Where is the best place to watch the once-in-a-lifetime UK solar eclipse?

Your guide to August’s solar eclipse

Although the eclipse's narrow path of totality will miss the UK, much of Britain will still see the Moon cover a huge portion of the Sun. 

Depending on where you are, as much as 89% to 96% of the solar disc will disappear, creating an impressive spectacle without leaving the country.

The event will unfold during the evening, beginning at around 6.15pm before finishing shortly after 8pm. 

Viewing times will vary slightly from place to place, as the Moon's shadow crosses different parts of the Earth at different moments. 

Those wanting precise timings for their location can check online tools such as Timeanddate.com.

The best seats in the house

The best views are expected in the far southwest. The Isles of Scilly are forecast to experience the greatest coverage, with up to 96% of the Sun obscured, while parts of mainland Cornwall could see around 95%. 

Along much of the Welsh coastline, the eclipse will still be particularly dramatic, with coverage reaching roughly 93%, making any west-facing shoreline an excellent place to watch.

Open, elevated locations are your safest bet. Popular options include Primrose Hill, Blackheath and the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, while Gotford's Hill in Fryent Country Park and Blythe Hill in south-east London also offer clear west-facing outlooks.

For a more unusual backdrop, consider watching from one of London's bridges over the Thames or from a rooftop viewing platform. 

The Shard, Sky Garden and the Roof Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street are among the venues that could provide spectacular panoramic views as the Sun sinks below the skyline.

Across the UK, observatories, astronomy societies and science centres are organising special eclipse events. Many will have experts on hand to explain what's happening, along with telescopes fitted with certified solar filters for safe viewing. A full list of organised events can be found on UKeclipse.com.

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Where else can you see the eclipse?

One of the strongest viewing locations will be Cornwall, where almost 95% of the Sun is expected to disappear.

The timing also happens to coincide with Falmouth Week, meaning visitors can combine the eclipse with an evening air display featuring the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team, the Flying Comrades and the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers.

Good viewing spots include Pendennis Castle, Gyllyngvase Beach and the seafront around The Falmouth Hotel.

Those in Hampshire can head to Fordingbridge Recreation Grounds, where local astronomers are organising a free event complete with eclipse glasses and solar telescopes. Around 93% of the Sun will be covered there.

For a more science-focused experience, the National Space Centre in Leicester is hosting a dedicated eclipse celebration featuring live demonstrations, telescope viewing, family activities and planetarium presentations before rounding off the evening with a special after-hours event.

For more locations hosting eclipse events, check out the full guide on UKeclipse.com.

A rare celestial event

The event is exceptionally rare. In fact, anyone hoping to see a total solar eclipse from the UK will otherwise have to wait until 23 September 2090.

Scotland's Astronomer Royal, Catherine Heymans, says the experience is well worth making time for.

"To experience celestial motion in real time, witnessing the rare brief moment when you, the Moon and the Sun, are all in perfect alignment – well, that feels just magical."

Catherine Heymans