Northern Lights: Where to watch the aurora from London to the Highlands

The Northern Lights could appear in the skies of the UK tonight, with a strong geomagnetic storm forecast to make the aurora visible much farther south than usual.

The Met Office says the vivid display may be seen across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern and central England. Even Wales and London could catch a faint glimpse if skies remain clear.

The spectacle, known as the aurora borealis, occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating streaks of colour that ripple across the night sky.

“It’s an extraordinary reminder of how alive our planet’s connection to the sun really is,” said one stargazer preparing to travel north for the weekend.

Best places to see the Northern Lights in the UK

Scotland remains the best place for viewing, particularly in the Highlands, the Shetland Islands and the Outer Hebrides, where low light pollution and wide northern horizons provide ideal conditions.
Galloway Forest Park, one of the UK’s designated Dark Sky Parks, also offers exceptional visibility.

In Northern England, Northumberland National Park and parts of the Lake District have reported past sightings. The Yorkshire Dales, especially around Hawes and Malham, also give promising vantage points on clear nights.

Wales can occasionally see the aurora from Brecon Beacons National Park, though displays are rare and depend heavily on sky clarity.

In London, visibility is limited but not impossible. Elevated northern viewpoints such as Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill offer the best chance of spotting faint bands of colour if the activity extends southward.

How to improve your chances

For the best chance of success, find a dark, open area facing north and allow your eyes to adjust to the dark for at least 15 minutes. Avoid using your phone torch or standing near streetlights.

Monitoring services such as AuroraWatch UK provide real-time alerts when auroral activity increases. Clear skies, low moonlight and patience remain the key ingredients.

“You don’t need to travel to Iceland or Norway,” said an astronomy guide. “On the right night, Britain can give you a front-row seat.”

For more stories exploring life across the UK and the natural wonders beyond London, follow EyeOnLondon for original features and everyday insights from across Britain.

[Image Credit | BBC]

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