Travellers are always looking for the next brilliant queer escape, but Danny Beard’s favourites make a persuasive case for places that offer both fun and breathing space. From Melbourne’s easy-going inclusivity to Gran Canaria’s gloriously camp drag shows, the performer shares the gay bars, hotels and LGBTQ+ landmarks that have stayed with him.

Essential Takeaways

  • Best for relaxed queer atmosphere: Melbourne feels welcoming without being overly showy.
  • Best drag destination: Gran Canaria mixes traditional comedy, big personalities and strong vocals.
  • Best gay club memory: Sydney’s Poof Doof gave Beard a powerful sense of confidence and belonging.
  • Best London hotel pick: St Martins Lane offers a distinctive scent, central location and dog-friendly rooms with private gardens.
  • Best historic stop: Manchester’s Alan Turing statue sits at the heart of a wider queer-history trail.

Danny Beard’s favourite queer travel destinations

For Danny Beard, the ideal holiday is mostly about switching off. There might be a boat trip or a muddy dune-buggy outing, but the main event is relaxation, preferably with enough time to return to the hotel feeling human again.

That balance is part of what makes his travel recommendations appealing. They aren't simply a roll call of famous nightlife spots. Instead, they point towards destinations where queer culture feels woven into daily life, whether that's a laid-back restaurant in Melbourne or a packed club in Sydney.

Beard's public profile has grown steadily since his Drag Race UK victory, a result reported by Attitude and The PinkNews. He later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, where ITV Granada reported on the show's 2025 winner. Now, with a major stage role ahead, his travel advice carries the easy confidence of someone who knows a memorable night can happen almost anywhere.

Why Melbourne left such a lasting impression

Melbourne stands out because its queer character didn't feel forced or packaged for visitors. Beard described a city where acceptance seemed to run quietly through its everyday spaces, from restaurants to streets and neighbourhoods.

One particularly memorable meal was at a Chinese fusion restaurant run by an older trans woman. That detail says plenty about the kind of queer travel experience Beard values: not just a rainbow-branded venue, but a sense of history, comfort and ordinary belonging.

For travellers choosing between a conventional city break and a dedicated LGBTQ+ holiday, Melbourne offers a useful middle ground. You can build a trip around food, culture and neighbourhoods, while still finding a strong queer community without needing to search for it at every turn.

Gran Canaria brings the camp, the comedy and the vocals

If Melbourne is quietly queer, Gran Canaria is considerably less shy. Beard recommends it as one of the best destinations for drag outside the UK, thanks to its blend of classic slapstick, newer performance styles and the occasional show-stopping singer.

The appeal isn't polished minimalism. It’s plastic chairs, drinks in plastic glasses and the strong possibility of a headache the next morning. But that rough-around-the-edges atmosphere can be exactly what makes a drag night feel spontaneous rather than overproduced.

The destination also suits different tastes. Visitors might find broad comedy, high-energy stage personas or genuinely impressive vocals in the same holiday. For anyone searching for the best drag shows in Gran Canaria, the practical tip is simple: ask locally, arrive with an open mind and don't judge a venue by its furniture.

The gay bars that made Beard feel at home

Sydney’s Poof Doof made a particularly deep impression. After performing there, Beard changed out of drag and joined the crowd, finding an atmosphere where people of different shapes and sizes danced freely and without self-consciousness.

That moment mattered because it changed how he felt in his own body. The club's welcoming energy made him comfortable enough to dance topless, something he hadn't previously felt able to do. It’s a reminder that the best LGBTQ+ nightlife isn't only about music or spectacle. Sometimes, it gives people permission to relax into themselves.

The wider Celebrity Big Brother conversation has also kept Beard in the public eye, with What to Watch tracking the show's 2025 developments. But his Poof Doof memory feels more personal than celebrity gossip: a night out that became a small, liberating milestone.

A London hotel with a theatrical address

St Martins Lane may not be a holiday resort, but Beard's affection for it makes sense. The hotel sits near Soho and London's theatre district, putting guests close to performances, restaurants and venues such as Halfway to Heaven.

Its strongest calling card, according to Beard, is its scent. That may sound like a small detail, but memorable smells often become part of how we remember travel. A hotel that feels distinctive before you've even unpacked has already made a good start.

It’s also practical for travellers with dogs, thanks to rooms with small gardens. That makes it an unusually appealing London base for guests who want central access without leaving their four-legged companions behind.

Manchester’s queer history is written into the city

Beard's recommendation closer to home is Manchester, where a queer walking trail uses small tiles to highlight LGBTQ+ history. At its centre is the statue of Alan Turing in Sackville Gardens, a landmark with emotional weight as well as historical importance.

The beauty of this kind of trail is that it turns a city stroll into something more meaningful. Visitors don't need to book a formal tour or spend hours in a museum; they can follow the route at their own pace, taking in the stories embedded in familiar streets.

For queer travellers, that sense of connection can be just as valuable as a spectacular club night. A wink or a hand on Turing's shoulder, as Beard puts it, becomes a personal gesture towards the people who helped shape the community that exists today.

Beard's choices suggest the best queer holidays offer more than nightlife: they create room to feel relaxed, visible and entirely yourself.

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