VISITORS GUIDE
This guide is intended to help the first time visitor to gay Birmingham UK.
Although not as well known as Manchester or Brighton for its gay lifestyle Birmingham has more than its fair share of venues.
The gay “village” firmly centres around Hurst Street.
Hurst Street is less than 10 minutes walk from the city centre (Victoria Square) or New Street station.
To ask any local for directions to Hurst Street avoiding any embarrassment simple ask for the Hippodrome Theatre.
The Hippodrome at the northern end of Hurst Street marks the approximate start of the “gay stretch” which runs for approximately 500m in a straight line passing more than 80% of the city’s gay venues.
With the exception of Subwaycity in Livery Street all the important city centre venues are a few minutes walk from Hurst Street, to the west.
Bars, Clubs and Pubs CLICK FOR PAGE
Birmingham has, compared with many English cities, a very relaxed attitude to the liquor licensing laws. Some venues now have licences enabling them to serve drinks until sunrise and after many are open until 2.00am.
Admission charges apply for some venues with late licences. The opening times for venues vary from venue to venue and night to night. If you intend a continental style late start it is best to check the times in advance. Most venues will have a list posted on a window or notice board outside indicating opening hours for that week and prices for admission.
All the important gay bars, clubs and pubs are listed on the gaybrum site some have individual pages with detailed information others have links to their own websites.
Saunas CLICK FOR PAGE
Within the city boundary there are two gay saunas and one more within half hour by car.
Parking Cars
Parking for Hurst Street is generally good compared with many English cities. A well-lit secure car park is in the Arcadian centre the entrance is in Bromsgrove Street 25m form Missing Bar. Other less secure car parks are close by. The whole area is well covered by security CCTV but this does not pevent car crime, do not leave anything valuable in your car.
Parking meters operate 6 days per week but only from 8.00am to 6.00pm
The restrictions on single yellow lines apply on Sunday.
New Street Station
Leave by the main front entrance and cross over the Smallbrook Queensway (at present building work obstructs the traffic). Hurst Street is about 250m to the right as you leave the station entrance.
Snow Hill Station
From the main entrance cross through the Cathedral grounds to Temple Row, walk down Temple Street and cross over the main pedestrian area of New Street to the rear entrance to New Street station, and along for about 100m until you reach Hill Street. Walk down past the Holiday Inn, cross the Smallbrook ringway into Hurst street at the pedestrian crossing.
Digbeth Coach Station
Digbeth Bus Station is the arrival and departure point for long distance coaches and about a 15-minute walk from Hurst Street. Follow the directions to “markets” and “China Town” then ask directions for the Hippodrome Theatre.
Birmingham International Airport
The airport is less than 10 miles to the south of the city centre. There is an excellent rail link from Birmingham International Rail Station, which is a short journey by courtesy bus from the airport. During the day there are very frequent services for the 10-minute journey to Birmingham New Street. Taxi fare is £15-£20
The gaybrum.com website hopes to have pages and links covering all the information you may need together with helpful links to useful sites.
Please use the message board if you wish to attempt to make contact with companions in advance of your arrival or need specific information
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