Witnessing the Northern Lights is a serious bucket-list item: one that used to require expensive trips to the coldest, darkest end of the earth. However, in recent times it’s been possible for some of us to watch the magnificent Aurora Borealis from our UK back gardens.
According to astronomers, that’s because the sun has entered “solar maximus” – or, the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. This is a highly active phase that involves bright flares, blazing eruptions, and intense geomagnetic storms… all of which has granted the Northern Lights a far wider audience!
Solar maximus is set to last well into 2025, giving us plenty of opportunity to catch the iconic light display. You can use AuroraWatch UK, a free service run by scientists at Lancaster University, to check when the Northern Lights might be visible locally.
Of course, some locations make better viewing platforms than others. So here’s our summary of the best UK counties from which to catch the Northern Lights in all their glory – with a host of unusual places to stay in each county.
Above: Beacon Hill Hideaways, Northumberland
Northumberland
For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, the sky needs to be clear and dark. So it makes perfect sense to head for Northumberland, whose International Dark Sky Park is Europe’s largest mass of protected night sky.
You’ll also have plenty to do in the day, whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks like Hadrian’s Wall, or taking a wintry, windswept walk along the coast – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Above: Top of the Woods, Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire
Awarded three official dark-sky zones by the International Dark Sky Association in under a decade, Wales’s heavily-reduced light pollution creates a crystal-clear canvas for stargazing… and potential Aurora-sightings.
This makes the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – encompassing 186 miles of spectacular clifftops, beaches, and estuaries – one of the most enticing scenery-settings you could wish for.
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Above: Wardley Hill Campsite, Norfolk
Norfolk
Snapped in Norfolk, recent photos of the Northern Lights have been cited as “arguably the best display” ever seen that far south.
If you plan to take pictures yourself, Norfolk offers plenty of opportunity to make them special, whether you’re on a deserted stretch of countryside or with a historic landmark – like the red-and-white-striped Happisburgh Lighthouse! – in the foreground.
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Above: Kelker Well Roundhouse, Cumbria
Cumbria
Can you imagine a more magical place to capture the Northern Lights than the shimmering, natureful Lake District?
Already a firm favourite of stargazers – unlike in most of the UK, the Milky Way can sometimes be visible on a clear night – the northern part of Cumbria offers an incredible nocturnal viewing backdrop, even if those iconic lights don’t make an appearance!
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Above: Frances’ Sketch Pad, The Highlands
The Cairngorms and the Highlands
It may sound surprising, but Scotland is on the same latitude as coveted Aurorae lookout spots in Norway and Alaska – so here, the chances of catching a dancing light-show are high.
In 2018, the Cairngorms was officially recognised as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights (affectionately known as ‘Mirrie Dancers’ by the Scots!). Meanwhile, the sweeping northern coast, including John O’Groats right at the tip, is an ideal Highlands setting in which to hunker down and keep an eye on the sky.
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Above: Broadskies Cabin, County Antrim
County Antrim
Imagine watching the Aurora Borealis from a deserted, rugged hilltop. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perhaps? Or how about a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
You’ll find all of this – and more besides! – in County Antrim, whether you’ve chosen the gorgeous Glens of Antrim, the majestic Giant’s Causeway, or Carrick-a-Rede – a Dark Sky Discovery Site – as your viewing platform.
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Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Aurora Borealis make an appearance close to Host Unusual HQ in Essex!
