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In less than a month, the best solar eclipse visible from the UK in almost 27 years is set to occur in our skies.
On Wednesday, 12 August, the moon will move to cover the sun in a total solar eclipse for people in Greenland, Iceland and Northern Spain.
However, viewers in the UK and Ireland won’t miss out entirely. Here, around 90 per cent of the sun will be covered by the moon in a partial solar eclipse – the most coverage since the last total solar eclipse in 1999.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich: “A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon and sun align. The moon passes in front of the sun and blocks its light, casting a small shadow on Earth.”
The observatory added that it's a 64-year wait until 2090 for the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK.
Here’s where to go with your glasses for the best solar eclipse sighting in the UK this summer.
Read more: The best cruises to see the 2026 total solar eclipse
Where can I see the solar eclipse in the UK and Ireland?
Although exact timings of the 12 August solar eclipse will vary and weather conditions may cloud visibility, in general you’ll be able to see more coverage the further south-west you are, said Royal Museums Greenwich.
For those who are planning to view the solar spectacle, eclipse glasses are crucial for safely seeing the phenomenon. The Royal Astronomical Society has a guide to eclipse-watching, which includes details about how to use household objects to create pinhole viewers, plus scientific information about what happens during the event.
Cornwall
Summer crowds in Cornwall are likely to see up to a 95 per cent solar eclipse from 6.18pm, with a maximum sun coverage at 7.16pm. Watch from open-sky spots from The Lizard peninsula to Land's End.
Scottish Highlands
Scotland did see a partial eclipse with up to 98 per cent coverage on 20 March 2015, while the path of totality crossed across the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. On 12 August, Edinburgh is set to witness a 91 per cent eclipse.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales
Wales, including Eryri Snowdonia, will see around 90 per cent coverage of the sun in less than a month’s time.
Pembrokeshire
Viewers in Pembrokeshire are set to see a 94 per cent eclipse on 12 August. Dark Sky Discovery Sites, including Poppit Sands National Park, will experience a deep partial solar eclipse.
Mizen Head, Ireland
If you’re able to make it to Mizen Head, one of Ireland’s most south-westerly points, you might see almost 97.5 per cent coverage from the solar eclipse this August.
London
For Londoners, at around 6.17pm “first contact” between the sun and moon will occur, reaching 90 per cent coverage from 7.12pm. Viewpoints from Primrose Hill to Greenwich Park are well-placed vantage points.
Read more: When is the solar eclipse 2026 and where is best to view it from?
