were unveiled in 2019 and another four are set to sparkle with LED light installations come this spring. Explore the bridges virtually from home, then see them up close with a late river cruise on your next trip to London. Book an evening voyage with River Thames Cruises to enjoy some live music and refreshment and take in the city’s iconic landmarks as they are framed by the setting sun, for a romantic, picture-postcard end to your day.
Photo Credits: The Mayfair Townhouse, VisitBritain