On Wednesday 12 August 2026, a partial solar eclipse will be visible over the UK and Ireland.
In Greenland, Iceland and Spain, observers will be able to access the 'path of totality' and witness a total solar eclipse, when the Moon will cover the whole of the Sun.
But from the UK and Ireland, only a partial solar eclipse will be visible. However, it is a very generous partial solar eclipse, with over 90% of the Sun being obscured by the Moon in many places.
Generally speaking, the further southwest you are in the UK and Ireland, the 'deeper' a solar eclipse you'll see – i.e. more of the Sun will be covered by the Moon.
You'll want a clear horizon to the west, because the solar eclipse will occur in the early evening when the Sun is low in the western part of the sky.
The eclipse begins just after 18:00, with maximum eclipse – the best bit – occurring after 19:00.
More on the eclipse
A word on safety
Even though the majority of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon during this partial solar eclipse, solar eclipse glasses must be worn for the whole event.
That's the case even for a 99.99% partial solar eclipse. Looking at a partial solar eclipse without proper, certified eclipse glasses could damage your eyesight.
Here's our breakdown of the best places in the UK and Ireland to see the August 2026 Solar eclipse.
If you intend to travel to rural, out-of-the-way locations, be aware that this solar eclipse occurs at sunset and, once it's finished, it will be nighttime.
Be sure not to leave yourself caught out by the sudden onset of darkness. If necessary, bring good company and torches to help you find your way.
| City | Duration | Greatest eclipse | Time of greatest eclipse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 18:08–20:00 | 90.7% | 19:05pm BST |
| Glasgow | 18:08–20:00 | 91.4% | 19:06pm BST |
| Belfast | 18:10–20:03 | 93.1% | 19:08pm BST |
| Leeds | 18:12–20:03 | 90.8% | 19:09pm BST |
| Manchester | 18:13–20:03 | 91.4% | 19:10pm BST |
| Liverpool | 18:13–20:04 | 91.8% | 19:10pm BST |
| Sheffield | 18:13–20:03 | 91% | 19:10pm BST |
| Birmingham | 18:15–20:05 | 91.8% | 19:11pm BST |
| Cardiff | 18:16–20:07 | 93.2% | 19:13pm BST |
| London | 18:17–20:06pm | 91.4% | 19:13pm BST |
England
Going by pure obscuration alone, the southwest will be the best area in England to see the partial solar eclipse.
But if you're based in the north of England, again the more west you are, the deeper an eclipse you'll see.
In the southwest, think Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. West-facing coastal regions should give you a good view of the horizon and the chance to see the Sun eclipsed low down in the sky.
Bristol will be one of the best English cities to see the partial solar eclipse and the west-facing Clifton Observatory near the Clifton Suspension Bridge – along with the Clifton Downs – could provide good views.
In the north, west-facing coastal cities like Liverpool and Blackpool could offer good views too, with deep obscuration.
Cumbria and the Lake District offer clear coastal views for catching the solar eclipse low on the horizon.
Even if you are based in eastern parts of England, you'll still be able to see a deep partial solar eclipse.
You just need to make sure your western horizon is clear, free from tall trees or buildings.
Scotland
Given the need for a clear, west-facing horizon, unsurprisingly the best places in Scotland to see the August 2026 solar eclipse are likely to be the Hebrides, specifically on the western coastlines of these beautiful islands.
Many eclipse-chasers in Scotland are likely to be observing from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the fact that these cities are in the southern part of Scotland will give observers the chance to see a pretty deep eclipse, relative to more northerly parts of the region.
The Glasgow Necropolis could be a fantastic viewing point, but opening hours may be outwith the time of the eclipse.
Another option could be Queen Mary's Seat to the south of the city, which offers good views to the west.
In Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags are reasonably accessible high points that provide a clear western view over the city.
Or try Galloway Forest Park which, being southwesterly and offering a view to the west, could be among the best places in mainland Scotland to see the eclipse.
Wales
Wales benefits from having some of the most westerly points of mainland Britain, with Cardiff being one of the best major cities in the UK and Ireland to see the solar eclipse.
Places on the west coast of Wales like St Davids and Aberystwyth offer clear western views of the low-lying eclipsed Sun.
The western parts of the Gower Peninsula, being right at the southern tip and offering clear views to the west, could be one of the best places in Wales to see the eclipse.
In north Wales, western coastal regions around Holyhead could offer similarly spectacular views.
If you're in Cardiff, one option could be to climb as high as possible to get a western view, but Cardiff Bay is also likely to be one of the best places in the city to see the eclipse, with the Barrage offering some of the best views of the western horizon.
Ireland
Taking the island of Ireland as a whole, the west coast will be among the best places to see the August 2026 solar eclipse.
That means if you're in western cities like Galway and Limerick, you may be in some of the best built-up places across the island to see the eclipse.
Parts of the Foyle River in Derry/Londonderry could offer clear views to the west, too, with the city's westerly location offering a deeper partial eclipse than in other cities.
If you're in Belfast, Cave Hill should offer spectacular views to the west. In Dublin, try the flat, open plains of Phoenix Park or venture out of the city to Howth, which offers beautifully clear, west-facing coastland.
Enniskillen will be one of the best towns in Northern Ireland to see the eclipse, being so far west. Try west-facing parts around Lower Lough Erne for a clear view.
Along with Galway, Cork City is arguably the best major city in Ireland to see the August 2026 eclipse. Try the top of St Patrick's Hill for clear views to the west.
Or, if you are in the southwest of Ireland are able to travel, it could be worth making the trip to the most southwesterly points like Dingle or Mizen Head, where you'll see among the deepest eclipses across the UK and Ireland, with very clear coastal views to the west.
Again, bear in mind that once the solar eclipse is finished, it will be nighttime. Stay safe and make sure you're able to find your way home once the Sun sets below the horizon.
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